On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. The Knights of Columbus was formed to render financial aid and assistance to members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

 

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

 

The Knights of Columbus is headquarted in New Haven, Connecticut - the birthplace of our Order and is governed by the Supreme Council, the top legislative body, which meets annually in August. International affairs are administered by a 21-man Board of Directors under the chairmanship of the Supreme Knight.The strength and stability of the K of C is further reflected in assets of over 14 billion dollars and our member insurance in force is more than 92 billion dollars

 

The Knights of Columbus have four main objectives.

1.To aid our Church

2.To develop fellowship

3.To perform charitable, educational and patriotic works

4.To provide a system of fraternal insurance.