Founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus comprises nearly 2 million Catholic men and their families organized into 15,900+ councils globally. The organization focuses on Community, Family, Youth, Church, and Council programs. Members donated more than $185 million to charities and volunteered more than 75 million hours in a single recent year. Core principles include charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.
Eligibility requires being a practicing Catholic man age 18 or older. Visit kofc.org, click “Join,” and designate Council #15256 at St. Theresa’s parish. Your application is approved at a monthly business meeting, after which you attend a degree exemplification ceremony to complete membership. Contact kofc15256@googlegroups.com with questions.
As of 2020, the first three degrees are combined into one ceremony — the Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity — open to the whole family. The Fourth Degree focuses on patriotism and is required before a Knight can join an Assembly or participate in the Color Corps.
The Third Degree emblem features a knight’s shield mounted on a formée Cross. The Fourth Degree emblem displays the Dove, the Cross, and the Globe.
Founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael J. McGivney at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where Supreme headquarters remains today. Father McGivney was beatified on October 31, 2020.
There are no set requirements for participation. Members choose the projects they join and volunteer only the time they have available, balancing membership with family obligations.
Annual dues are $58, supporting council communication and administration costs. The council can waive dues for any brother or potential brother in financial need.
Approximately one-third of Knights purchase life insurance, annuities, or long-term care coverage through the organization. The Knights of Columbus maintains the highest ratings from A.M. Best (A++ Superior) and Standard & Poor’s (AAA Extremely Strong). Additional benefits include scholarships and orphan benefits.
The Knights provide community networking, parish support, and faith growth unique to a Catholic fraternal organization. The council emphasizes being involved in your community while supporting your local Catholic Church.
No. The principles and objectives of the Knights of Columbus are published and well known. While council meetings are members-only (standard for private organizations), all exemplification ceremonies have been open since 2020, with families encouraged to attend.
The Knights champion pro-life causes from conception to natural death. Signature programs include participation in the March for Life, support for pregnancy centers, ultrasound initiatives, and Christian refugee relief efforts.
Uniforms and berets are optional and apply only to Fourth Degree members. Initial membership requires no regalia, and Fourth Degree participation involves a separate exemplification ceremony.
Watch the Bishop’s perspective: https://youtu.be/CdbpuSWP51M
For any additional questions, contact us at kofc15256@googlegroups.com.
