FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Are the Knights of Columbus and What Do They Do?
Founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus comprises nearly 2 million Catholic men and their families organized into 15,900+ councils globally. 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.
2. How Do I Become a Knight?
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. Contact [email protected] with questions.
3. What Are Degrees and Why Are They Important?
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.
4. Who Are the Leaders?
- Local Council: Grand Knight Steve Shields
- District: District Deputy Jay Hallam (District 18)
- State: State Deputy Brian Ripple (Virginia)
- Supreme: Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly
5. What Do the Symbols and Colors on the Knights of Columbus Emblem Mean?
The third-degree emblem — the order’s most recognized symbol — consists of a knight’s shield mounted on a formée cross. There is also a fourth-degree emblem featuring the Dove, the Cross, and the Globe.
6. When Were the Knights of Columbus Founded?
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by Blessed Michael J. McGivney in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, where the order’s headquarters remain today. Fr. McGivney was beatified on October 31, 2020, after a process that began in 1997.
7. Do I Have to Be Active in a Certain Number of Events or Meetings after Joining?
No. While all knights are encouraged to be active, there is no set participation requirement. As a family fraternal organization, the Order is dedicated to family life, and members choose the projects and time commitment that fit their season of life.
8. Are There Dues Involved with Being a Knight?
Annual dues are $58, supporting council communication and administration costs. The council can waive dues for any brother or potential brother in financial need — dues are never a barrier to joining.
9. Do the Knights of Columbus Offer Fraternal Benefits?
Yes. The Knights of Columbus offers affordable life insurance, annuities, disability income insurance, and long-term care coverage, though purchasing is entirely optional. The order ranks in the top 5% of North American insurers and holds the highest ratings from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. Members also have access to scholarships and other fraternal benefits. Learn more at kofc.org.
10. Why Should I Join the Knights? I Already Belong to Another Volunteer Organization.
The Knights of Columbus are committed to making our community a better place while supporting our Church. Membership gives you and your family the chance to get to know other families in our parish, grow in faith together, and provide security and fellowship benefits beyond a typical volunteer organization.
11. Is the Knights of Columbus a Secret Organization?
No. The principles and objectives of the Knights of Columbus are published and well known. All exemplification ceremonies have been open since 2020, with families and friends encouraged to attend. Council meetings follow Robert’s Rules of Order, as with many civic and church organizations.
12. What is the Respect Life Program?
The Knights of Columbus is known as a pro-life organization, and its defense of life extends from conception to natural death. Programs supporting this mission include the March for Life, the Novena for Life, Special Olympics, ultrasound machine placements, Christian refugee relief, and pregnancy center support. Learn more at kofc.org.
13. If I Join the Knights, Am I Required to Buy a Uniform and Beret?
No. The uniform, beret, and regalia are part of the optional Fourth Degree. Members initially join as full third-degree Knights, with the option to later join a Fourth Degree assembly — and the color guard — through a separate ceremony.
14. What Does the Bishop Think of the Knights?
Watch the Bishop’s comments on the Knights of Columbus here.
For additional questions, contact us at [email protected].
