The Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the order’s 14th Supreme Knight.
The organization was founded in March 1882 as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. In addition to providing an insurance system for its members, its charter states that it endeavors “to promote such social and intellectual intercourse among its members as shall be desirable and proper.” It has grown to support refugee relief, Catholic education, local parishes and dioceses, and global Catholic social and political causes.
Today, there are more than 16,000 local Knights of Columbus councils around the world, including over 300 on college campuses.
Pope thanks Knights of Columbus, asks them to keep praying for peace
Pope Francis recognized the Knights of Columbus for their efforts to build strong families, help the poor, defend human life and help victims of war and violence.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Praising the 2.1 million members of the Knights of Columbus for their faith, charity and defense of life, Pope Francis asked them to continue to pray and work for peace.
Our Core Principles and Degrees
There are four degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order’s core virtues of:
Charity: [First Degree] – 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: [Second Degree] – 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: [Third Degree] –The Venerable 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 individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another.
Patriotism: [Fourth Degree] – 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.
Council 8909
We are a Catholic fraternal service organization located in Castle Rock, Colorado. In service to our beautiful community and our parish St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church since May 22, 1985. We help spread the word of our Lord Jesus Christ through many public works, charitable events, and fundraising efforts.
