Knights of Columbus History
On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882. They were Knights of Columbus.
The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.
Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order's insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits.
The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Knights of Columbus and is responsible for the development of the organization as a whole. Supreme Council duties include establishing the Order in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights' mission worldwide, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program. Members working in local, or subordinate councils, however, carry on the majority of the Knights' beneficial work.
What are the Knights about?
The Knights of Columbus is an organization fortified by its past and driven by its goals for the future. It's through these five areas of service-faith, community, family, youth, and fellowship-that we truly make a difference.
Faith - As Knights, our faith is our foundation. Dedicated to the Catholic Church's growth and her good works, we support religious outreach, promote vocations, and provide financial support for seminarians and postulates. This way, we help support our Church and strengthen our personal faith.
Community - As committed as we are to the Catholic Church, so are we to our communities. By actively and financially supporting Special Olympics, by leading the charge in pro-life, or by safeguarding the environment, Knights of Columbus members all over the world have helped countless communities prosper.
Family - As fathers and husbands, serving our families is not only part of what we do, it's part of who we are. To that end, Knights of Columbus councils offer programs that strengthen family and marital bonds by holding numerous family focused events, including the "Family of the Month" program that honors outstanding families. Most importantly, as Knights, we are able to provide assistance and support to Knights and their families whenever needed.
Youth - The importance of helping today's youth become tomorrow's leaders is also a huge focus of the Order. For that reason, many local councils sponsor Columbian Squire Circles, the Order's official youth organization for Catholic young men, ages 10-18, which provide them the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills. Additionally, through activities such as the Catholic Citizenship Essay contest, the Substance Abuse Poster contest, and the annual Free Throw championship, the Knights of Columbus assists youth in building a strong sense of civic and religious responsibility.
Fellowship - To be a Knight means to believe in each other as we believe in ourselves; realizing that by creating strong, social, and supportive local councils, we help create a stronger Order worldwide and ensure an even stronger future.
Why Join?
We are an organization of dedicated individuals - 1.6 million members strong, and growing. An organization that, since 1882, has embodied the selflessness of man as it has helped overcome the problems of the world. Poverty. Ignorance. Apathy. Things which imperil not only a single individual, but the whole of humanity.
We are men of faith, comprising over 12,000 Knights of Columbus councils at home and overseas. 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, and as a leader in his community. Believing that a man is more than simply a man, when he bears the title of "Knight."
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.
Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.
