Yesterday, Pope Francis met with the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus at the Vatican. During his remarks, he said,
“I am pleased to welcome the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus on the occasion of your meeting in Rome. I thank you once again for the prayers which you, and all the Knights and their families, have offered for my intentions and the needs of the Church throughout the world since my election as Bishop of Rome.
On this occasion I also wish to express my gratitude for the unfailing support which your Order has always given to the works of the Holy See…May prayer, witness to the faith and concern for our brothers and sisters in need always be the three pillars supporting your work both individually and corporately. In fidelity to the vision of the Venerable Father Michael McGivney, may you continue to seek new ways of being a leaven of the Gospel and a force for the spiritual renewal of society.”
For the past twenty years, since I was nineteen years of age, I have been a member of the Knights of Columbus. It was my Dad who first joined the Knights, and then a few months later, I followed his example and joined. In the twenty years as a member, I have served in a variety of roles in variety of councils.
In my junior year of college, I served as the Grand Knight and Membership Director at the University of San Francisco College Council. Although I enjoyed that year very much, my greatest joy was when I was a part of the founding of the Columbian Squires Circle #5000 at Saint Mary’s Catholic High School in Phoenix, Arizona.
It was a Squire Circle that was very active and assisted with events for the high school, diocese, and the local community. Currently, there are two young men studying in seminary for the Diocese of Phoenix that were members of Circle #5000.
It’s something I will always be very proud of as member in the Knights of Columbus since it led me to become a 4th degree member, the visible arm of the Knights of Columbus.
If you are a Catholic male over the age of 18 (or know of one) and not in the Knights of Columbus, I hope the 5 reasons below will encourage you to join this great fraternal organization of the Catholic Church that is founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
1. The Heartbeat of the Knights of the Columbus is Service. The Knights are one the largest charitable organizations in the world. Through a variety of fundraisers throughout the year, the Knights raise financial support for many charities, including the Special Olympics and the Global Wheelchair Mission. The service aspect of the Knights encompasses the Church, Community, Council, Family, Pro-Life, and Youth.
2. The Knights of Columbus Supports the Catholic Church because the order is composed of a fraternity of 1.8 million Catholic Men. From the founding of the Knights of Columbus by Venerable Michael J. McGivney, the Knights have been a foundation of support for the Catholic Church. In recent years, the Knights of Columbus have performed a variety of projects for the Universal Church as well as worked with Bishops of the particular churches here in the United States and in countries where the Knights currently reside.
3. The Knights of Columbus are Pro-Family. Since the traditional family is composed of the husband, wife, and children, the Knights see them as the core, foundation, and fabric for all of society. Although the council meetings are for the members, many councils sponsor activities with the family in mind. It’s a great time to gather together as Catholic Christians and members of the Mystical Body of Christ. Realizing that the youth are an integral part of society, the Knights seek to foster the development of the child from adolescence to adulthood. Asking for the intercession of the Holy Family is at the center of prayer for the Knights when it comes to family life.
4. The Knights of Columbus are strongly and devoutly Pro-Life. Following the teachings of the Catholic Church, they believe that Life begins at conception and ends in natural death. While the Knights are in involved in a plethora of activities locally that foster the Pro-Life movement, they are also major supporters of the March for Life in Washington, D.C., the National Prayer for Life Campaign, the Ultrasound Initiative, and the Culture of Life Fund.
5. The Knights of Columbus are Faithful to the Catholic Church by being obedient to the teachings of the Church, its Bishops and Priests, and showing fidelity to the See of Peter. As faithful Catholics, the Knights foster and develop Vocations to the Priesthood, Religious Life, and Holy Matrimony. Standing with the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus also fight for Religious Liberty, which is being threatened here in the United States, but across the globe still to this day.
For more information on the Knights of Columbus and the work we do, please check out the K of C website. If you have the social media sites of Facebook and Twitter, please “Like” or “Follow” the K of C presence there as well.
Update #4: My most current article on the Knights of Columbus
Update #3: I am not sure why this blog post has gained popularity again nearly two years after it was written, but thank you for reading. Since comments in the past were uncharitable, this blog post will remain closed to comments. Please check out my other series’ – “Mondays with Mary”, The Doctors of the Church, and Quick Lessons from the Catechism.
Update #2: There are some comments that are just uncharitable. From this point forward, they will not be approved. Thank you.
