KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus. The order was founded by Father Michael J. McGinvey a pastor from St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. The Knight’s order is dedicated to principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

 

There are more then 1.9 million members in 15,342 councils, with nearly 200 college councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to “practical Catholic” men aged 18 and older.

 

Councils are chartered throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine, and South Korea.

 

All the Order’s ceremonials and business meetings are restricted to members, though all other events are open to the public. A promise not to reveal any details of the ceremonials except to an equally qualified Knight is required to ensure their impact and meaning for new members; an additional clause subordinates the promise to that Knights’s civil and religious duties.

 

A first degree exemplification ceremony by which a man joins the Order, exemplifies the virtue of charity. He is then said to be a first degree Knight of Columbus. After participating the subsequent degrees, each of which focuses on another virtue, rises to that status. Upon reaching the Third Degree, a gentleman is considered a full member. Priests do not participate directly in Degree Exemplifications as layman do, but rather take the degree via observation.

 

Our charitable activities encompass an almost infinite variety of local, national and international projects. From international charitable partnerships with Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission and Habitat for Humanity to our own Food for Families and Coats for Kids projects and other local charities, the opportunity to work together with fellow Knights and their families is virtually endless. 

 

The Knights have donated over $1.367 Billion in Charity contributions over the years, with over 75 Million Hours of Service. 

 

Our Insurance Policy is very valuable to many families, to date our net worth is $79 Billion in Life Insurance Policies, with $15.5 Billion in Assets.

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