Who We Are

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic men’s organization and fraternal service founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882.  Father McGivney was an assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn.  Joining him at the time was a small group of male parishioners from St. Mary’s. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to sick, disabled and needy Church members and their families.  Membership in the Knights of Columbus is limited to practicing Catholic men. It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the order’s 14th Supreme Knight.

The organization was founded as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. It has grown to support refugee relief, Catholic education, local parishes and dioceses, and global Catholic social and political causes. The Knights promote the Catholic view on public policy issues, including opposition to abortion.

The Knights of Columbus also provides certain financial services to the individual and institutional Catholic market. Its wholly owned insurance company, one of the largest in the world, underwrites more than two million insurance contracts, totaling more than $100 billion of life insurance in force. The order also owns the Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, a money management firm which invests in accordance with Catholic social teachings.

What it Means to be a Knight

As of 2019, there were nearly two million members around the world.  Women may participate in K of C through the Columbiettes and other female auxiliaries, and boys may join the Columbian Squires. The Order comprises four different “degrees”, each one of which exemplifies one of the core principles of the order. There are more than 16,000 local Knights of Columbus councils around the world, including over 300 on college campuses.