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Becoming a Knight
Question: Why don't eligible Catholic men join the Knights of Columbus?
Answer: They've never been asked!!!
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 blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus. Every knight is happy to propose eligible Catholic men for consideration as members.
Acceptance of the applicant depends upon a vote of the members of the subordinate council in which he is making application.
Priests and religious brothers who have applied for membership and attended the ceremonials become honorary life members and are exempt from the payment of dues.
Candidates join local units, called "councils," most of which are based in one Catholic parish, or in the community at large. An application for membership may be made through the council in the community nearest the applicant's place of residence or interested prospects may submit an application to any council.
If favorably voted upon, the applicant becomes a member by initiation known as the First Degree. He subsequently is advanced through the Second Degree and the Third Degree.
There are modest initiation fees and dues set by subordinate councils under regulations established by the Supreme Council. The insurance privileges are available to all members who can qualify, which represents an important advantage of membership. For men in every walk of life the name Knights of Columbus engenders the image of a united organization, efficiently going about it tasks of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism and defense of the priesthood. It is composed of men who are giving unselfishly of their time and talents in service of God and their country.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus provides opportunity for wholesome association with congenial companions who are, first of all, practical Catholic gentlemen. It offers the opportunity for fellowship with those who are of the same belief, who recognize the same duty to God, to family and to neighbor and who stand side by side in defense of those beliefs. Programs are so organized as to appeal to the individual interest of the members.
The qualified Catholic man can share in that heritage and build an even greater future by affiliating himself with this forceful, effective body. For your convenience, we have adapted the Knights of Columbus Membership Application form so that you can start the "ball rolling." Or, send an email to our Membership Director Ronnie Dunkley at sdnkly@juno.com for more specific answers. We will use this information to fill out the formal application. Then, we will invite you over so that we can get to know each other.
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