Knights of Columbus Membership

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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available in the Members Room at Mother Seton council and online eMembership can be found here.  

Members who join online (“eMembers”) are members of the Knights of Columbus who have not yet taken a First Degree or been admitted to a local council. eMembership dues are currently $30.00 per year across all jurisdictions. Dues are paid online to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and they cover both the member’s state and supreme membership fees. If a member transfers to a local council, the dues are pro-rated to that council. Debit cards and credit cards are accepted as forms of payment by the Supreme Council. As a member, like all members of the Knights of Columbus, you will have the right to purchase insurance on yourself, your spouse and any dependent children. You will receive Columbia magazine, the free accidental death benefit (age restrictions apply), and are eligible for participation in the family fraternal benefit. You may also attend select local and state council events which are promoted by your state division.

Council-based membership is the best way to experience the Knights of Columbus. Prospective members can join local councils just as they always have. eMembers can transition to local council membership, just as members from other local councils may transfer today. Transferring involves completing a membership form (Form #100) and going through the council admissions process. This includes meeting with council leaders and taking the First Degree ceremonial.

The candidate takes part in initiation degrees that explain the Knights of Columbus´ four principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. A candidate is considered a "Knight" after taking his First Degree, but he is encouraged to advance through the Second and Third Degrees and on to the Fourth Degree, whose members promote the virtue of patriotism by serving in honor guards, color corps and promoting respect for country and the flag.

All priests and religious brothers having duly made application for membership and participated in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from payment of dues. 

1. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
As a Knight you can choose the projects with which you wish to be involved in within your own community. What is more, the Order is dedicated to family life and the many benefits it offers. From insurance to scholarships to service and social activities and programs, all are open to the whole family.
 

2. What are the requirements?
Membership requirements are that he be a practical Catholic gentleman, who is 18 years of age or older.
 

3. What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See and who practices the precepts of the Catholic Church.
 

4. What are the Degrees?
There are four degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order's core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
 

5. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?
No. Unlike many fraternal organizations, one does not become a member by purchasing insurance.  In the Knights of Columbus, a man has to be a member before he may avail himself of the insurance benefit.  Purchasing insurance is optional, however; the life insurance and long-term care insurance products offered by the Order are not only competitively priced, they are among the most solid and highly rated products available anywhere. Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, the leading independent agencies that rate insurance companies, give K of C insurance their highest ratings.  

• Mother Seton Council #5427 is affiliated with Our Lady of Good Counsel Church.  The organization received its charter on May 7, 1963.  Membership hovers around the 400 mark.
• Notices and informational news are contained in the Seton Call, the Council’s monthly newsletter; The Citizen, the Township’s quarterly newsletter; The Township’s web site; and in press releases in local papers.
• Business Meetings are held on the second Tuesday and last Thursday of the month, except in July and August. Meetings start at 8:00 p.m.  
• There is a Members’ Room and Bar that is open to members and guests weekday afternoons from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact membership@kofc5427.com.