Update #1: If you are going to comment on the rituals that occur within the Knights of Columbus, your comment will not be posted. Just because it’s secretive does not make it wrong and contradictory to Church teaching.
Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney…Pray For Us!
Categories: Catholicism
TOM PERNA 
Amen! Great post.
I am also a fourth-degree Knight and part of my assembly’s Honor Guard. Besides the Church, joining the Knights was the best decision I’ve ever made.
In July, I became an officer for the first time in my council. I’ve only been in the K of C for about two years, but I look forward to a lifetime of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism as I support the Church with my fellow brothers.
Vivat Jesus!
Great post Tom! As a side note if there are any 1st Degree Knights who would like receive their 2nd and 3rd degree, there will be an exemplification hosted at St Joan of Arc paish in Phoenix on October 19. Contact me or your parish council for details. If you haven’t seen the new 2nd and 3rd degree ceremonies come see it! It is truly beautiful. I assure you it will remind you why became a Knight. Keep up the good work Tom!
My father was a Knight and I always held them in highest esteem…until recently. While one bad apple does not always spoil the whole bushel, I now say, “Beware the Knights…”
My former husband, who divorced me against my will, joined the Knights recently, so he could begin selling their financial products. When the Knights, in a very conservative city, found out he was engaged to be married again, he was told, “if you are sleeping with your girlfriend and want to become a Knight, just don’t tell us…” To make matters worse, he joked about this to our four children! I never thought I’d see the day that the Knights of Columbus embraced a DADT approach to Catholic teaching!!! And sadly, this was not the only incident of deception and paying lip service to the Knights and the Church’s teachings and principles among this group of men! I doubt that it’s an isolated case in an isolated location…
Veronica – I am sorry that happened to you. In the twenty years I have been a Knight, I have never witnessed anything like that happening in the Knights of Columbus. Unfortunately, the K of C are not safe guarded from sinful individuals. Overall, the work that is being done by the K of C is good and they help many individuals. Again, sorry you had this experience. God Bless!
I don’t think that one should condemn the whole organization for a few bad apples. People do that with the whole of the Catholic Church because of the idea that priests molest kids. Maybe they should be reported? I’m looking into convincing my husband to join the Knights and so I don’t know much yet.
I feel sad on what happened to the family of veronica. Every family bound by the sacrament of matrimony is ought to nurture charity and faith and trust to each other and their children. But we live in an imperfect world and we ourselves are not perfect. We really don’t have the solution to every problem affecting the family, but let us keep our faith in GOD. Let every family pray the Holy Rosary together and go to Holy Mass together, for the family that prays together stays together.
Although the Knights do many good things, they justify their initiation ritual with “the end justifies the means” which is not in line with Church teaching. I have experienced it and cannot accept their continued use of an initiation ritual that violates Church Teaching. There is so much good they could share about the order instead of resorting to such methods as they use. There is just no defense of it and therefore I do not recommend anyone become a member.
The comment about the initiation ritual is “a crock of manure.” Full stop.
Philbert:
The lies that are part of the ritual are justified by the Knights. The result does not justify the means. I would appreciate a more reasoned defense of the practice if you are capable of such. I understand that the Knights do a lot of good. I also appreciate that Catholic beliefs are basically for show only in the Knights. Without divulging the ritual as I was sworn to secrecy like all of the others (if there was nothing to hide there would be no need of such secrecy), I will not uphold such a vow that contradicts the Faith (which is the condition upon which I agreed to pledge secrecy). There is no way to justify the parts of the ritual that involve lies and deception. There may be differing rituals in different places (though I highly doubt it) but my father had the same misgivings as did I when he did it over 50 years ago. He brought it to the attention to the leadership at the time and received no satisfactory response. I did not receive an explanation that justified the practice from those who were in charge nor anyone since. I feel fairly safe in assuming that you and I went through the same experience. Please explain to me how it is justified.
Tim,
When performed correctly according to the Supreme Office’s standards, there is nothing in the ceremonials violate Church teaching, rather the degrees reinforce the teaching of the Church. Perhaps there were issues with the team that performed a degree that you were part of. I wasn’t there and can’t say.
The secrecy in the Knights of Columbus ceremonials to help keep the message fresh and interesting for the degree participants. The oath of secrecy directly states that nothing is to be kept secret if keeping it secret would conflict with your Religious or Civil duties.
