In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney gathered a small group of parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His goal was to establish an organization of Catholic men united in faith, that would provide support for Catholic families in times of need. This marked the beginning of the Knights of Columbus.
Guided by the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the 1.9 million members of the Knights of Columbus work to overcome hardships faced by parishes and communities. For over 130 years, we have been committed to addressing needs like hunger, homelessness, lack of warm clothing and financial security, as well as providing aid for widows and orphans in our local communities.
Joining your local Knights of Columbus council can enrich your life. As a Knight, you have the chance to strengthen your parish, give back to your community, grow in faith and gain access to our top-rated insurance products to financially protect your family. Councils organize many programs supporting parishes and communities, including:
- Prayer and Eucharistic adoration programs
- Coats for Kids and Food for Families drives
- Encouraging vocations to priesthood and religious life
Joining your local council does not require sacrificing quality family time. It’s about fellowship with like-minded men who share your moral values and desire to serve their families and communities.