Local Councils have monthly meetings. We begin with the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meetings normally run an hour and we plan that months activities, activities that are public and throughout the community. We normally end with a Hail Mary. Our meetings are closed, much like a company board meeting, but there is nothing secretive about them. Sometimes we have a guest who is not a Knight make a presentation.
After the meetings we generally eat meals prepared by ourselves wives and families. Down here in Louisiana those meals are da' best!
Here is an example of a Knight project: Years ago our Pastor was frustrated at the low attendance at stations of the cross during lent. We decided to help by having Fish Frys starting before and lasting past the Stations. The attendance went up 10 fold. half the proceeds went to the parish and half went to the Knights progams such as help w the handicapped.
The KofC is a Catholic family organization. We live and work throughout Catholic communities around the US.
That is good description of how the Knights operate. The only reason for any secrets is to aid in the impact of the lessons of initiation. If told beforehand what was involved the effect would be quite diminished.
I have been to a meeting/dinner. It was an award dinner that was held annually at my dad's old council in NJ. They started with a prayer, said the Pledge, had dinner, then gave out awards for community service that was done with the Knights. The only reason I was there was because I thought my dad was getting an award, but it turned out to be me. (blush) I helped that year with the Tootsie Roll drive the Knights have annually, which is to help retarded citizens (various charities, all local).
The K of C supports life at every age and stage. A really awesome organization. Plus, the life insurance benefits are GREAT for their members. They really take care of their own (along with everyone else). :)