Georgetown Mass. Family Knights of Columbus International Family of The Year

The Knights of Columbus Aug. 3 honored Joseph and Jean Soucy and their children as its 2006 International Family of the Year. The award was made during the organization’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla. The Soucys have five children and live in Georgetown, Mass.

Throughout its 124-year history, the Knights of Columbus has sought to strengthen and support families in their task of raising children and transmitting the Christian Faith. Each year the Order recognizes families that exemplify these the Church’s teaching on marriage and family. The Soucy was selected from among a group of six finalists.

The Soucys practice their faith not only in their home but also in their community. They participate in a community program that prepares and delivers meals to families in need at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. When a brother Knight became disabled, the family came to his family’s aid, arranging for delivery of firewood for the winter months.

When their parish was without a custodian, they cleaned the church and hall, washed pots and pans after parish suppers, and cleaned and organized the religious education resource room. In the spirit of Father McGivney, Mr. Soucy, Past Grand Knight of Frank M. Meader Council 6064, has volunteered at a state correctional facility and led retreat weekends for inmates there.

Pope Benedict XVI cast renewed attention on the role of family in human society during his recent visit to Valencia, Spain. During the World Meeting of Families in early July, the Pope said that children will be more likely to appreciate and cherish their Christian heritage if they witness their parents’ constant “love, permeated with a living faith.”