What we do

Since our founding in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has been in solidarity with the Catholic Church, the Holy Father and the bishops, priests and religious in union with him. We sprang from a Catholic parish and it is in the thousands of Catholic parishes where the good works of the Knights of Columbus are most manifest. Support for the Catholic Church is a hallmark of Knights of Columbus activity at all levels of the organization. In 1996, Knights Order-wide raised and distributed more than $44 million to Church groups and in support of programs at the international, national and local levels. More than 23 million hours of time were donated to the Church by local Knights and families in 1996.

In the late 1960s and early '70s in the wake of Church reforms brought about by the Second Vatican Council, the Knights of Columbus took a serious look at itself and the world around it. Answering the call by the council fathers to show greater concern for the poor, end discrimination and help build a more just and peaceful world, the Knights of Columbus developed its "Surge...with Service" program of volunteerism. Volunteerism informed by Christian concern is the hallmark of the Knights of Columbus and results in outstanding contributions of time and talent to our cities and communities. In 1996, Knights of Columbus Orderwide raised and donated more than $44.6 million on community projects and volunteered 12.6 million hours to community projects.

The Knights of Columbus is, above all, a fraternity - a brotherhood of like-minded Catholic men and their families. Members aim to support one another in good times and bad and thereby strengthen the ideals of Catholic knighthood. Active participation in membership recruitment efforts, the degree ceremonials, and the social and athletic programs of a council enhances one's appreciation of what it means to be a Knight of Columbus.

From its very beginnings, the Knights of Columbus has been committed to Catholic family life, especially to meeting the needs of widows and orphans of members. Truly, the Knights of Columbus has been protecting families for generations through its programs. And not just the families of members. Today the Knights of Columbus is in the forefront of organizations aiming to renew the family and reassert its primacy in these socially difficult and confusing times. Through varied programs of support for family life, the Knights of Columbus champions a model of family and marriage as taught by the Church.

There's a lot of talk about the problems our young people face. But who's talking about solutions? The Knights of Columbus is! Not only do the Knights offer a program especially for young Catholic men, it supports countless other youth programs, from CYO to youth sports leagues. In 1996 the Knights raised and distributed $16.6 million in support of youth programs, for scholarships and athletics. Knights volunteered an additional 6 million hours of service to young people.