About Knights of Columbus
WE ARE AN ORGANIZATION “IN SERVICE TO ONE. IN SERVICE TO ALL.”
With 1.7 million members worldwide and 14,000 here in Georgia we are an organization that since 1882 has raised over a billion dollars for various charitable causes and has dedicated over 68 million hours of “time and talent” in furtherance of our dedication to charity.
WE ARE CATHOLIC MEN OF FAITH
Knights are dedicated to the Church’s good works and to her growth. We serve the Church and help strengthen our personal faith by:
- providing financial and spiritual support of religious education and vocations
- focusing attention on healthcare matters
- leading the charge in support of all life issues
We have a powerful voice that speaks out for religious and moral values and speaks out against fear and indifference. We are guided not only by our belief in God and the Catholic Church, but by our belief in each other and in ourselves.
WE ARE THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
An organization strengthened by the success of our past and driven by our goals for the future Dedicated to five key areas of service – faith, community, family, youth, and fellowship - dedicated to making a difference.
“The glory of the Knights of Columbus is not based on humanitarian works alone. Even more admirable have been you insistence upon the supremacy of God and your fidelity to the Vicar of Christ. In truth you can call yourself “brothers” because you call God you Father and have declared yourselves ready to do His will and serve His cause . . . the Knights of Columbus is an immense force for good.” Pope Paul VI
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” (this is the clip we already have)
For a longer and more detailed “commercial” about the Knights of Columbus please view “Why Join?” (http://www.kofc.org/un/eb/en/about/join/whyjoinflash/index.html)
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 (I will send you the pdf file.)
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 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for information and proper forms (form is available for download here in the website.)
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 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).
Youth Organizations
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 Gary Burnett ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 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 Supreme Council office. 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!
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.
