Knights of Columbus Membership
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A KNIGHT
We are Catholic men who lead, serve, protect and defend. We share a desire to be better husbands, fathers, sons, neighbors and role models and to put charity and community first.
After reading our guiding principles, scroll down to complete the Information Request Form.
OUR PRINCIPLES
4 Principles, 4 Reasons
All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.
Unity – None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
Fraternity – Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 75.6 million service hours in 2017, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.
Patriotism – Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
The Next Step is Up To You!
Complete the form provided to indicate your interest to learn more about us and membership in our Council as a Knight of Columbus.
The completion of the Information Form is not a commitment to join the Knights. There's no obligation.
Here's some additional information about membership -
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
Council-based membership is the best way to experience the Knights of Columbus.
Local councils are the basic unit of the Knights. Most are based in parishes, though some have their own council hall within a community. Each local council works to assist with the needs of its community consistent with the principles of the Order. A Knights of Columbus council can work wonders; in fact, with its many programs, it can help change the community, town, city or neighborhood in which you live.
Each local council evaluates the needs of their community and implements those programs and activities that are most needed in their area. The Knights of Columbus Faith in Action Programs are designed to engage the council members in various activities across a host of categories.
To become a Council Member, candidates will go through the CUF Exemplification Program. Beginning July 1, 2020, the individual Admission, Formation and Knighthood Degree (a.k.a. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Degrees) have been merged into a new "Charity, Unity, Fraternity" (CUF) Degree.
The new CUF Degree can now take place with friends & family of the Council in attendance per instructions from Supreme Council.
Members who have reached the 3rd degree may optionally decide to purse the 4th Degree. Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world.