Membership in the Knihgts of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church.
The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. As recently as 1992, Mother Teresa of Calcutta praised the Knights in a speech on the occasion of her reception of the first Knights of Columbus Gaudium et Spes Award.
Thanks to the inspired work of Father McGivney—as well as that of millions of other Knights over the past century—the Knights of Columbus now stands at its pinnacle of membership, benefits and service. Currently, there are over 1.6 million Knights of Columbus—more than ever before in the Order's history. Together with their families, the Knights are nearly 6 million strong. In addition, from the first local council in New Haven, the Order has grown to more than 12,000 councils in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Each year, the Order continues this strong growth.
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many
benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine,
the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights
of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and
personal benefits.
One of the great opportunities available to all Brother Knights is our wonderful insurance program. Contact Bob Abbate, Field Agent, either by phone at 757-619-7616, or via email.
Go to the Insurance page.
Membership requirements are that the applicant be a practical Catholic gentleman, who is 18 years of age or older.
What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See and who practices the precepts of the Catholic Church.
Catholic men 18 years of age or older who join the Knights belong to a council, or local unit. Many 18 to 22 year olds first join the Knights of Columbus in a college council. Members who have been in the Knights for one year and have attained Third Degree membership are eligible to join the Fourth Degree Knights.
The Knights of Columbus also sponsors the Columbian Squires, a service and leadership training organization for Catholic young men ages 10 to 18 years old.
Joining the Knights of Columbus is easy, all you need to do is submit a comleted application form to any Knight in our Council. Application blanks are available in the brochure racks as you enter St. John the Apostle church. Any Knight will gladly assist you.
If you desire additional information, please contact any of the Knights you see at Mass at St John’s (they can be identified by their nametag). If you prefer email, we can be contacted at Council 13467 .
There are four "Degrees" of Knighthood within the Knights of Columbus. Each of the Degrees is designed to exemplify one of the four Principals of the Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
