What the Knights are all about
The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal
service organization. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open
to all practical Catholic men in communion with the Holy See, age
eighteen and above. The term practical Catholic implies that a
person accepts and abides by the Commandments of God and the
precepts and tenets of the Catholic church.
On October 2, 1881, Father Michael J. McGivney, 29-year-old
assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut,
brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream
for a Catholic fraternal benefit society. It not only would assist
widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance
program, but also would boost members' sense of pride in their
Catholic religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic
climate of 19th-century America. Father McGivney and his associates
met several more times over the next several months to continue
planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was
formally launched in early February, 1882.
The officers of the new Catholic organization chose the name Knights
of Columbus to honor Christopher Columbus, the Catholic discoverer
of America. The word knights is also significant. We are ever
mindful of the knightly qualities of spirituality and service to
church that is embodied in the Knights of Columbus. The Order has
evolved into a service organization with a strong family
orientation.
By the end of 1897 the Order was thoroughly rooted in New
England, along the upper Atlantic seaboard and into Canada. Within
the next eight years it branched out from Quebec to California, and
from Florida to Washington.
The Knights of Columbus remains headquartered in New Haven,
but is now present with nearly 12000 Councils in the United States,
Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, and several other countries.
One of the primary missions of the Knights of Columbus is to
support local charities.
The Knights of Columbus promotes family values by providing
numerous activities throughout the year that the entire family can
participate in. Additionally, the organization provides an
opportunity to ensure that a knight's family is provided for in the
event of his death.
Here is short list of reasons you may want to Join the Knights of
Columbus:
- An opportunity to become part of the world's largest Catholic
fraternal organization
- A great way to make a personal contribution to the Church and
community through charity and fraternity
- Active participation in Council activities serves as a "school
of leadership" which will enable you to develop qualities that
enhance your strengths and abilities
- A sense of "belonging" in an organization that shares your
religious beliefs and brings to together like-minded men joined in
a common cause
- Concerns for your family and your retirement years can be
addressed by the Orders optional, low-cost life insurance
- A sense of pride, knowing that the Knights of Columbus is
second to none in support of our Holy Father, our Bishops and
Priests, and our fellow man
For more information
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