Our bishops are aware of the ceremonials of the Knights of Columbus as many if not most of them are Knights of Columbus. Archbishop William Lori is the Supreme Chaplain. Cardinal Burke is happy to be a Knight so I’m confident in the organization.
Andrew F.
4th Degree Knight of Columbus
I’m not certain where you got an end justifies the means message in your exemplification ceremony. It is not what I experienced, and doubt that bishops of every diocese approve of and encourage their Knights if this message were being conveyed. Yes, the particulars of each ceremony are kept secret, as in any fraternal organization, in line with keeping something reserved for members. The men I know that are Knights are good Catholic men, aware of their fallen nature, who love to serve their parish, their community, and the Church. Want to make it a better organization? Join! Be active!
Vivat Jesus!
Charles:
Please read my response to Philbert. If there were no lies and deception at your initiation ritual, you were likely at the wrong place. As I mentioned, my father went through the same thing many years ago. That is why he never encouraged any of his sons to join. I had to join as I worked for the Church and as part of my position it was expected of me. If there are separate rituals in different places I would love to learn of it. My dad questioned the national leadership so I am convinced that it is not a local issue.
I’m a 3rd degree and I have no idea what you mean by lies and deception. I’m not aware of having been lied to or deceived, nor have I been asked to lie or deceive. And nothing in any ceremony has been in conflict with my faith.
Tim,
You indicate vaguely “…they (KofC) justify their initiation ritual with “the end justifies the means” which is not in line with Church teaching. I have experienced it and cannot accept their continued use of an initiation ritual that violates Church Teaching.” Please provide examples of the Knights using an “ends justifying the means” and the specifics of what in their ritual violates Church teaching?
Tim,
I am not sure what your agenda might be and not to cast aspersions on your character, but you seem to be dishonestly besmirching the Knights of Columbus for some reason. I will not debate your allegations since they are so outlandish they don’t merit serious response. I pray you find some relief from whatever is bothering you.
God bless,
Bill
http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/otn.cfm?id=650&repos=6&subrepos=5&searchid=1139343
you should read the above commentary from phil lawler over at catholicculture.org.
I am not really sure what Mr. Lawler is getting at, other than pointing out that as in most all human endeavors, there is an element of the devil trying to get in, and from time to time, succeeding. Again, as with many human attempts for good, we can only improve as we continue to fight! What we need are MORE good men to join the GOOD cause and the brotherhood of the KofC, and help lovingly LEAD others away from that which is wrong. If this means a stronger policy of condemnation, then that is what needs to happen, but as with all things change and movement like this takes time. Just because one or two “bad apples” exist in the bushel basket, it should not negate good the rest of those unharmed apples can do!
Local Knights can move to discipline a Brother Knight who is giving scandal.
Sorry about the huge ad that went with my previous reply. I just left a link. Amazon intervened with the ad.
Tom, I am glad that you have found a place in the knights. Both my brother and I have had nothing but bad experiences with them. Between us we have been to three different councils and there is very little difference between them. Good Catholic men are hard to find. I refuse to hang my hat with or associate with most of the men in the council’s l have visited. Proof of the Knights mission is their web site, very little on the faith and a whole lot on money matters. Good luck and God bless.
Michael – I am sorry you and your brother had bad experiences with the Knights. I have never had a bad experience with the Knights. The K of C councils here in Arizona are really sound. It’s my hope that you will try another council, but understand if you don’t. God Bless!
Great post, Tom!
The Knights were founded as a Fraternal BENEFIT Society. Everything else flows from that. But, first and foremost, insurance and financial services is the REASON the Knights came to be. Further, it is through those activities that they are able to FUND their other, more public, more faith and Church-oriented activities. Second, if BISHOPS won’t excommunicate or exclude from receiving the Eucharist how can you expect the Knights to expel those same people?
As I was told by a Brother Knight not too long after I joined and was lamenting the lack of spirituality amongst the brethren, “The Knights aren’t Opus Dei.” True enough. And, more importantly, fair enough. Let’s not criticize the Knights for not being what they were not founded to be.
One doesn’t continue a wrong. In what I know of the KofC, the initiation is masonic in nature. And Our Lord taught that there is no need for secrecy unless one is doing something wrong.
Dahlia – Thank you for your comment, but we need to clarify a few things.
First, tell me where in the Holy Scriptures Jesus says anything about secrecy in the context you are using it. Are you talking about John 7:4? If so, you are taking it out of context to fit your argument. You could make an argument for anything and try to justify it with the Scriptures. I have looked in the few Biblical commentaries in my personal library and none of them speak about that verse as you are quoting it.
