Who
Can Be A Knight
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to
practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See,
who shall not be less than 18 years of age on their
last birthday. A practical Catholic is one who lives
up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of
the Church. Application blanks are available from
any member of the Knights of Columbus. Every knight
is happy to propose eligible Catholic men for
consideration as members.
Acceptance of the applicant depends upon a vote of
the members of the subordinate council in which he
is making application.
All
priests and religious brothers having duly made
application for membership and participated in the
ceremonials become honorary life members of the
Order and are exempt from payment of dues.
Application for membership must be made through the
council in the community nearest the applicant's
place of residence. Interested prospects without a
permanent domicile, such as men temporarily away
from home through duty in the armed forces, may make
application through their hometown council or at the
nearest council on a military base.
If
favorably voted upon, the applicant becomes a member
by initiation known as the First Degree. He
subsequently is advanced through the Second Degree
and the Third Degree.
There
are modest initiation fees and dues set by
subordinate councils under regulations established
by the Supreme Council. The insurance privileges are
available to all members who can qualify, which
represents an important advantage of membership. For
men in every walk of life the name Knights of
Columbus engenders the image of a united
organization, efficiently going about it tasks of
charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism and defense
of the priesthood. It is composed of men who are
giving unselfishly of their time and talents in
service of God and their country.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus provides
opportunity for wholesome association with congenial
companions who are, first of all, practical Catholic
gentlemen. It offers the opportunity for fellowship
with those who are of the same belief, who recognize
the same duty to God, to family and to neighbor and
who stand side by side in defense of those beliefs.
Programs are so organized as to appeal to the
individual interest of the members. Through many
constructive activities of Christian fraternity,
members are enabled to render service to their
Church, their country and their fellowman. Through
membership they develop a consciousness of their
ability to lead and to assist.
Organized Columbianism, united behind the individual
Knight of Columbus, provides the power of an
intelligent, alert body of Catholic men -- a
strength which the individual by himself cannot
achieve.
Knights
of Columbus have a proud heritage. The qualified
Catholic man can share in that heritage and build
for an even greater future by affiliating himself
with this forceful, effective body.
A candidate is considered a
"Knight" after taking his First Degree, but he is
encouraged to advance through the Second and Third
Degrees and on to the Fourth Degree. The candidate
is considered a full "Knight" upon completion of the
Third Degree. The members of the Fourth Degree
promote the virtue of patriotism by serving in honor
guards, color corps and promoting respect for the
country and the flag. The candidate for the
Knights of Columbus takes part in initiation degrees
that explain the four principles of the
organization:
- Charity
- Unity
- Fraternity
- Patriotism
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