The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.9 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. Why Join-Click here to learn more
A LEGACY OF FAITH & SERVICE
Founded by a young parish priest now on the path to sainthood, the Knights of Columbus has helped strengthen men, their families, their parishes and their communities since 1882. Today, there are more than 1.9 million members of the K of C doing good across the world.
The Knights of Columbus stands as the strong right arm of the Church, and challenges members to grow in their faith through programs, fraternity and vital resources such as our award-winning magazine, Columbia, and many other exclusive member communications.
In 1882, Father Michael J. McGivney gathered a small group of parishioners in St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. His purpose was to establish a group of men, united in their faith, and to provide for Catholic families in times of need. This was the beginning of the Knights of Columbus.
Guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, members of the Knights of Columbus work to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and communities. We are a growing organization — nearly 2 million members — and for over 130 years, we have committed to overcome the challenges of the need for food, shelter, warm clothing and financial security, as well as provide aid for widows and orphans in our local communities.
Joining your local council of the Knights of Columbus can change your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to strengthen your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to our portfolio of top-quality insurance products to financially protect your family. Councils conduct many programs that support your parish and community including:
- Various prayer and Eucharistic adoration programs
- Participating in the Coats for Kids and Food for Families programs
- Encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life
But joining your local council does not mean that you need to sacrifice quality time with your family. In fact, volunteering an hour here or an hour there with your family can make an enormous impact in your life and in the lives of others.
If you’re interested in helping those in need in your parish and community, strengthening your parish and familial relationships, growing in your faith, and gaining exclusive access to top-quality insurance protection for you and your family, then joining your local Knights of Columbus council gives you the way to achieve these goals.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that an applicant or member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of Columbia magazine, the world’s largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.
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.
Membership Director: SK Lawrence W. ‘Larry’ Emark, Jr. PGK
Phone: 412-367-0525 Email: emarklw@verizon.net
Michael J. Conroy, Sr., DD PGK
Phone: 412-364-7342 conroy1603@gmail
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.
The Ladies Auxiliary’s main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.