Knights of Columbus Membership Benefits
The Knights of Columbus, or K of C, started as a small service organization in 1882 to help immigrants, refugees, and families in need. After many charitable acts and outreach programs, it has grown into a global philanthropic and financial organization providing opportunities for individuals to grow closer to Christ and live and spread Catholicism. There are nearly 2 million K of C members worldwide who dedicate their lives to charity and helping people in need through the organization’s many programs.
Members of the Knights of Columbus, also known as Knights, are community-minded Catholic men willing to become better fathers, husbands, sons, neighbors, and role models for others. Only men 18 years of age or older can join K of C, and they must be practicing Catholics, accept the Catholic Church’s authority and teachings in matters of morals and faith, and aspire to live to respect the Catholic Church precepts. Members must also be baptized and be in good standing with the Catholic Church.
For a small yearly fee, one can become a Knight and enjoy several benefits, such as access to faith information resources through the Knights.net web portal, the digital Catholic information service library, and the K of C email newsletter. These faith information resources help members learn about numerous topics, from ways to interact with technology as a Catholic to learning how to pray the rosary. Additionally, Knights have access to Columbia magazine, the organization’s award-winning flagship publication. Members receive a monthly print copy of Columbia magazine, which tackles topics relevant to Catholics.
Another benefit of being a Knight is having access to K of C’s premium insurance program. Members are able to purchase life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, and annuity products approved by the organization and its ethical business practices. Knights interested in joining a K of C insurance program should talk to their designated brother Knight field agent, who will provide a complimentary annual financial review.
By joining K of C, members become part of the world’s largest Catholic fraternity, which gives them the space to grow in faith while being supported by a brotherhood built on shared values and a desire to be the best people possible. In addition, through local councils, members can get support from other Catholic men in their community and find opportunities to give back through charity. Charitable programs within the K of C are based on faith, family, community, and life. Some philanthropic programs that the organization supports are Coats for Kids, the Ultrasound Initiative, Food for Families, and the Christian Refugee Relief Fund.
Knights can choose different types of membership and councils according to their purpose within the K of C. Those too busy to engage in physical meetings and activities can become online members and receive access to all K of C publications. The traditional council membership is for regular members working with local communities and parishes in the K of C mission, while the military councils are for members of the armed forces and their families. The organization also features college councils to help promote spiritual and intellectual development in colleges and universities. Currently, there are more than 200 college councils across the country and over 340 worldwide.
