Good Shepherd Council 9005
HISTORY OF THE ORDER
Who are the Knights of Columbus?
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus.There are more than 1.8 million members in 15,000 councils, with nearly 200 councils on college campuses.
Who can Join?
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical 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.
The Connecticut state legislature, on March 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. This was thanks to the efforts of Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven. The Order still strives to stay true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
The Knights was formed, in part, to render aid to members and their families. Father McGivney saw fist hand what happened when the major bread winner of a family became incapacitated .
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney has
brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society.
The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its
life insurance, annuity and long-
The Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members. It has councils throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
I’m Interested!
Have a look at our site It describes what we do and the fun we have doing it. Click on this icon below below if you would like more information on membership in our order. We hope you enjoy your stay!
