1. God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor.
Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church.
Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast.
We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant Father Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will.
Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request).
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.)

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3. Catholic Men Demonstrating their Faith through Action

4. History Symbolism Purpose
Mission Statement 4 Principles Service
Special Programs Notable Statistics
Organization Reasons to Join
Membership Process
The Degrees Life Insurance
Information Resources

5. Socio-Economic Backdrop
Rapid Development of 19th Century Industrial & Urban Centers in the United States
Often Unsafe and Dangerous Working Conditions
Growing Number of Fraternal Benefit Societies
Hostility Toward Catholic Immigrants
First “Knights” Meeting
Oct. 2, 1881, Fr. Michael J. McGivney assembled men at Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut
Proposed a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering “secret societies” whose membership was hostile to Church teaching
Goal of uniting Catholic men in Christian service and to care for the families of deceased members

6. The group called themselves “Knights” because of their identification with the medieval knightly system of chivalry with its religious, moral, and social code, especially that of courage, honor, courtesy, justice, and a readiness to help the weak.
As a symbol that allegiance to their country did not conflict with allegiance to their Catholic Faith, the members took Christopher Columbus as their patron who was celebrated as the discoverer of America and recognized as a Catholic.
Thanks to Father McGivney’s persistence, the Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and officially assumed corporate status on March 29.

7. Serving one’s Church, community and family with virtue
Biddeford, ME Parade 1915
Serving one’s Church, community and family with virtue
Provide a means by which Catholic men could support the Catholic Church, provide financial protection for their families, and engage in works of charity to benefit the less fortunate
WWI Poster 1917
“A Knight should live according to the virtues of loyalty, charity, courtesy and modesty, as well as self-denial and careful respect for the feelings of others.” Supreme Knight Edward L. Hearn 1898
“…the Vatican admiringly describes it as the right lay arm of the Catholic Church in America.” 1957

8. To provide faithful Catholic men a means to grow in their love for God by working in fraternal union with other men dedicated to serving their families, parishes and communities. By embracing the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, Knights of Columbus distinguish themselves as Christian leaders in all that they do, thereby demonstrating their faith through action in every aspect of their personal and professional lives.

9. Charity - Knights embrace the gospel message to “love thy neighbor as thyself” by performing corporal works of mercy. They also raise money for many worthy local and national charities.
Unity - Knights of Columbus know that they can accomplish far more as a team than any of them could individually. This unity- of-effort maximizes the effectiveness of their service to others.
Fraternity - The Knights of Columbus was founded as a “fraternal benefits society” to provide assistance to families and widows in need. Individual Knights, give more than 10 million volunteer hours annually to assist sick or disabled brother Knights and their families.
Patriotism - Knights of Columbus are patriotic and active citizens who passionately support the protection of the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are proud of their devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.

10. Every Knight offers their time & talents in the unique ways God calls them
Charitable Fundraising
Visit the Sick
Music Ministry
Eucharistic Minister
Assist Senior Citizens
Lector
Alter Server
Parish Council
Spiritual Development
Feed the Hungry
Healing Ministry
Lead the Rosary
Provide Clothing for the Needy
Student Scholarships
A Knight’s stewardship is driven by the active practice of their Catholic faith and the fulfillment of corporal and spiritual works of mercy
Donate Blood
Home Repair & Maintenance
Support Seminarians

11. American Wheelchair Mission
Annual Tootsie Roll Drive
Support Vocations (RSVP)

12. Faith in Action - Faith In Action is the new umbrella program covering all Supreme Council-recommended programs. It replaces Surge With Service, which began in Its four categories of programs represent our main priorities as an Order.
Faith - Our primary goal is to strengthen our men and their families in the Catholic faith. Programs are designed to draw us closer to God and the Church in a tangible and meaningful way; striving to arm us for the spiritual battle we face daily.
Family – We emphasize the vital role that a devout and loyal family plays in modern society. Our family programs are an evolution and response to a society that seeks to weaken the bonds of family.
Community - A critical part of our mission as Knights is to spread a spirit of charity and service throughout our community. Councils that conduct these programs are positively shaping their communities by addressing the needs of its citizens.
Life - Both as Knights of Columbus and as followers of Christ, we have an obligation to “be committed to the defense of life in all its stages and in every condition” (St. John Paul II). Knights work together to build a culture of life and a civilization of love.

13. 1.9 Million Members 15,100 Councils Worldwide
Over 71.5 million hours of volunteer service
Over $173 Million Dollars in Charitable Donations
More than $3 Million Dollars sent to Christian Refugee Relief Fund in Syria and Iraq
Top -rated insurance company has earned A.M. Best’s highest rating, A++ (Superior), for the 40th consecutive year

14. Chain of Leadership & Administration
Supreme Council Officers
Past Supreme Knights
SUPREME COUNCIL
New Haven, Connecticut
Supreme Directors
Chain of Leadership & Administration
Supreme Knight
(Chief Executive)
 Supreme Chaplain
State Deputies
Grand Knight
Immediate Past State Deputies
Elected Delegates
Deputy Grand Knight
Chaplain
Chancellor
Advocate
State Council Officers
STATE
COUNCIL
Program Directors
Council Delegates
District Deputies
Local Council
Grand Knights
State Deputy
 State Chaplain
Recorder
Warden
Immediate Past State Deputy
Committee Chairmen
Financial Secretary
Guards (2)
Trustees (3)
Treasurer
District
Deputy
Lecturer (opt.)
“Round Table”
Coordinator
All local council officers are elected, except the Financial Secretary, Chaplain and Lecturer who are APPOINTED.
Council Members

15. Grow in Catholic Faith
Join a charitable service team
Serve those in need
Lead by Christian example
Support the pastor and clergy
Enjoy Catholic fellowship
Be a more active parishioner
Embrace citizenship & patriotism
Be a better husband & father

16. Admissions (1st) Degree Exemplification
Interview Board
Council Approval
Admissions (1st) Degree Exemplification
First Council Meeting
Exemplification = Induction Ceremony

17. Admissions (1st) Degree Exemplification
ONLINE MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
Online
Sign Up
Interview Board
Benefits
Eligible
Council Approval
Associate
Member at Meetings
Admissions (1st) Degree Exemplification
Referred to Council for normal process
Full Member at Meetings

18. Each of the four (4) degree ceremonies impart lessons on the core principles of Charity (Admissions 1st Degree), Unity (Formation 2nd Degree), Fraternity (Knighthood 3rd Degree) and Patriotism (Patriotic 4th Degree)
Degree ceremonials are kept secret to ensure they are maximally impactful to those candidates receiving them
Higher degrees do not represent a higher rank, but rather the attainment of a deeper understanding and commitment to the order
The Knight who attains up to the Knighthood 3rd Degree is considered to have achieved “Full Knighthood”
All K of C council officers must achieve Knighthood Degree
The Patriotic Degree is the highest degree and those who receive it are formally referred to as “Sir Knights”

19. The Knights of Columbus was founded on the mission of protecting families from the catastrophic loss resulting from the death or injury of the primary breadwinner.
$99 billion of insurance in force and a full-time field agent staff of more than 1,400 serving our members and their families
The K of C provides optional top-rated life insurance, long-term care insurance and retirement products.
In 2014 the Knights of Columbus was named the "World's Most Ethical Company" by the Ethisphere Institute
— an independent center for research promoting best practices in corporate ethics and governance
A.M. Best awarded the K of C insurance company a rating of A++ (Superior) for the 39th consecutive year
No insurer in North America is more highly rated than the K of C

20.
Monthly Magazine
Websites
Leaders’ Newsletter
Chaplains’ Newsletter
KofC Founding History Video