Why Should You Consider Becoming A Knight?

Imagine being part of a growing organization that helps you realize the joy of making a difference in the lives of others.  That is what joining the Knights of Columbus can do for you.

Being a Knight is more than just “male bonding.”  It is being involved with your community, supporting St. Catherine’s Church and pastoral staff, enhancing your own faith, and protecting and enhancing your family life.

Come take a look at what we are all about and what it might mean to you should you join the Knights of Columbus by viewing a 30 second video clip called, “In Service to One. In Service to All”

For a longer and more detailed “commercial” about the Knights of Columbus please view “Why Join?” Click Here - Why Join Video

Finally,  if you would like to download our overview booklet giving additional information on what it means to be a Knight of Columbus please click here to get the PDF document.

How to Join

Membership in the Knights of  Columbus is open to any practical Catholic man in union with the Holy See (government of the Catholic Church) and over the age of 18 on his last birthday. A “practical Catholic” is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church.

Application for membership is made through the council here at St. Catherine’s. Generally prospective members are “sponsored” by current Brothers but that is not necessary. Should you desire to join and not know a current Knight, contact our membership chairman Alex Fago (mrajfago@yahoo.com) or John Edgeworth (jedge1234@aol.com) for information and proper forms . . .

Acceptance of an application depends on a simple admissions process and a vote of the members of the council. Following a favorable vote the applicant becomes a member by initiation in what is called the First Degree. Subsequently the applicant will be encouraged to continue on his journey to full Knight status by attending Second and Third Degree exemplifications.

Fourth Degree

The basic principles of the Knights of Columbus are – and always have been – charity, unity, and fraternity.  On February 22nd, 1900 “patriotism” was added as a Fourth Degree.

The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree (sometimes called the “Patriotic Degree”) is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship, loyalty to country, and to the love of God.

The Fourth Degree is probably the most visible and recognizable part of the Knights of Columbus.  Undoubtedly you have probably seen them in full dress regalia as honor guards at Mass complete with tuxedos, capes, swords and plumed chapeaus.

The Fourth Degree is open to any Third Degree Knight in good standing who has been a member for at least one year.  Generally there is only one Fourth Degree exemplification each year.  For more information you can contact the head of the Fourth Degree Assembly for St. Catherine’s Ron Crysler (rcrysler@cs.com).

Columbian Squires

Our official youth organization is called the Columbian Squires. It is an organization of more than 20,000 young men who have fun and share their Catholic faith, help people in need, and enjoy the company of friends in social, family, athletic, cultural, civic and spiritual activities. Every circle is sponsored by a Knights of Columbus council, and Knights serve as adult counselors to the group. Our leader here at St. Catherine’s is Dave Contreras (dcontreras@kofc9923.org) and our Squires group has been one of the largest in the area.

A Squires circle is designed to be run both by and for young men. Through their local circle, Squires work and socialize as a group of friends, gradually developing into Catholic leaders. Squires graduating from the program at age 18 are eligible for college and vocations scholarships offered by the Knights of Columbus. They are urged to join the Knights to continue their commitment to Columbanism. If you are a Catholic young man, 10 to 18 years old, you should be a member of the Columbian Squires!  Watch for our membership drive in February 2010.

College Knights

College Knights are full members of the Order, having all the rights, privileges and responsibilities therein. College Knights belong to units called College Councils. The only difference between the a college council and any other local council is that college councils are located on college or university campuses. College Knights lead their councils with the guidance of a financial secretary and a district deputy.

Columbiettes

The Columbiettes, an organization of Catholic women dedicated to our Patronesses, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Theresa the Little Flower and St. Joan of Arc, are comprised of affiliated Auxiliaries of the Knights of Columbus Councils.

A Columbiette Auxiliary is in existence only with the consent and approval of the Council with which it is affiliated. One of our purposes is to aid our Council spiritually, socially and financially. The Columbiette Auxiliary upon request aids said Council in all its endeavors.

Our purpose is to:

• promote the spiritual, social and charitable welfare of our members
• to instill a steadfast conviction relating to the proper place and function of Catholic women in safeguarding the religious, civil and economic rights of all Catholics
• to rely upon the intercession of Mary, our Mother and Model, for guidance in guarding the common good, and to work through her, on loving and aiding all members of the human family and to give assistance to the Knights of Columbus in all their activities upon request.

For membership information head to www.columbiettes9923.org