Second, I have studied Masonry a bit and have read books on the topic. The Knights of Columbus are in no way anything like the Free-Masons, neither is the initiation. Some people make rather poor assumptions on this topic and that’s unfortunate. The Masons are very anti-Catholic and even have demonic overtones in the upper levels of the organization. Just because the ritual to enter the Knights has a secretive component to it, does not make it like the Masons nor does it contradict the teachings of the Church. The K of C aren’t Gnostics. Although this is not the time or place to have this discussion, if you want, I could email you some notes on the Free-Masons and books you could read. It would be no problem since I have the notes already completed.
For all the others that have made comments about the pro-choice members in the K of C, I am heartily sorry that you feel the way you do. Is it unfortunate that there are members who are pro-abortion in the Knights? Most definitely! But you should know that on the K of C application, there is a question about accepting all the teachings of the Catholic Church. If someone checks the box that says yes and then signs the form, then they are violating their conscience. I have seen pro-choice Knights be asked to leave councils, but it’s up to the local K of C. I have had great experiences with the Knights, as have many people I know and others who have commented on here.
I hope you can read others posts on my blog as well. I have a real love and passion for the Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. Every Monday I write about the Blessed Mother. God Bless!
Dahlia: As a former Mason, Catholic revert (Tiber swim team 2011), and Knight of Columbus, I can say from my experience with the initiation rituals of both organizations that you are way off base. Both organizations are fraternal in nature, so there are initiation rituals that are private and not publicly disclosed. There are also moral lessons in the initiation rituals of both. The similarity ends there. Most importantly, a Knight is bound by his “honor as a Catholic gentleman.” A Mason is bound by dark oaths. My own experiences with the Knights have been good. My father is a Fourth Degree Knight, and has been very proud of the works of the Knights, with reason. I have found nothing to cause me to doubt his opinion.
Greg – I understand your passion for the Knights organization, but you have just proved my point. The behavior of some of the Knights is not about the Bishops excommunication of people. It is about accountability. Accountability to the other Knights and to the faith. Just because it isn’t Opus Dei, it doesn’t give a pass for men to be less than holy nor is it a reason to strive for something less. Please stop making excuses for the sins of others and start holding your brothers accountable.
As a member of The Order for the last 40 years and a Fourth Degree Knight, my Brothers and I have dedicated ourselves to Holy Mother Church and the Teachings of Christ !!!
This WE SHALL DO until the end of time>
Vivat Jesus !!!
Thank you for this post! I’m a proud Knight in the 3rd degree and lecturer of my council (I’ll be joining the 4th Degree this November!). I have been a member for two years and it has been a great source of blessings. Our parish has a very active young adult ministry from which we have recruited many members (myself included) and our officers are a great combination of youth and experience. I am saddened to hear of men who’ve had bad experiences with the Knights. All I can say is that whenever you get a few sinners together not everything will be perfect. I’ve been blessed with an awesome parish, St. James Cathedral in Orlando, and a great council, 12402! I hope more men, especially those of my generation, will discover in the Knights what true Christian brotherhood and charity is all about! Vivat Jesus! Visit our council page! http://www.kofc12402.org/ and FB https://www.facebook.com/KofC12402
I joined the church 13 years ago. I joined the Knights 6 months later. 6 months after that, I was a council officer. I am now a state officer. I would not have remained in the order if there were lies and deception in the exemplifications. The new 3rd degree for example is a thing of beauty, reverence, and celebration.
Are there Knights who I am embarrassed by? Sure. I pray the same Knights have their hearts changed by our beliefs, our actions, and our prayers.
The Knights have done more for me than I could ever repay. Every hour I spend on Knights activities is just part of the biggest thank you I could give to my community, my brother Knights and the church. The Knights have made me a better Catholic, a better husband, and a better father, and other than an agnostic high school buddy and my Mormon neighbor, my best friends are my brother Knights. Through their works and their faith the Knights are an inspiration and a blessing to their parishes, their community, our diocese and the countries in which they live.
Andy,
Thank you for your comments and service to our order. You said it best. Our efforts with the Knights make us better citizens and more faithful Catholics. Before anyone responds, I don’t mean better than other people just better than I was previously. We all sin and need God’s forgiveness. As much as we should pray for our own forgiveness we must also pray for others to fully embrace our faith.
