Who Are The Knights
The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic service organization in the world. We are tireless in our search for the next generation of Knights. Men of character and conviction who are driven by their faith and conscience to selflessly serve their families, Church, and communities. As a Knight, you can make an impact through enduring faith and unfaltering fellowship.
Inspired Beginnings
Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882, as a fraternal benefit society. The Order 's founding principles are: charity, unity, and fraternity.
As 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. Assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families worldwide. Fellowship is promoted through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States.
When it comes to helping those in need, the Knights have contributed more than $175 million in charitable contributions in the past year plus 73.5 million hours of volunteer service.