Frequently Asked Questions

Q?
I don't have time to join another organization so why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
A.
As a Knight you can choose the projects with which you wish to be involved in within your own community. What is more, the Order is dedicated to family life and the many benefits it offers. From insurance to scholarships to service and social activities and programs, all are open to the whole family.
Q?
What are the requirements to join?
A.
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.
Q?
What is a practical Catholic?
A.
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.
Q?
What are Degrees?
A.
There are four Degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each Degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order's core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
Q?
Do I have to purchase insurance to become a member?
A.
No. Unlike many fraternal organizations one does not become a member by purchasing insurance. In the Knights of Columbus a man has to be a member before he may avail himself of the insurance benefit. Purchasing insurance is optional. Life insurance and long-term care insurance products offered by the Order are not only competitively priced, but they are among the most solid and highly rated products available anywhere. Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, the leading independent agencies that rate insurance companies, give K of C insurance their highest ratings.
Q?
What are the Squires?
A.
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community.
Q?
What is the Ladies Auxiliary?
A.
The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to support the men and the council. They do this by decorating and cooking at events along with providing monetary assistance.
Q?
What is the Fourth Degree?
A.
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 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.