The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with nearly 1.7 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. In 2002 the Knights reported raising and contributing to charity a record $128.5 million and volunteering a record 60.8 million hours of service.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the 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.
Why join the Knights? (Video)
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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 or click on the following JOIN link to be contacted by a Knight.

For an inspiring look at what it means to be part of the Knights of Columbus, see the video introduction, "In Service to One. In Service to All"

Our eight-page Overview Booklet (pdf, 415k) gives additional information about what it means to be a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Hear what Knights have to say in their own words about their membership in the world's largest Catholic family service organization. "Experience of a Lifetime" (running time, 14 min.).

 
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.