KofC History and Heritage
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
2025
KofC Membership
KofC Membership
(International)
Source: 2025 Annual Report of the Supreme Knight
- Total members: 2,195,915
- Total councils: 16,799
- College Knights: 34,257
- College councils: 316
- eMembers: 41,490 (185,280 since inception)
- eMembers moved to councils: 26,999 (121,426 since inception)
About Our Council
We are part of the largest fraternal lay organization of The Catholic Church and are committed to the exemplification of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism and Defense of The Church.
We promote social and intellectual fellowship among our members and their families. Our Council, through the Order, is consecrated to The Blessed Virgin Mary and is unequivocal in its loyalty to our Pope, bishops, and priests. We are firmly committed to the protection of human life from conception to natural death and the preservation and defense of the family.
We are also dedicated to helping Catholic families spiritually grow in their faith and defend their beliefs. Through strong volunteerism of time and talent, members involve themselves in charitable and service programs to meet the needs of our parish and civic community.
Knights of Columbus Principles
CHARITY
Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects. Our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action.
UNITY
None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another.
FRATERNITY
Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program was born.
PATRIOTISM
Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.
We Are Men On A Mission.
Knights of Columbus around the world are committed to serving their families, parishes and communities especially when it matters most.
