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Who are the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 2 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
Our goal is to help men, their families and their parishes grow closer to Christ. Through our programs and resources, we provide opportunities to live and spread the Catholic faith. There is nothing more effective at evangelizing the culture than regular, everyday people choosing to live their faith in their homes, councils, community and parish.
Membership Benefits
Aside from the numerous personal rewards that come from being a Knight, here is a list of the many substantial rewards for you and your family.
1. Columbia Magazine - Free subscription to the Order’s award-winning magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.
2. Knights of Columbus rosary - Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the Admission Degree to each new member
3. Daily Mass of Remembrance at St. Mary’s Church - Mass for deceased members and their wives at the birthplace of the Order
4. Insurance - Access to a portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care and annuity products exclusive for members and their families.
Insurance Agent - Dermot M Mc Caughan
5. Family Fraternal Benefit - For eligible families: a) pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) offers guaranteed-issue insurance - up to $5,000 - to any child under age 18
6. Orphan Benefit - $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available.
7. Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit - Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost.
8. Widow Benefits - a) continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) may purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance or annuities up to one year after insured member’s death; c) receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.
9. Scholarships - Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children
10. Leadership Development - Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organizational skills, etc.
11. Fourth Degree - Eligibility to join the Patriotic Degree.
12. Honorary Life Membership - At age 70 with 25 years of membership
13. Membership Card - Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in member’s council and also in over 15,000 councils throughout the world
14. Membership in our council provides numerous benefits. Annually we celebrate Family Week with a Family Picnic and a Family SwinKnight at the Electric City Water Park. Our members can rent our hall at a reduced rate. We provide support for many Youth Activities such as a Free Throw Contest, Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest, Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest and Soccer Challenge. Membership provides the opportunity for a member, a child of the member or of a deceased member who was in good standing to apply for a scholarship in a bachelor’s degree program.
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.
Interested in Joining? Ask any Knight of Columbus or call (406)761-9764 or email us at kccouncil1493@gmail.com or Join On-line Today
4th Degree
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.