About Monsignor Doyle Council 1186
A century of faith, service, and brotherhood
Chartered on January 7, 1907, and personally blessed by Pope Saint Pius X, Council 1186 is the first Knights of Columbus council in Calgary and the oldest in Southern Alberta.
Serving God, family, and country at Sacred Heart since 1907
Our story
Rooted in Calgary for more than a century
When Council 1186 received its charter in the first days of 1907, the Knights of Columbus were still young, and Calgary was a growing prairie city. Ours was the first council in the city, and it has served Sacred Heart Parish and the wider Catholic community ever since.
For its first half-century, the council was known simply as Calgary Council 1186. In 1960 it took the name Monsignor Doyle, in honour of a beloved priest of the diocese, and has carried that name with pride for generations since.
Through more than a century of change, what has not changed is the purpose Blessed Michael McGivney gave the Order at its founding: Catholic men, standing together, putting their faith to work in the service of their families, their parish, and those in need.
At a glance
- Chartered January 7, 1907
- Blessed by Pope Saint Pius X
- The first council in Calgary
- The oldest in Southern Alberta
- Named for Monsignor Doyle in 1960
The heart of our parish
A century of showing up
Heritage is not just a date on a charter. It is the work a council does, year after year. Here is some of how Council 1186 serves Sacred Heart and the wider community through the year.
Stampede Breakfast
Our annual July breakfast, welcoming the parish and neighbourhood in true Calgary fashion.
Pancake Breakfasts
Hosted for the parish through the year, bringing the community together over a shared meal.
Movie Nights
Screening a Catholic feature for parishioners and guests, faith and fellowship side by side.
Christmas Party
A celebration for the whole parish family in the heart of the Advent season.
Lenten Fellowship
Clam chowder served after the Stations of the Cross, a quiet tradition of the Lenten season.
Hike for Life
Taking part in the annual walk in support of Calgary pro-life ministries.
Memorial Mass
Remembering our departed brothers, and keeping faith with those who built this council.
Membership Open House
Welcoming new men to see who we are and consider taking their place among us.
Parish Support
Hospitality, logistics, and a helping hand for the life and events of Sacred Heart.
The man behind our name
Who was Monsignor Doyle?
Monsignor E. L. Doyle came to Calgary from Prince Edward Island in 1917, brought west by the determination of Bishop McNally. He was ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral in 1922 and gave himself to the work of Catholic education, teaching at St. Mary's High School for nearly two decades and serving as its acting principal.
A scholar as well as a teacher, he studied Canon Law at the Gregorian University in Rome. In 1938 he became parish priest of St. Anne's Church, where he served his people faithfully until his death. In 1957, Pope Pius XII raised him to the dignity of Monsignor.
He died suddenly in 1959, on his first vacation home to visit his family in Prince Edward Island, and was laid to rest in his home parish of Vernon River. His name endures in Calgary today, carried by our council and by the school that bears it, a lasting mark of a life given to faith and learning.
- 1917Comes to Calgary from Prince Edward Island
- 1922Ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral, Calgary
- 1938Appointed parish priest of St. Anne's Church
- 1957Elevated to Monsignor by Pope Pius XII
What we stand for
Our mission
A Catholic fraternal organization of men committed to serving God, family, and country, and to putting faith into action through works of charity and brotherhood.
Charity
Faith in action, in works of mercy for our parish and community.
Unity
Standing together in support of one another and the Church.
Fraternity
Brothers who show up for each other and for their families.
Patriotism
Proud Catholics and proud citizens, serving with honour.
Step into the legacy
Add your name to our story
Joining Council 1186 means stepping into a tradition of service more than a century in the making. There is a place in it for you.