God bless you and your family Brother Andy. I too is a 4th degree knight and am proud to be one. All our council’s activities is for the good/assistance for our local church to to our member-brother-knights. Vivat Jesus!
I’m a 3rd-degree Knight and a council officer. My brother Knights have been a great source of companionship, consolation and support for my faith. While I’m sure there are individual Knights and councils that fail to support the Church’s earthly mission, and I too am saddened for those who have had bad experiences, my own experience has been of camaraderie and service with faithful Catholic gentlemen.
As a 4th Degree Knight, who has drifted away from the organization (though not the the faith) I can say I like the mission of the Knights, but am troubled by the constant life insurance pitch. I also find the various levels of degrees a bit silly. They don’t truly mark achievement but rather that you showed up for the ceremonial. Then you get to march around with your feathered hat and sword like you are something special. The honor doesn’t seemed to be earned but rather given provided that you paid your dues. That’s been the experience with the Oregon region which may not be representative of the organization as a whole.
On the other hand, I’m very excited about a relatively new organization called That Man is You, which really promotes moral leadership of the man in his home, church and community. It’s supported by Archbishop Charles Chaput among many others. Check it out at http://www.paradisusdei.org/index.php/programs/tmiy/
Vivat Jesus
That Man is You is awesome! We have it here in Orlando at our cathedral, thanks to a few fellow Knights. It’s not a fraternal organization like the knights so you really can’t compare them but I think they complement each other. At least that has been my experience being involved in both. Vivat Jesus!
I agree that That Man is You is a great program. A couple other Knights and I were instrumental in bringing TMIY to our parish and our council helped with the initial funding for getting TMIY going.
David, you mentioned the Insurance side of the Knights. First, Insurance is voluntary. Second, it is an excellent program for many families. The investments are ethically screened and since it is not for profit, each year about twenty-five million dollars from the insurance program is used for charitable and Church support. The fact of the matter is that many insurance companies support things against the Church such as Planned Parenthood or they offer “domestic-partner” benefits.
Also, the KCs were founded as a fraternal benefit society. Fr. McGivney’s father died at a young age and he had to work in a spoon factory to support his mother and siblings.
As a past grand knight, former district deputy and currently a chairman for the great state of ny. Thank you for spreading our good orderd message. Vivat Jesus
I’ve been a member of Council 5960 in Ocala, Fl. for three years, am a third degree Knight
and very active in our council. Regarding some comments on lies or other irregularities, I am at a loss to explain. I have never experienced anything contrary to Church teaching. We are a group of men faithful to the magisterium, our Church, our commitment to Christ and the order.
As far as secrecy goes, I, frankly, can not think of anything that occurs in our meetings that could in anyway be construed as being contradictory to the teaching of the Catholic Church or to Our Lord, Jesus Christ. If anyone has made a Cursillo weekend, a Christ Renews His Parish weekend, or an Emmaus weekend he will understand part of the reasoning for secrecy. If you tell everyone about your experience at your exemplification, the joy of their experience will be lessened. I am almost 73 years old and a cradle Catholic and, by the grace of God, would never do anything that would compromise my salvation and neither would the order of the Knights of Columbus. I wholeheartedly recommend joining the Knight.. You will grow spiritually and contribute to the wellbeing of many people less fortunate than yourself.
Vivat Christi
Steve Melus
I am a very active member in our 3rd degree council as well as the current Grand Knight, Also I am a 4th Degree Sir Knight ,The Color Corp Commander, and Faithful Captain. Working with Holy Mother Church, our local Parishes, Priests, Bishop, and other councils and assemblies The Knights of Columbus have given to me opportunity of a life time to give back to others that need help. There are no words to describe the sense of joy and fulfillment I have to help others. I highly agree with getting the word out to family and friends to join the Knights,
I think a bunch of the people posting here spend to much time on conspiracy web sites…
I joined the Knights about 30 years ago. I recall being very uncomfortable at the induction ceremony. It was a very strange affair. There wasn’t anything un-Catholic about it, but it seemed a little juvenile. We were then treated to a 30 minute propaganda speech about life insurance and how we owed it to our families to purchase KC insurance. During the ride home, everyone told dirty jokes. I never went to another meeting.
There is no doubt in my mind that many Knights are good and holy men. There is also no doubt in my mind that the KOC is at it’s core,a fraternal organization that was formed and exists for the purpouse of providing financial products to its members, most of which are overprices and outdated.
