History of the Knights of Columbus

Founding (1882)

  • The Knights of Columbus was founded on March 29, 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut.

  • Its founder was Father Michael J. McGivney, a young parish priest at St. Mary’s Church.

  • McGivney saw many Catholic families struggling financially when a husband and father died, leaving widows and children without support.

  • He envisioned a fraternal organization that would provide financial aid to families, strengthen faith, and foster Catholic unity.

Purpose and Early Mission

  • The Knights were established to:

    1. Offer mutual aid to families through a life insurance program.

    2. Promote Catholic values and fraternity among men.

    3. Defend the Church in a society often hostile toward Catholics in the late 19th century.

  • The name “Knights of Columbus” was chosen to reflect the Catholic identity (Columbus symbolized Catholic contribution to America) and the virtues of knighthood (charity, unity, and defense of the faith).

Growth and Expansion

  • By the late 1880s, the organization had spread throughout Connecticut and into other states.

  • Its insurance program became a central feature, ensuring that members’ families were cared for if they died.

  • The Knights became known for their charitable works, assisting orphans, widows, and local communities.

20th Century Contributions

  • World War I & II: Knights supported soldiers and provided aid to Catholic servicemen.

  • Social Advocacy: They stood against anti-Catholic discrimination and promoted religious liberty.

  • Educational and Charitable Projects: The Knights funded schools, Catholic universities, and charitable initiatives like the Special Olympics and refugee relief.

Modern Era

  • Today, the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest Catholic fraternal organizations in the world, with over 2 million members in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, and beyond.

  • Their core principles are:

    1. Charity – Helping those in need.

    2. Unity – Standing together as Catholics.

    3. Fraternity – Supporting one another and their families.

    4. Patriotism – Promoting love of country and religious freedom.

  • They continue to focus on charity, pro-life initiatives, disaster relief, and supporting the Church.

Council Overview

  • Council: Our Lady of the Light Council 14891

  • Members: 106

  • Founded: 15 years ago

Major Areas of Emphasis (Faith in Action)

1. Faith Initiatives

  • 5th Sunday Rosary for the persecuted

  • Men’s Fellowship (expanding)

  • “Into the Breach: The Mission of the Family” trailer

  • Annual Catholic Men’s Conference

  • Sacred Heart of Jesus traveling Icon event

  • $2,000 in scholarships (Ascension & Carroll HS)

2. Family Initiatives

  • Annual Fishing Derby

  • Breakfast with St. Nicholas

  • Support Annual Festival Latino & Parish Family Picnic

  • Holy Family prayer card distribution

  • Family of the Month & Year Awards

3. Community Initiatives

  • Annual Basketball Free Throw Contest

  • Knight of Trivia (funds for evangelization)

  • Holiday at Home parade

  • Ascension Coffee & Donuts, Fish Fry, Pancake Breakfast, Harvest Bazaar

4. Life Initiatives

  • Coats for Kids program

  • Measure Up Collection for disabled individuals

  • $500 annual donation to Elizabeth New Life Center (portable ultrasound)

  • Support for Brigid’s Path Prenatal Center (formula, diapers, baby supplies)

  • Exploring support for Morgans Wings (families experiencing miscarriage)

5. Seminarian Support Initiatives

  • RSVP Program: 2 seminarians, $2,000 annual support + moral support

  • Past support: Rev. Jim Romanello, Rev. Andrew Reckers, Rev. John Grusenmeyer

  • SOS Fund supports seminarians nationally

Council Overview

  • Council 4022, known as Maria‑Joseph, was founded in 1955 and is affiliated with St. Albert the Great Parish in Kettering, OH, offering both talent and financial support for parish and community efforts.

Key Activity Areas & Initiatives

Parish Support

  • Council 4022 backs parish ministries and outreach at St. Albert the Great, contributing funding and volunteer manpower to local programs.

Participation in Ohio Knights of Columbus Faith‑in‑Action Programs

  • Faith–Family–Community–Life program categories:

    • Food for Families (food drives, meal support)

    • Coats for Kids distribution

    • Recognize & support seminarians

    • Essay contests, Wheelchair Mission, Free Throw challenges, etc.

Spiritual Formation — The Cor Meeting

  • These monthly meetings focus on prayer, faith formation, and fraternity, strengthening Catholic identity and fostering missionary discipleship. They are part of state-supported Cor Meeting programs.

Saint Charles Knights of Columbus

Information coming soon!