Harris Charles 

Though he's a native of Door County, Harris was with the military for much of his life and has certainly moved around.  He was with the 14th Infantry in Panama in 1938 when, at the invitation of a friend, he got involved with the Knights of Columbus.  He recalls there not being much social outlet at the time, and getting involved with the Knights helped in that area as well as in keeping in touch with his faith.

 

Prior to his military involvement, Harris worked at Fort Howard and following his service returned for a short time before deciding to make the military a career.  He was called to active duty from the reserves and spent time in various locations in Europe and the United States during World War II.  His involvement in the Knights at that time was minimal, due to his constantly moving around.  He retired on January 1, 1970 and settled in Sheboygan where he again began to be more active with the Knights. 

 

Upon moving to Green Bay about eight years ago, Harris and his wife, Fran, became a part of St. Bernard Parish and Harris became a Charter Member of Council 10243 when it formed.  Though he's never held an office in the organization, he currently serves as co director of Church activities along with Bob Jacqmin.

 

The Knights are special to Harris, since they "hold the tenets of the Catholic Faith".  He sees the Knights as in line with the Church and the hierarchy; forming a community based on respect for the unborn and the elderly and promoting family values.  Harris believes the biggest challenge for the Knights today is to evangelize: "I'm amazed at how many people are at odds with the Church.  The Knights can have the same zeal as the Jehovah's Witnesses in evangelizing." 

 

He feels the biggest challenges facing the Council presently are to become a vehicle of spiritual leadership for God's people, and the very practical issue of increasing membership.  If he came upon anyone thinking about joining the Knights he'd "sing their praises" and talk about all the benefits of membership.  He also notes the prayer life of the Council, especially saying the rosary together before meetings.

 

Harris and Fran have been married for 51 years now and have four children, all involved in the health profession.  Being able to relax a bit in his retirement years is something that Harris appreciates but doesn't have a lot of time for.  In addition to his involvement with the Knights, Harris is involved with the ministry of the Eucharist at Bornemann Nursing Home as well as at St. Bernard.  He occasionally presides at the Monday Service of the Word with Holy Communion and has done Vigil (Wake) services for the Parish.  He is also involved with St. Vincent de Paul and works with Paul's Pantry.  Certainly he is a living out the values of the Knights of Columbus by putting Christian faith into action.

 

October 1993