Membership
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
One focus of the Knights of Columbus is the promotion of the Catholic Church and its ideals. The Catholic Information Service of the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1947 to provide Catholic publications for missions, schools, correctional facilities or any other seeking to learn more about the Catholic faith. The Knights have been dedicated to the crusade for life, war against pornography, and promotion of Catholic education.
The Knights of Columbus look to ensure the growth of the Church by supporting vocations and providing a Church mortgage loan program to assist parishes in building projects. The Knights have supported the Vatican through the compiling of the Vatican Film and Papal Film Libraries. In addition, the Order was proud to have answered the call of the Pope to finance the restoration of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica between 1985 and 1987. When it comes to evangelization, the Knights have spoken loud and clear with their message being, "Don't keep the faith -- spread it!"
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.
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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member.
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree.The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the
Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.
The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.