Frequently Asked Questions
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Online Membership was designed to allow eligible Catholic men to join the Knights of Columbus online, through a streamlined, optimized process. Online Membership provides you with a digital membership experience, which will help you to grow as a Catholic man and a Knight.
As a Knight, you can choose the projects to be involved in within your own community. You will receive regular updates from your state council regarding news and events in your area and be presented with frequent opportunities to work alongside brother Knights in local councils.
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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
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A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
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No you are not. When you join online you will not belong to a local council at first. Instead, you will become a member of the Knights of Columbus state division in your state of residence.
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Yes! Council-based membership is the best way to experience the Knights of Columbus. Prospective members can join local councils just as they always have. Online Members can transition to local council membership, just as members from other local councils may transfer today. Transferring involves completing a membership form (Form #100) and going through the council admissions process. This includes meeting with council leaders and taking the First Degree ceremonial.
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Members who join online (“Online Membership”) are members of the Knights of Columbus who have not yet taken a First Degree or been admitted to a local council.
As a member, like all members of the Knights of Columbus, you will have the right to purchase insurance on yourself, your spouse and any dependent children. You will receive Columbia magazine, the free accidental death benefit (age restrictions apply), and are eligible for participation in the family fraternal benefit. You may also attend select local and state council events which are promoted by your state division.
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Online Membership dues are currently $30 per year across all jurisdictions. Dues are paid online to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and they cover both the member's state and supreme membership fees. If a member transfers to a local council, the dues are pro-rated to that council. Debit cards and credit cards are accepted as forms of payment by the Supreme Council.
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The Knights of Columbus international headquarters is located in New Haven, Connecticut led by the Supreme Knight, the CEO of the Knights. The Supreme Council has more than 75 state council organizations to help guide regional activities that are consistent with the principles of the Order — DC is one of these jurisdictions. More information on our structure and council types is available at kofc.org.
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All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles:
Charity – Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering at Special Olympics, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day.
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. That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. It does mean that – as a Knight of Columbus – you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
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 continues to do this today, as do the good works of individual Knights, who gave more than 75.6 million service hours in 2017, illustrating how Catholics serve each other in fraternity and mercy.
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. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.