Most KC councils sell BBQ, conduct fish fries, or work at ball games to raise money; which they then funnel to good causes. No problem with that, but it’s really just a bunch of “good old boys” getting together to drink beer and do some cooking.
The Knights of Columbus is a fine organization, and I know many good men who are part of it. It’s not right for everyone, and it’s not the least bit true that every Catholic man should be a part of it.
Agreed
I was a Knight for over 20 years before I resigned.
The Council Officers would commit the Council to functions without asking the council members and try to brow beat the members into voluntering. Some of these functions were during the work week and the Lawyer and Doctor types could not understand why people could leave work early.
Also the
I would not recommend any young father, or most Catholic men join the Knights of Columbus without serious inquiry in to the local council. My experience with the K of C was that the local council can vary greatly from the mission of the Knights. My first council (a charter council) was very orthodox and active in the mission of the Knights. After moving to another state, the council I joined spent more time arguing about money, and the GK was a pro-abort Democrat who strongly supported Obama, and was active in the Episcopal Church. My pastor told me to stay away form the Knights, and focus my energies on my family. He wisely said I need not attend meetings…let the old retired guys do that instead. Good advice.
“the GK was a pro-abort Democrat who strongly supported Obama, and was active in the Episcopal Church.”
Why didn’t you petition to discipline him for giving scandal?
Sixth reason to join: You can get a pirate hat and sword!
Funny, Wayne! It’s a little more than that, but funny none the less.
I too am a 3rd Degree Knight and I love my current council. Super pro-life, very Catholic. Are we perfect? No, who is. For those who are having issues, get involved. Become leaders and change it to what Venerable Fr. McGivney meant it to be; a place where Catholic men could be sanctified by service and and also get great Life Insurance.
It just so happens that was just in the process of working out a letter to send to a Knight who was going to try to help answer my questions. Maybe it was Providential that this post showed up in my email and, with so many Knights participating, I might get some answers. Please forgive the length, I have been given this some little thought:
First, let me say that I have long admired the public actions of the Knights of Columbus. It was the desire to be involved in those activities as well as the understanding on my part that groups can accomplish things that individuals cannot that led me to join the Knights. However, the initiation experience was so negative that I have had no further dealings with them.
The biggest issue for me is that the first thing I was told at the initiation by a Knight was that the secrecy of the initiation was so important that I should lie to my wife. Specifically, I was told to “make up a story.” While there times where it is morally appropriate to remain silent and not disclose information that one has, actively lying to one’s spouse is immoral. To have such admonishment given as part of the initiation runs counter to the supposed (and publicly disclosed) aim of the Knights (or any Catholic organization).
I also have secondary concerns engendered by this secrecy. While there are indeed times where it is morally appropriate to remain silent and not disclose information that one has, it is not at all clear to me that this is or should be one.
Secrecy creates holes in relationships, especially spousal relationships. There are times when it is necessary to not disclosure something (top secret government research, for example), but it should not be used lightly. What precisely are the Knights trying to hide and from whom? I have heard it claimed that “emotional impact” of the initiation would be lessened if the candidate knew of it in advance. However:
No truly Catholic ceremony that I am aware of loses any of its emotional or, more importantly, spiritual impact for being made public (and even practiced in advance). Consider everything from the sacramental (First Communion, Matrimony, etc) to the devotional (May Crowning and Stations of the Cross.)
Further, in my experience, the Knights have publicly behaved with decorum and added a dignity to ceremonies that they participate in (holy day processions, for example). The initiation rite of the Knights, as I experienced it, was very different. In my judgment, it lacked the dignity that I associate with the Knights and was instead juvenile. I sincerely hope that what I witnessed was merely a failure of the particular ceremony that I was subjected to. The secrecy, however, prevents me from knowing and, for the most part, of being able to question it.
It has been suggested to me that some of the above may have been a miscommunication or possible an abuse of the ritual. If so, it is precisely secrecy that prevents anyone from knowing about abuses of the ritual or being able to correct miscommunications.
Anyway, what I am looking to find out in all of this is 1) is my experience idiosyncratically negative and 2) if so how would I avoid repeating it if I decide to take a second look at the Knights?
I hope one day the knights of columbus will come to Brazil….
Apparently, my first comment wasn’t fit to publish so I’ll repost with “acceptable” wording.
I am technically a thrid degree knight and have been for two years. I have been a Knight for just over four in total. Upon moving to my current parish, I became familiar with a case of a fellow knight assaulting the parish priest after Mass one Sunday due to Father’s fervent anti-unnatural unions homily. The priest was struck and spat upon by this so called “knight” who clearly disagreed with the orthodoxy of Father’s homily. I learned from the priest that he had been pursuing the expulsion of this cretan from the knights and so far was waiting for word from the Supreme Knights office as to whether the case would be taken any further. After another year of waiting, priest was informed that the knights would not pursue any action against this cretan and he would remain a knight. Upon recieving this news, Father immediately informed the parish council that the Knights had no more access to parish property nor would the parish host any KoC events in the future. While I have not yet formally left the knights, I do not consider myself one and refuse to be associated with such an organization that permits just disgusting acts to go unpunished or even corrected.
The Supreme Knight earned $1.5 Million in pay and benefits in 2011.
Many of the Isurance Agents do well also.
I do not agree with that salary level from other Catholics.
It is also something to keep in mind when the Knights hit you up for another fund raiser or if you are a member, trying get you to spend more time away from your family so that Carl can brag about volunteer hours.
Also, the Knights sell whole life insurance which in many cases provides less financial protection. Most family men would get more for their money with a term life insurance policy that costs less. Also, a single man like you, Tom, hardly needs life insurance at all. I’m just saying what Suze Orman and Consumer Reports say.
I see have it though.
I moved to the Phoenix diocese out of college in the 1980’s, and over the years I have looked at the Knights groups in the various parishes that I’ve attended. Without exception, the members were all retirement age and beyond. I could not get any clear information about what they did, and every request to attend a meeting on a trial basis, was rejected. If you weren’t known in the parish, you weren’t welcome. As I see it, these groups are all dying out. I know my dad enjoyed being a Knight in his day, but it was just a men’s get-together group like the Lions or the Elks which are also fading away.
Ed – Sorry you had that experience with the Knights. To say that the Knights are fading away clearly says you don’t know how many are involved in the KofC here in Phoenix and around the country. Yes, there are councils that struggle with membership numbers because of poor leadership, but there are councils that are thriving and growing as well.
I am part of the council at St. Mary Magdalene in Gilbert. To say it’s active would be the understatement of the year. We have over 200 guys in the council and many are active. This council has its older members, but many of the guys are in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. If you are interested in joining this council, let me know by emailing me (located on this blog).
Happy New Year!
I am interested in joining the KoC, but I’m not sure if I would be allowed since my marriage is currently not recognized by the Catholic church.
I met my wife while I was away from teh church for 25 years (I rebelled in my teens) and we were married by the local courthouse and two days later, a non-Denominational pastor. I have since returned to the church of my youth and am proud to call it home.
My wife is in support of me going back to the Catholic church, as well as joining the KoC, but she doesn’t believe that we need to have our marriage recognized by the Catholic church and sees it as pleasing man, as God is already pleased and blesses our marriage. So she is resistant to having the church recognize our marriage.
So, would I be able to join the KoC or am I out-of-luck till a miracle happens and she allows the church to recognize our marriage?
Hey DJ – Email me at catholictom@gmail.com and I can explain all of this to you better and in more detail. Hope to hear from you soon!
Has anyone had their wedding reception of a Knights of Columbus? My Boyfriend is an Italian Catholic and He is thinking of joining.
What are you asking, Samantha?
Hiya Tom. Have you forgotten about replying to me by chance?
I will. Sorry DJ!!
No worries!
I joined the knight about 3 years ago. I live in wichita ks and attend st anne parish council 12858. I am the membership director here at alst anne and i love being a knight and always will be proud to serve as a knight in the church. My knight brothers we have got to have the new knights coming in to be exicited and want to serve as a knight untill we are called home to our lord and mother. Vivat jesus
But the reason I don’t is that the knights are against any kind of family planning and encourage people to have more kids than they can afford. As Jo from Supernanny says, its the elephant in the room
Very nice article. I’ve considered joining the Knights but I’m concerned that there aren’t a lot of people my age (30’s). Is that a misconception of the typical demographics?
Kevin – It’s not like there aren’t men in their 30’s in the KofC, there are, however, many guys are married so their families (younger children) take priority, as they should, since that’s their primary vocation. My council has guys ranging from the 20’s to their 80’s. I think it depends on the council and the parish where the council meets. Hope this helps.