What We Do Internationally

Internationally, the Knights of Columbus is involved with several charitable organizations like the Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families, and Coats for Kids. In service of the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus created the Catholic Information Service (which provides free literature for Catholics or those wishing to learn about Catholicism), provides monetary support for priestly vocations, and defends the Faith through advocacy and education.

In the community

Although St. Rita of Cascia Council #15244 is only a few months old, it has already made an impact on the community and parish. In October 2011, the council raised money for A Woman's Choice, which is a pregnancy assistance center that encourages expectant mothers to choose life over abortion. The council serves quarterly breakfasts for St. Rita parish and took the lead on this year's picnic. St. Rita of Cascia Council #15244 also has plans to host a blood drive in the Spring of 2012.
If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus and St. Rita of Cascia Council #15244, please refer to the Membership page.

Membership WHO CAN JOIN

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who shall not be less than 18 years of age on their last birthday. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application forms are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus and must be submitted to a subordinate council for review. Once reviewed, the subordinate council will vote on the application and, if accepted, the applicant will be invited to attend a fraternal induction ceremony called an exemplification. All priests and religious brothers having duly made application for membership and participated in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from payment of dues. To Join or Contact Grand Knight

Some of the benefits and opportunities that are afforded to members of the Knights of Columbus

• COLUMBIA MAGAZINE – Free subscription to the Order’s monthly magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.
• KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS ROSARY – Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the First Degree exemplification to each new member.
• DAILY MASS OF REMEMBRANCE AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH – Mass for deceased members and their wives, and deceased members of the Squires program, at birthplace of the Order.
• INSURANCE – Portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care, and annuity products exclusively for members and their families.
• FAMILY FRATERNAL BENEFIT – For eligible families: a) Pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) Pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) Offers guaranteed-issue insurance up to $5,000 to any child under age 18.
• ORPHAN BENEFIT – $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available.
• MEMBER/SPOUSE FRATERNAL BENEFIT – Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost.
• WIDOW BENEFITS – a) Continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) May purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance, or annuities up to one year after insured member’s death; c) Receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) Eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.
• SCHOLARSHIPS – Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children.
• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organization skills, etc.
• FOURTH DEGREE – Eligibility to join the “Patriotic Degree.”
• HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Age 70 with 25 years of membership.
• MEMBERSHIP CARD – Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in over 14,000 councils throughout the world.
• ACTIVITIES – FAMILY/YOUTH/RELIGIOUS/SOCIAL/ATHLETIC

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