The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882 as a fraternal benefit society, the K of C has maintained its original mission to render financial assistance to members and their families. In addition, social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members through a variety of educational, charitable, religious, community welfare, and public relief program and initiatives.

The organization’s history shows the foresight of Father McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is under consideration by the Holy See. A humble parish priest, Father McGivney’s ideals have helped families obtain economic security and stability through fraternal programs for more than 125 years. Beyond this, the Knights of Columbus contributes time and money worldwide to service to the Church and their communities. Last year, Knights contributed $143 million and 68 million volunteer service hours to worthy causes across the globe.

The K of C has more than 1.7 million members in some 13,000 local councils throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Cuba, Guam and Saipan.