Our Lady of Visitation
Knights of Columbus

Council #12551

Who are the Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization.  It was founded by The Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882, and named in honor of Christopher Columbus.  Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to low-income immigrant Catholics, it developed into a fraternal service organization dedicated to providing charitable services, promoting Catholic education and actively defending Catholicism in various nations.
There are more than 1.8 members in 15,000 councils, with nearly 200 councils on college campuses.  Membership is limited to "practicing Catholic" men aged 18 or older.  Membership consists of 4 different degrees, each exemplifying a different principle of the Order.  The Order is a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights.

Councils have been chartered in the United States (including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Germany, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, Guam, Spain, Japan, Cuba, and most recently in Poland.  The Knights' official junior organization, the Columbian Squires, has over 5,000 Circles.

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic lay organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Church, their communities, families and young people.  With more than 1.8  million members in over 15,000 councils around the world, the Knights of Columbus annually donates more than $170 million and 70 million hours of service to charitable causes.

Please visit www.kofc.org  for more information.

If you desire to improve your community:

If you want to support the Church and grow in your faith:

If you believe in family values:

If you want to associate with people who share your beliefs and interests:

If you have concerns about financially protecting your loved ones:

If you are a practicing Catholic man at least 18 years of age:

If you want to be part of an organization that promotes Faith, Families and Fraternity, then consider  joining:

The KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS

Organizational badge with the letters K of C at the top, a shield in the center featuring a sword, anchor, and axe, and a multicolored star background.
Group of seven men standing in a church, dressed in formal and religious vestments, with a crucifix and religious symbols in the background.
Group of clergy and church officials posing inside a church with stained glass windows and a crucifix in the background.
A group of clergy and choir members in church, dressed in formal attire, standing on church altar. Background includes altar with a crucifix, brick wall, and church ceiling.
A group of men dressed in formal attire and sashes, standing on the steps of a church altar with a priest in liturgical vestments, inside a church decorated with flowers and Christmas trees.
Five men standing inside a church, four wearing tuxedos with sashes, one dressed as a priest or bishop, all smiling and posing for a photo. In the background, a large red cross on the wall.
Group of men dressed in formal black tuxedos and robes with sashes, standing inside a church with brick walls, stained glass windows, and religious statues.
A group of men and one person in priestly robes, all dressed in formal attire, standing indoors in front of glass doors, celebrating an event. Some men are wearing sashes and gloves, and everyone appears to be smiling.
Group of men in tuxedos, a priest in ornate robes, and a woman in a clerical collar standing on a stage in a church with a brick wall and religious statue behind them.