Commonly Asked Questions

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE A KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS?

A practical Catholic, male, who has attained his eighteenth birthday, is eligible to join the Knights of Columbus. Contact the Grand Knight or any officer with questions about becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus.

IS THERE A CHARGE?

Yes, each prospective member must pay a one time initiation fee for your first degree, usually $10.00, and annual dues of $30.00 for the St James council, which starts the following year of your first degree.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

You have an insurance system owned and operated by and for members which now has in excess of 44 billion dollars of insurance in force providing benefits for members and their families. The Order has 1,300 professionally trained insurance agents available to explain the fraternal benefit program. With 10 billion dollars of assets the Knights of Columbus insurance program is one of the highest rated in the United States.

You get the national magazine, the "Columbia", and can participate in the many functions sponsored by each Council. Your paid up traveling card entitles you to attend the meeting of any council in the Order and to use the facilities offered by any council.

Children of servicemen whose fathers died or were permanently and totally disabled while in the service of their country are guaranteed a college education.

Children of law enforcement officers or full time firemen who are killed or permanently and totally disabled by criminal violence while in the lawful performance of their duties are also guaranteed a college education.

Depending on age and years of membership, every member and his spouse have from $1,000 to $2,500 of accidental death insurance free of charge.

No deserving member, or dependent of a member, need be deprived of a college education because of lack of funds. The Order will make low interest loans up to $2500 per year under a program guaranteed by the HEW department of the United States Government.

Deceased brother Knights are remembered in a daily Mass said at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut.

I DROPPED MY MEMBERSHIP IN THE KNIGHTS - COULD I REINSTATE AND WOULD I BE PENALIZED?

Any former Knight, who is a practical Catholic, would be very welcome if he returned to the Order. The following charges apply: generally for 3 months or less he must pay the dues in arrears; for more than three months the member must pay $7.50.

WHAT IF I MOVE AFTER I JOIN?

Upon the completion and acceptance of a transfer application, your membership can be transferred to another council at your new location. Contact this council or your new parish council for more information.