The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
Membership Benefits
As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world’s largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.
Our council is also very involved in many activities in our community, providing assistance to our churches and fellow parishioners, helping the formation of our Catholic young people and bringing together our families and communities.
How To Join The Knights
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing 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.
For more information on how to join the St. Charles Council of the Knights of Columbus, send an email by accessing our “How To Join The Knights” tab in this section.
The Patriotic 4th Degree
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights’ respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called “assemblies”). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.
The St. Charles Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary fills the concept of Family Participation in Council programs and activities. The Ladies Auxiliary is more than a social group. The Ladies Auxiliary’s sincere mission is to emphasize charity, church, council activity, family, youth, and community in all our work and deeds.
The Knights of Columbus Squires
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires’ activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.