Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is an organization of dedicated individuals - 1.7 million members strong, and growing. The Knights of Columbus is an organization that, since 1882, has embodied the selflessness of man as it has helped overcome the problems of the world such as poverty, ignorance, and apathy. We focus on things which imperil not only a single individual, but the whole of humanity.
We are men of faith, 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. We are guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other, and in ourselves.
We are the Knights of Columbus, believing that a man is defined by his actions as a follower of God, a leader in his community, and believing that a man is more than simply a man, when he bears the title of "Knight".
In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney invited a small group of parishioners to gather in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His goal was simple - to establish an Order that would unite men in their faith as well as help provide for Catholic families in times of need. It was in that humblest of beginnings that the Knights of Columbus was founded.
Guided by four core principles - charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism - these founding members strove to overcome the hardships of the time including poverty, unemployment and even persecution. Father Michael J. McGivney's perseverance and foresight have resulted in the largest Catholic fraternal and humanitarian organization ever created: An organization that has endured for over a century because of the inspirational courage of so many.
The Knights of Columbus is a "Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization". This theme permeates the entire Service Program; all Church, community, council, family, pro-life, and youth activities. The Service Program is designed to establish each council as an influential and important force within the community, elevate the status of the programming personnel, and provide more meaningful and relevant programs of action, establish direct areas of responsibility, build leadership, and ensure the success of council programs.
The Knights of Columbus is the legacy of Father Michael J. McGivney. Knights and their families have always held reverence for the animator of their lay movement. But since Father McGivney's cause for canonization began in 1997, spreading his story of holiness and priestly service, popular devotion to him has increased.
Father McGivney dedicated his life to the spiritual and physical welfare of others, creating the Knights of Columbus to provide insurance for the protection of widows and orphans, and the spiritual benefit of its members and families. Today, a growing number of schools, medical centers and social service agencies named after him associate their work with his charisma and the Knights of Columbus insures the lives of more than 1.2 million men, women and children.
However, beyond charitable works, Father McGivney wanted each Knight's heart and mind to be attuned to greater love of our one God and his Son, both within the Church and within the family. That is his spiritual legacy.
Through the Knights, Father McGivney sought to form young Catholic men into good spouses and fathers. He has become known as Apostle to the Young and Defender of Christian Family Life. He saw strong families as the foundation of his parish and of the Church and society at large. He was convinced that the Catholic layman had a unique role in influencing society and promoting the values found in what Pope John Paul II has since named the Culture of Life and Civilization of Love. Father McGivney did not use the vocabulary of the 21st century, but he espoused the same Gospel values that Catholics affirm today.
Members are essential to the continued growth and well-being of our council and the Order. Offering a man membership in the Knights of Columbus gives him the opportunity to improve his own life and his community. Membership allows him to experience the fraternal bond that Knights share while growing closer to his family and faith.
Knights of Columbus members and their families enjoy many benefits and opportunities.
- COLUMBIA MAGAZINE - Free subscription to the Order's monthly magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.
- KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS ROSARY - Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the First Degree exemplification to each new member.
- INSURANCE - Portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care, and annuity products exclusively for members and their families.
- FAMILY FRATERNAL BENEFIT - For eligible families: a) Pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) Pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) Offers guaranteed-issue insurance up to $5,000 to any child under age 18.
- ORPHAN BENEFIT - $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available.
- MEMBER/SPOUSE FRATERNAL BENEFIT - Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost.
- WIDOW BENEFITS - a) Continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) May purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance, or annuities up to one year after insured member's death; c) Receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) Eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.
- SCHOLARSHIPS - Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organization skills, etc.
- FOURTH DEGREE - Eligibility to join the "Patriotic Degree."
- HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Age 70 with 25 years of membership.
- MEMBERSHIP CARD - Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in over 14,000 councils throughout the world.
- ACTIVITIES - FAMILY/YOUTH/RELIGIOUS/SOCIAL/ATHLETIC - Participation in a variety of programs and activities conducted by local councils.