Membership

Who can become a Knight?
Membership is open to all Catholic men 18 years of age or older. The only requirement is that they be a “Practicing Catholic” in communion with the Church, living up to the commandments of God and the precepts of the Church.

Why membership in the Knights?
Membership in the Knights provides opportunities for wholesome association and fellowship with congenial companions committed to making our community a better place in the service of God and support of our local Catholic Church, community, and families. We are proud to hold high the Cross and stand side-by-side in defense of these beliefs.

What is in it for me?
Most men find pride and honor in being a part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others, and the feeling that comes with making a difference while enhancing your faith. It is also about enhancing your personal and family life. Pride in being a part of the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. We are 1.8 million members strong throughout many countries the world over. Knights, and through them, their spouses and children, have the opportunity to obtain insurance in our member-owned top-ranked insurance program offering products focusing on the financial needs of members and their families; plus many more personal and family benefits.

What does it cost?
There is a one-time $20.00 application fee, plus annual dues of $50.00 per year.

What comes next after I apply?
The Order is dedicated to the core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. These correspond to the four degrees of membership, each degree exemplifying one principle. The First Degree is required for a candidate to become an official member.

What does the Council offer?
Programs: Our Council has several service programs: these include Church, Community, Council, Family, Youth, and Culture of Life programs. Within each of them are services and committee opportunities of which you may join based on your interests and skills. You will learn more about them after you join us.

Social/Civic Activities: We host a variety of Social and Civic activities throughout the year.  We hold an annual Tootsie Roll Drive for the Intellectually Disabled of our Community each October, an Annual St. Patrick’s Car Show for Scholarships, BBQ’s to support our local senior centers and food pantry, the Empty Bowls for the Santa Barbara County Food Bank, as well many other service opportunities. All are fund raisers to finance our charitable causes.

Spiritual Activities: We celebrate on the second Sunday of each month mass and host a parish-wide breakfast, free-of-charge to patrons.  Every month where there are 5 Sundays, we host a Corporate Mass.  Annually, on the first Thursday of November, we host a Memorial Mass at the Josephite Novitiate to remember our brother Knights and members of our brothers’ families who have passed before us.

Meetings: Officer Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Mahan Room at St. Louis de Montfort Church Hall.  Business Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month in the Upper Room at St. Louis de Montfort Church Hall.  Light refreshments are provided after each of these meetings.

Communications: Each month our members receive our Council newsletter, “Navigator”, covering current Council events and activities, reports and messages from officers and directors plus other features involving the members. You will also receive a magazine called “Columbia“, published by the Supreme Council on worldwide activities of the Order.

Family Fraternal Benefits
Membership in the Knights of Columbus means more for you and your family.  The Knights of Columbus offers special benefits as a result of your membership. Among these are unique programs that exist exclusively for Knights of Columbus families. The Family Fraternal Benefits package, available to all members and their family in good-standing, adds value to their membership in our Order.  These include:

  • Guaranteed Life Insurance Benefits for Uninsurable Children
  • Death Benefits Available for Stillborn/Miscarried Children
  • Orphan Benefits
  • Family Fraternal Benefit
  • Athletic Programs
  • Youth Programs
  • Member/Spouse Accidental Death Benefits
  • Scholarships/Fellowships
  • Widow Benefits

 

To find out more, contact our Membership Director now.