In October of 1881, a young priest named Father Michael J. McGivney called together a small group of men to meet in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His purpose was to help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith, promote closer ties of fraternity among them, and set up a system that would help fellow members and their families in times of hardships. These men, of this fledgling organization, were chartered on March 29, 1882 to be known as the ‘Knights of Columbus’.
Today, the Knights of Columbus are a family, fraternal, service organization based on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
With more than 1.7 million members, the Knights of Columbus is the largest international Catholic fraternal service organization that provides services to the Church, community, family, unborn, youth, and council. Knights of Columbus extend the reach of the Church far beyond the Church doors. With aid to the poor, the handicapped, the orphaned, the widow and each other, we practice charity. Our dedicated unity with the Church helps sustain compliance with the precepts of the Catholic Church. Fraternity among ourselves and our families strengthens our resolve to live and exemplify the Christian life.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to Practical Catholic men, 18 years of age or older. A Practical Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See, obeys the Commandments of God, and practices the Precepts of the Catholic Church.
Men who desire to be members of the Knights of Columbus must be Practical Catholics capable of receiving the Sacraments of the Church. Our dues are $40 annually. We encourage each member to be as active as he wants to be, which may include: helping at a function or event, serving on a committee, organizing an event and running for office. Active participation depends on your own interests and available time.
A Knight’s education consists of a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degree Exemplification (a 4th Degree is optional as a veteran or patriotic degree), that allow him to understand better how we, as Knights of Columbus, are involved in our community, support our faith and conduct ourselves. A member becomes a full Knight upon completion of his 3rd Degree.
Click on the following link for the reasons why YOU should join us as a Knight.
If you are interested in becoming a member please use the link below.
Consider Joining The Knights