The Knights of Columbus is a dynamic, Catholic, family, fraternal organization of Catholic men who join together in family, charitable, fraternal, community and youth activities. The over 1.6 million member organization is international in character; however, the major emphasis is focused on the activities of our local parish and community. A major thrust of our activities is directed at involving the member's entire family.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.

Many brother Knights say they joined to be a more effective Catholic; to be associated with and meet other Catholic men and their families; to make new friends; to strengthen their ties with the Catholic faith; to expand their community and social activities; to help others in a meaningful and organized way and thus achieve a truly unique sense of accomplishment.

As Catholics we have an obligation to share our faith, assist the less fortunate of our community, and support our Parish. Many find that, as individuals, it is extremely difficult to be involved in a significant way with these obligations because the task seems overwhelming.

As a Knight, you and your family can share in the tremendous works of the Order without feeling the need to identify projects and organize your support all by yourself. In this way your whole family can fulfill their obligations and feel satisfied that they are a p art of more satisfying and worthwhile activities then they could possible undertake as individuals.

Each member must be a practical Catholic and is required to pay annual dues, which can be paid either annually or qu art erly. A new member must also pay a one-time initiation fee. A new member will proceed through several ceremonies called degrees, which allow him to understand better, the principles of the Order and how we, as Knights of Columbus, are expected to conduct ourselves.

Men who join the Knights of Columbus attend meetings, p art icipate in Council activities, serve on committees, run for office, etc. as their time permits and their interests dictate.

The rewards and satisfaction of membership in the Knights of Columbus are proportional to p art icipation of each member and his family.

Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus. For additional infomation, please contact SK Hugh O'Donnels, PGK, 301-937-6605 or email our Council.

 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

The main function of the Ladies of the Knights is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

For additional information, please call Jane Cleary, President at 301-779-7229 or email our Council.

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