What Are The Knights of Columbus?

The History of the Knights

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut. Its original purpose was to provide financial assistance and support to the families of deceased members, particularly immigrant Catholic workers who faced discrimination and economic hardship. Named after Christopher Columbus to emphasize the group's American roots and Catholic identity, the organization quickly grew in membership and influence, becoming a vital part of Catholic life in the United States and beyond.

Over the decades, the Knights of Columbus expanded its mission to include charitable work, community service, and advocacy for Catholic values. It operates through local councils and engages in a wide range of activities—from disaster relief and food drives to supporting pro-life initiatives and religious education. The organization also offers insurance and financial products to its members, maintaining its original commitment to family security. Today, with millions of members worldwide, the Knights of Columbus remains one of the largest Catholic lay organizations, known for its strong commitment to faith, fraternity, and service.

Our Principles

All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:

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 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 – 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 – The Blessed 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 – 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. We 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.

How We Live These Principles Out

Charity

We work with the community by providing meals to the homeless, organizing food drives for both the homeless and veterans, and supporting local initiatives such as Birthright, HOAM, and other charities.

Fraternity

We support our Brother Knights by assisting them in home projects, providing support during times of grieving, and even financial support if needed.

Unity

We work together on all things. Whether it is working together as ushers in the parish or putting on our big event each year: The Knight's Carnival, which happens every year during the last week of June

Patriotism

As Americans, we take pride in preserving our rights and the rights of others. We believe that all people, no matter what race, creed, or background, have inalienable rights that one can not be taken away