Who are the Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members in 13000 councils. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. The Knights were formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

Membership Benefits

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.

How to join

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 of the Knights of Columbus.

Qualifications for membership  in the Knights of Columbus

The qualifications for membership in the Knights of Columbus are set down in

Section 101 of the Laws of the Order. They are as follows: "Only practical

Catholics in union with the Holy See shall be eligible to and entitled to continue

membership in the Order. An applicant for membership shall not be less than 18

years of age on his last birthday.

There are no other requirements. Nothing is said about the candidate's

profession, education, national background, the color of his skin, his nationality,

his cultural level or his financial status.