Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to
practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18
years old. A practical 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.
All priests and religious brothers having duly made application for
membership and participated in the ceremonials become honorary life
members of the Order and are exempt from payment of dues.
Candidates join local units, called "councils," most of which
are based in one Catholic parish, or in the community at large. The
candidate takes part in initiation degrees that explain the Knights of
Columbus' four principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
A candidate is considered a "Knight" after taking his First
Degree, but he is encouraged to advance through the Second and Third
Degrees and on to the Fourth Degree, whose members promote the virtue of
patriotism by serving in honor guards, color corps and promoting respect
for country and the flag.
Knights of Columbus have a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man
can share in this heritage and build for an even greater future by
affiliating himself with this forceful, effective fraternal organization.
For an inspiring look at what it means to be part of the Knights of
Columbus, see the video introduction,
