Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has questions and needs information
from time to time, and Knights are no different in this regard. This FAQ
page is provided to answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) of
the Knights of Council 1349. If you have a question to add to the FAQ,
please contact Brother Ron Sheehan at:
webmaster@kofc1349.org
Why the Knights of Columbus?
Most importantly, the Knights of Columbus changes lives and saves lives. As a volunteer organization, how much you volunteer and attend meetings is solely up to you--there is no pressure to do anything you don't want to or cannot do. All you are required to do is maintain your modest dues (currently $36.00 a year) to remain in good standing.
As a Knight, not only are you presented with opportunities to help those in your community through charity and volunteer activities, but there is fellowship with other like-minded Catholic gentlemen. Additionally, we strengthen the church through sponsorship of acolyte clergy pursuing their vocations through the Catholic church. There are many benefits of being a Knight, but one of the best benefits is KofC's fraternal insurance.
How do I become a member of the Knights?
To be a member of the Knights of Columbus, you must be a practicing
Catholic gentleman and attend an information meeting about the Knights.
From there you will be invited to fill out a Form 100 (i.e.,
application) and submit your dues (currently dues are $36.00 per year).
Once your application and dues are received, the council membership
votes on your application for membership. If selected for membership,
you will attend an exemplification ceremony into the first degree of the
Knights of Columbus. Upon completion of your first degree
exemplification (this take a few hours in one evening), you become
member of the Knights.
Can women be Knights or girls be Squires?
No, in both cases. The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal order and organization for Catholic gentlemen (ages 18 years and older) and the Columbian Squires is a fraternal order and organization for Catholic boys (ages 10 through 18 years of age). However, there are two Catholic associations for women, the Catholic Daughters of America and the Daughters of Isabella.
How are Knights tied to the holy rosary?
The Knights of Columbus are consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. To learn more about the relationship between the blessed Rosary and the Knights of Columbus, please visit our Rosary page by clicking the button below:
Does the Knights of Columbus have a youth organization?
Yes. The Knights' official
junior organization is the Columbian Squires. This international
fraternity for boys 10–18 has over 5,000 circles. Like councils that
Knights belong to and attend, Squires belong to and attend
Circles. According to Brother Barnabas McDonald, F.S.C., the
Squires' founder, “The supreme purpose of the Columbian Squires is
character building.” Squires have fun and share their Catholic faith,
help people in need, and enjoy the company of friends in social, family,
athletic, cultural, civic and spiritual activities. Through their local
circle, Squires work and socialize as a group of friends, elect their
own officers, and develop into Catholic leaders. The Columbian Squires
are open to all Catholic boys, ages 10 through 18 years of age. At 18
years of age, Squires usually continue there Catholic fellowship and
become Knights. Council 1349 is currently standing up a Squire Circle.
For more information, contact our Council Chancellor and Squire Chief
Counselor, Brother Danie Francisco at:
squires@kofc1349.org.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, please reach out to us. To obtain more information, please contact Bros. Fred Hall & Rick Babauta (our Council's Membership Co-Chairman) at: membership@kofc139.org without any obligation on your part to join. We are a dignified and serious fraternal order of Catholic gentlemen, so you will not be pressured in any way to join or otherwise participate should you choose not to.
