What It Means To Be a Knight

by Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight

I AM OFTEN asked what it means to be a Knight of Columbus. My answer is simple. A Knight lives by faith and leads by creative courage. Faith and courage compel us to be men of charity.

It is often said, “Where there’s a need, there’s a Knight.” And we prove it every day. We feed hungry families, give coats to kids, protect the vulnerable from catastrophe and defend the unborn. We rebuild churches in the Middle East and build homes for the homeless in our communities. But we are not merely volunteers. We are servants of Christ who see his face in those we serve. Ours is a charity that evangelizes. Ours is a charity that brings people to faith, even as it springs from our own.

Faith and courage inspire us to be men of unity. The Knights are known as the “strong right arm of the Catholic Church.” We have always been firmly united with the pope, the vicar of Christ. We stand with our bishops, support our priests and aid in the formation of seminarians and religious.

We strengthen the family—the domestic church—helping men build strong marriages and raise faithful children. We strive to be the family’s first line of defense, encouraging men to embrace their vocation to heroic generosity and self-sacrifice.

We are called to protect the truth from those who deny it, and bring the truth to those who need it. Our fidelity to Christ is the source of our unity; we are proud to proclaim it, far and wide.

Finally, faith and courage bind us together in fraternity. A Knight of Columbus is never alone. Each one of us stands side-by-side with brothers in our parish and around the world. At a time when men are increasingly isolated, we offer solidarity. At a time when men are searching, we offer meaning and mission. Fraternity amplifies all we do. It broadens our charity and deepens our unity. Alone, a man can do good works. Alongside his brother Knights, he can rise to greatness.

So, what does it mean to be a Knight? It means a life of faith in action, a life of boldness in brotherhood, a life worth living. Catholic men are looking for nothing less. In the Knights of Columbus, they will find it.

(From the October 2021 edition of Columbia Magazine)

A Knight of Columbus is a Practical Catholic Man

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.

Reasons to Join the Knights of Columbus

  • Join a band of brothers, a network of men in communities around the world dedicated to corporal works of mercy in the service of God and our neighbor.
  • Share in the sense of pride all Knights feel in knowing that their Order is second to none in support of our Holy Father, our bishops and priests; in working for our fellow man, and especially those most in need.
  • Support your Parish by putting your Catholic faith into action.
  • Be a part of the New Evangelization.
  • Reach out to meet community needs through programs of charity and service and deepen your faith through volunteerism.
  • Give back to your community by putting your principles and ideals into action.
  • Work with people who have similar beliefs, values, and interests.
  • Uphold Catholic teaching by defending marriage, families and building a culture of life.
  • Build and strengthen Catholic fellowship among families.
  • Provide for the financial security of our members and their families through our Fraternal Benefits program.

Too busy to join? No problem!

YOU DECIDE when and how much time you can volunteer. We provide lots of opportunities to help out with worthy causes, but YOU decide how much time you can commit and which events. Many hands make light work, so bring your talents to our council in whatever way you can.

Opportunities to Volunteer include:

  • Lenten Fish Frys
  • Tootsie Roll drives
  • Sunday fellowships
  • Pancake breakfasts
  • annual Crab Feast
  • Shrimp Feast
  • Seasonal Breakfasts
  • Life Events
  • Rosaries (public and funeral homes)
  • occasional church maintenance (when requested)
  • Outdoor nativity set up and storage
  • 1 member meeting each month
  • Misc. duties for the benefit of our council

Everything we do is for the betterment of our community, parish, and country as well as building a camaraderie among our council members. We are all Catholic men who can get together and have the same faith. Where else can you work for a good cause as well as socialize with men of your same faith? We are 2 million men strong throughout the world, and we are a special organization that is recognized worldwide.

Want to become a Knight?

If you are a practical Catholic man, age 18 or older, we welcome you to join the largest organization of Catholic laymen worldwide! Here’s how to join: