Who Are The Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

As the Order has grown, its benevolence has increased. The Order continues to break all of its previous records for charitable contributions and volunteer service. Last year alone, the Knights donated more than $143 million and more than 68 million volunteer hours to charitable causes. There were nearly 400,000 Knights blood donors throughout the year, and the Knights made more than 6 million visits to the sick and bereaved.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

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The Knights in Missoula

Becoming a member of the Missoula Knights of Columbus Council 1021 has many benefits, including social and intellectual fellowship through volunteer participation in local, state, national events and charities, helping with church and community programs, conducting youth activities, and taking part in youth and family events. Council 1021 is committed to helping Missoula Catholic churches in their endeavors to serve the Catholic community and help offer aid and assistance to sick, disabled and needy individuals and families.

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.

Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.

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How To Join

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.

If you are interested in becoming a member of our Council, contact Kert Gordon at 406.251.4712, or Mike Hamlin at 406.544.9820.

The Columbian 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 10 and 18.

Being in the Squires means having fun, making friends, going on trips, playing sports, organizing charitable and social events, chances for student loans and scholarships, and growing spiritually.

Investiture of a new Squires Circle here in Missoula is tentatively planned for January of 2007. If you have more questions about the Squires, contact Michael Haugen at 406.829.9494.

Consider becoming a Columbian Squire, and encourage a friend or relative to do the same. You won't be disappointed.

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4th Degree Knights

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.

What Are The Expectations Of A Knight?

It should be noted that family life is a core principle of the Knights of Columbus. Furthermore, neither the Order or any individual members want or expect your participation to deduct from family life or your primary business. We would rather you involve your family however possible in Knights of Columbus activities. Nevertheless, here are some primary guidelines for involvement:

• Remain a practical Catholic gentleman.
  This, of course, means regular Mass attendance (including Holy Days of Obligation), and upholding the precepts of the Church.
• Attend meetings and functions.
  We realize that few Knights are able to attend all meetings and functions; and conversely, a small percentage of Knights are only able to attend one meeting or function per year. Most Knights fall somewhere in between, as their schedules, comfort levels, family lives, and primary businesses permit. So the question begs: can you find time for at least one meeting or function per year?
• Pay annual dues.
  Every January, Knights are asked to pay a small membership dues payment. Most of that money stays within the Council, while part of it is paid to the State and Supreme Councils to help defray operating expenses. There are special exemptions to paying dues, such as Knights with disabilities or hardships, as well as Knights over the age of 65 with 25 or more years of continuous service. At the time of dues statements, a request for voluntary donations to State-sponsored charities is sent as well. Voluntarily donating to these charities is not only confidential, it is entirely the prerogative of the individual member.
• Uphold the principles of the Degree attained. Simply put, be a good Knight! There are four levels of Knighthood, called "degrees" (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Degree). Each Degree has its own special privileges and principles, and its own special advancement ceremony, called an "exemplification." New Knights begin at 1st Degree, and voluntarily advance through the rest.

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Learn more about the Knights in Missoula here:

Activities
Photo Album
The Historic Knights Hall

Father Michael J. McGivney was the founder of the Knights. His cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican. Become a member of the Father McGivney Guild, and you will receive newsletters and other information about his cause for canonization.