About the Knights of Columbus
Charity · Unity · Fraternity · Patriotism — since 1882
Our Order
The world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization
The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 in the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, by a young parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney. He wanted to unite the Catholic men of his parish, strengthen their faith, and provide for the widows and orphans left behind when a breadwinner died.
From that small beginning the Order has grown to more than two million members in councils across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, and beyond. Father McGivney was beatified by the Church in 2020 and is now known as Blessed Michael McGivney.
Every year, Knights around the world give hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of millions of volunteer hours to charitable causes: supporting parishes and seminarians, feeding the hungry, helping families in crisis, and standing up for the dignity of every human life.
Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852–1890), founder of the Knights of Columbus.
Our Principles
Four principles guide everything we do
Charity
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, donating to charities, and volunteering countless hours of service.
Unity
None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus know that together we can accomplish far more than any of us could alone, so we stick together and support one another.
Fraternity
The Knights of Columbus was founded to help Catholic families in their hour of need. Knights care for one another, for their families, and for the families of their brother Knights.
Patriotism
Knights of Columbus are proud of their devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. We honor veterans, first responders, and all who serve.
What Knights do
- Serve the parish — fish fries, breakfasts, fundraisers, and a helping hand whenever the pastor needs one.
- Support vocations — prayer and financial support for seminarians, priests, and religious.
- Help those in need — food and clothing drives, disaster relief, coats for kids, wheelchairs, and support for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Defend life and family — pro-life programs, ultrasound initiatives, and family-focused events.
- Grow in faith — retreats, rosaries, Eucharistic adoration, and the “Into the Breach” series for Catholic men.
Benefits of membership
- A brotherhood of Catholic men who will stand with you and your family.
- Opportunities to lead, serve, and make a visible difference in your parish and community.
- Access to Knights of Columbus Insurance, a top-rated, faith-based life insurance and retirement program available only to members and their families.
- Scholarships, family programs, and fraternal benefits for you, your spouse, and your children.
- A deeper connection to your faith, your parish, and the universal Church.
Ready to learn more?
Council 14544 meets at St. Anthony of Padua on the third Monday of each month at 6:45 PM. Visitors are always welcome.