Membership Information
- Join our Council: If you are in the Wilmington, Delaware area, please e-mail our Membership Director, Kevin Duffy , or call him at 302-299-5101 for a membership application or information (or)
- Anywhere in USA: Join Knights of Columbus online
Thank you for your interest in the Knights of Columbus!
Video Highlights of 2023
This video displays a sampling of the good works done by Knights of Columbus in the United States. Time, commitment and dedication. See more videos and membership info at Supreme Council website.
Video Highlights of 2018
Who can become a Knight
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men age 18 or older. A practicing Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See, and practices the precepts of the Catholic Church. Men interested in joining the Knights of Columbus can do so at any time during the year. You do not have to wait until a membership drive is held or until someone invites you to join. You can take the initiative to join. The first step in becoming a Knight is to contact a current Knight or membership director and complete a membership application. Application for membership should be made through the council in the community nearest your place of residence. After your application is reviewed and approved by the council and admissions committee, you will attend a first degree exemplification. Following the first degree, you are considered a council member and are welcome to attend regularly held council meetings and events.
Prospective knights without a permanent domicile, such as men on temporary assignment in the armed forces, may make application through their hometown council or at the nearest military base council.
All priests and religious brothers who apply for membership and participate in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from payment of annual dues.
There is a modest initiation fee and annual dues set by subordinate councils under regulations established by the Supreme Council. For St. John the Beloved Council, there is a one-time initiation fee of $10, and annual dues have been set at $24 since the council’s founding in 1996.
Affordable KofC insurance is available to all qualifying members, and is an important advantage of membership. Many knights choose to take advantage of the KofC insurance program to provide financial security for their family. Life insurance, annuities, long-term care and other insurance products are available to knights and their families.
The Knights of Columbus is a diverse group made up of men from every walk of life and a wide range of ages. It is a united organization dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. We also stand in solidarity with our Priests. The Knights of Columbus is composed of men who give unselfishly of their time and talents in service of God and country.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus provides the opportunity for fellowship and association with other practical Catholics with the same beliefs, who recognize the same duty to God, family and neighbor. Knights stand side by side in defense of those beliefs. Programs are supported that address local needs and are aligned with the council objectives as set by the council members. As a united body, the Knights are able to
accomplish tasks and objectives together that can not be accomplished by individuals.
The Knights of Columbus has a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man can share in that heritage, and build an even greater future by affiliating himself with this strong, dedicated organization.
Additional Degrees
There are four degrees in the Knights of Columbus. They can be thought of as lessons in charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. They are meant to inspire knights to grow in their Catholic faith, and to think about these principles as they progress on their journey as knights.
The first degree is about charity and is required before a candidate can become a member.
The second degree is about unity.
The third degree is about fraternity and is required before a knight is considered a full knight with the privilege to become an officer, attend state meetings or attend supreme conventions. First degree members are encouraged to progress through the second and third degrees of unity and fraternity, respectively.
The fourth degree is about patriotism, and is required before a knight can join an assembly or participate in the color corps. The primary purpose of the fourth degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship.
The first fourth degree exemplification was held on February 22, 1900 in New York City, and officially added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. Any third degree member in good standing with one year of membership is eligible to become a fourth degree.
The fourth degree color corps is the most visible organization within the Knights of Columbus and is recognized worldwide. Although participation in the color corps is not required, many knights who have completed their fourth degree elect to become active in the color corps. The color corps participates in many civic and church events. Fourth degree members must also retain their membership as third degree members in the local council to remain in good standing.