Becoming a Member

Who Can Join?

Any practical Catholic man in union with the Holy See who is not less than 18 years of age. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church.

Benefits of Joining

There are two types of Knight of Columbus membership. Associate members belong to the Order and enjoy many of its benefits, but do not hold Knights of Columbus life insurance certificates. This distinguishes them from insurance members.

The Knights of Columbus does not require purchase of insurance for membership. It is voluntary.

Writing to pastors throughout Connecticut to encourage them to start councils in their parishes, Father McGivney explained in part:

"Secondly our object is to unite men of our faith throughout the Diocese of hartford that we may thereby gain strength to aid each other in time of sickness; to provide for decent burial; and to render pecuniary assistance to the families of deceased members."

That is why a primary feature of the Knights of Columbus was the insurance program. Over the years the Order's insurance program has joined the ranks of the the most elite insurance companies and perennially receives the highest possible designations from two top rating agencies, AAA (Extremely Strong) from Standard and Poor's, and A++ (Superior) from A.M. Best.

For more details on the insurance plan and other benefits for Knights and their families please visit the State or Superior Council sites which you find listed on the "Links" page.