KPC Thea Bowman Council 406

If one member of Christ’s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice. 1 Corinthians 12:26

In April 2022, The Knights of Peter Claver (KPC) formed to serve the Diocese of Orange through the assistance of longtime KPC Knight, Bishop Kevin Vann. Honoring Sister Thea Bowman in our name, KPC Council 406 serves as the regional council of the largest and oldest historically Black Catholic lay-led organization in the country.

Founded in 1909 in a very segregated Mobile, Alabama, 7 courageous and inspired men formed the Knights of Peter Claver to bring community and solidarity to Black Catholics promoting faith, hope, and love through friendship, unity, and Christian charity. Sister Thea Bowman Council 406 strives to promote a similar faithful community throughout the Orange County diocese with an emphasis on representation, inclusion, and promotion of Catholic social justice.

On January 15, 2024 in commemoration of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, we will be launching our first annual appeal fundraiser taking place across 30 days through the beginning of Lent, ending on Ash Wednesday, February 14.

MLK to Ash Wednesday: A Journey in Social Justice and Faith will feature weekly web-based publications featuring prominent stories of Black Catholics in the U.S. including the “Saintly Six,” perspectives from Black Catholics in Orange County, commentaries on our roles as Catholics for social justice, and guidance in preparation for Lent.

We are inspired to spread the message in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops pastoral letter against racism Open Wide Our Hearts The Enduring Call To Love

Racism can only end if we contend with the policies and institutional barriers that perpetuate and preserve the inequality—economic and social—that we still see all around us. With renewed vigor, we call on the members of the Body of Christ to join others in advocating and promoting policies at all levels that will combat racism and its effects in our civic and social institutions.

KPC Council 406 asks for your generous financial support to raise funds to build our community through initiatives including greater representation within our parishes, bringing attention to social justice issues including racism, criminal justice, and dignity of life, as well as hosting traditional events throughout the year.

Beyond helping us with financial support, we also invite all Orange County Catholic men 18 and older to serve as Knights in the 406. Current Knights include two deacons and one priest, volunteers on the Diocese's Anti-Racism Committee, and members of the other Catholic organizations like the Knights of Columbus. We are a fellowship of men ready to serve. The more Knights, the brighter we can serve as a beacon of light.

Your monetary gift to our Annual Appeal ensures we carry out KPC’s mission in the Catholic Church by supporting a wide range of initiatives, ministries, and organizations in the Diocese. With your support, we can strengthen our mission, serving the most vulnerable individuals and communities. We are stronger together.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

The Knights of Peter Claver Council 406