We are the Knights

We are a 1.8 million – member, Catholic family, fraternal service organization, composed of 14,000 local councils. Our mission to serve our church, our families, our communities and those in need reflects the vision of our founder, the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. Father McGivney created the Knights of Columbus nearly 130 years ago to support its members in their faith; provide support for their families; and direct their charity to the needs of the less fortunate and the Church. His vision is manifested in three principles of our Order – charity, unity and fraternity. It is the practice of these principles, guided by our faith in the Eucharist, which drives men to join our Order.