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Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is a lay Catholic family fraternal service organization. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to all practical Catholic men in communion with the Holy See, age eighteen and above. The term practical Catholic implies that a person accepts and abides by the Commandments of God and the precepts and tenets of the Catholic Church.
On
October 2, 1881
, Father Michael J. McGivney, 29-year-old assistant
 pastor at St. Mary's Church in
New Haven
,
Connecticut
, brought together a group of laymen with whom he discussed his dream for a Catholic fraternal benefit society. It not only would assist widows and orphans of deceased members through its life insurance program, but also would boost members' sense of pride in their Catholic religion, then frequently challenged in the anti-Catholic climate of 19th-century
America
. Father McGivney and his associates met several more times over the next several months to continue planning, and the new organization --the Knights of Columbus -- was formally launched in early February, 1882. The name honors the memory of Christopher Columbus, who discovered the
Americas
in 1492.
By the end of 1897 the Knights were to be found thoroughly
New England
. Within the next eight years it branched out to
California
and
Florida
.
 The Knights of Columbus remains headquartered in
New Haven
, but are present with nearly 12,000 parishes and councils in the
United States
,
Canada
, the
Philippines
,
Mexico
, and other countries.
One of the primary missions of the Knights of Columbus is to support local charities. The Knights are a familiar sight around town during the annual Tootsie Roll® drive, which raises funds for charities that support the mentally challenged and handicapped. We also support other fund raising drives to aid local parishes and charities.
The Knights of Columbus promotes family values by providing numerous activities throughout the year that the entire family can participate in. Additionally, the organization provides an opportunity to ensure that a knight's family is provided for in the event of his death.
Here is short list of reasons you may want to join the Knights of Columbus:
- A great way to make a personal contribution to the Church and community through charity and fraternity
- Active participation in Council activities serves as a "school of leadership" which will enable you to develop qualities that enhance your strengths and abilities
- A sense of "belonging" in an organization that shares your religious beliefs and brings to together like-minded men joined in a common cause
- Concerns for your family and your retirement years can be addressed by the Orders optional, low-cost life insurance
- A sense of pride, knowing that the Knights of Columbus is second to none in support of our Holy Father, our Bishops and Priests, and our fellow man
If you would like to join the Knights of Columbus, please call Dick Kelly at 704-375-8222.
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