Become a Member

Today there are more than 1.6 million Knights in thousands of communities throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guam, Panama, the Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas.

Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to volunteer service and Catholic fraternalism. Annually Knights and their families donate in excess of $60 million to charity and volunteer more than 128 million hours to worthy causes. They volunteer their time and effort in support of the Catholic Church, the community and in support of fellow Knights.

Many Knights also join the Fourth Degree, which is dedicated to patriotism and love of one’s country. These Knights are known the world over by the capes and chapeaux worn by members of the color guard at civic and religious events.

The official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus is the Columbian Squires. Membership in the Squires is open to Catholic young men ages 10 - 18. These young leaders serve the Church and their community while having fun with their peers.

Why Join the Knights of Columbus?

Camaraderie. Community involvement. Growing in one's faith. Supporting the Church. Protecting one's family. These are a few of the reasons Catholic men and their families join the Knights of Columbus.

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." (ram, 15 min.)

Our publication "These Men They Call Knights" (pdf, 215k) 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 video. (ram, 11 min.)

Types of Membership

Catholic men 18 years of age or older who join the Knights belong to a council, or local unit. Many 18 to 22 year olds first join the Knights of Columbus in a college council.

Members who have been in the Knights for one year and have attained Third Degree membership are eligible to join the Fourth Degree Knights.

The Knights of Columbus also sponsors the Columbian Squires, a service and leadership training organization for Catholic young men ages 10 to 18 years old.

Prospective Member Q & A

1. What are the requirements?

2. What is a practical Catholic?

3. Explain what Degrees are.

4. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?

5. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?

1. What are the requirements?
Membership requirements are that he be a practical Catholic gentleman, who is 18 years of age or older.

2. What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See and who practices the precepts of the Church.

3. Explain what Degrees are.
There are four degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order's core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

4. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?
No; Unlike many fraternal organizations one does not become a member by purchasing insurance. In the Knights of Columbus a man has to be a member before he may avail himself of the insurance benefit. Purchasing insurance is optional, however; the life insurance and long-term care insurance products offered by the Order are not only competitively priced, they are among the most solid and highly rated products available anywhere. Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, the leading independent agencies that rate insurance companies, give K of C insurance their highest ratings.

5. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
As a Knight you can choose the projects with which you wish to be involved in your own community. What is more, the Order is dedicated to family life and the many benefits it offers. From insurance to scholarships to service and social activities and programs, all are open to the whole family.

As a Knight you can continue doing what you do now and you and your family can enjoy the many benefits the Order offers.

A better question is: Why shouldn't you be a Knight?

How to Join

If you are a practical Catholic man, age 18 or older, we welcome you to join the leading organization of Catholic laymen.

If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, please complete our inquiry form. A member will contact you within a couple days.