Frequently Asked Questions

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal organization, founded in 1882 by Father Michael McGivney. It supports Catholic men in living their faith through charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Any practicing Catholic man aged 18 or older is eligible to join. Members must be in good standing with the Catholic Church and committed to living their faith actively within their parish and community.

The four core principles are Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. These guide all Knight activities — from local volunteer work to national advocacy — and reflect the organization's Catholic identity and mission.

A council is the basic local unit of the Knights of Columbus, typically affiliated with a parish. It organizes events, charitable activities, and member development within the community, led by elected officers including a Grand Knight.

An assembly is a unit of the Fourth Degree, the highest of the four degrees. Assemblies focus on patriotism and service to Church and country. Members are called Sir Knights and wear the ceremonial Fourth Degree regalia.

The four degrees are: First (Charity), Second (Unity), Third (Fraternity), and Fourth (Patriotism). Each degree involves an exemplification ceremony that deepens a member's understanding of KC principles and commitment.

Contact your parish priest or click to join on the KofC.org website to find a council near you. A council representative will guide you through the membership application and First through Third Degree ceremony, which welcomes you as a full member.

Councils perform millions of hours of volunteer service annually, supporting food drives, disaster relief, pro-life efforts, scholarship programs, and parish fundraising. In 2023, Knights donated over $185 million and 70 million service hours.

A council is led by a Grand Knight, supported by officers including the Deputy Grand Knight, Chancellor, Recorder, Treasurer, and Warden. Officers are elected annually by the council membership at a business meeting.

The Supreme Council is the international governing body of the Knights of Columbus, headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut. It sets policies, manages the insurance program, and oversees all state and local councils worldwide.

A state council coordinates all local councils within a given U.S. state or Canadian province. Led by a State Deputy, it organizes statewide programs, competitions, and conventions while supporting local councils in their activities.

Yes. The Knights of Columbus operates one of the most financially sound life insurance and annuity programs in North America, available exclusively to members and their families, reflecting the founder's original mission of financial protection.

Fourth Degree assemblies promote patriotism and honor among members. They provide color corps honor guards at Masses and civic events, support veterans, and foster deep loyalty to both the Catholic Church and one's country.

Knights support their parishes through volunteer service, fundraising, and evangelization efforts. The organization also funds Vatican restoration projects, supports seminarians, and advocates for religious freedom on the national and global stage.

Yes. The Knights sponsor the Columbian Squires for Catholic teenage boys, as well as various family-centered programs. Councils regularly host events that strengthen Catholic family life, youth formation, and community engagement.