To become a Knight of Columbus, a man must be at least 18 years of age and a "practical" Catholic in union with the Holy See.

For more information about how you can join a council near you, fill out our Knights of Columbus Information Request Form, and a representative will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

What is a practical Catholic?

A practical Catholic is defined as a person who follows the commandments of God and the laws of the Church.   It is very important for candidates presenting themselves for membership to have a thorough understanding of the implications of this requirement.  A practical Catholic:

Attends Mass regularly

Receives the sacraments

Observes the marriage laws of the Catholic Church.  A valid marriage is one in which all the requirements have been met.  A second marriage is invalid if there has been a divorce and an annulment has not been granted.   If a brother Knight has become widowed and wishes to remarry, no annulment is needed, as long as the other party is also free to marry.

The following is a road map of how we practice our faith.

The Ten Commandments

1.  I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of slavery; worship no God except Me.
2.  You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
3.  Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day.
4.  Honor your father and mother.
5.  You shall not kill.
6.  You shall not commit adultery.
7.  You shall not steal.
8.  You shall not tell lies against your neighbor.
9.  You shall not covet your neighbor's wife or husband.
10.  You shall not covet your neighbor's possessions.

The Laws of the Church

•  Celebrate Christ's resurrection every Sunday (or Saturday evening) and on holy days of obligation.
•  Lead a Sacramental life.
•  Receive Holy Communion frequently and the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation, regularly.   We must receive Holy Communion at least once a year at Lent and Easter.
•  We must confess within a year, if we have committed a mortal sin.
•  Study Catholic teachings throughout life, especially in preparing for the sacraments.
•  Observe the marriage laws of the Catholic Church and give religious training to one's children.
•  Strengthen and support the Church; one's own parish, the worldwide Church, and the Holy Father.
•  Do penance, including not eating meat and fasting from food on certain days.
•  Join the missionary work of the Church.

Holy Days of Obligation

•  Solemnity of Mary Mother of God (January 1)
•  Ascension of Jesus (during the Easter season)
•  Assumption of Mary (August 15)
•  All Saints Day (November 1)
•  Immaculate Conception (December 8)
•  Christmas (December 25)

The Greatest Virtue

Love is a virtue that enables us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves.  When we practice the virtue of love, we come to know why St. Paul ends his description of love by saying that of three virtues of faith, hope, and love, "the greatest of these is love."

In our Catholic tradition, we know some very specific ways to practice the virtue of love.  These are called the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

The Corporal Works of Mercy

Show us how to care for the physical well-being of our neighbors.

•  Feed the hungry.
•  Give drink to the thirsty.
•  Shelter the homeless.
•  Clothe the naked.
•  Care for the sick.
•  Help the imprisoned.
•  Bury the dead.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Show us how to care for the spiritual well-being of our neighbors.

•  Share knowledge.
•  Give advice to those who need it.
•  Comfort those who suffer.
•  Be patient with others.
•  Forgive those who hurt you.
•  Give correction to those who need it.
•  Pray for others.