What the Knights of Columbus is and who joins

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization founded in 1882 that operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several other countries. Members are Catholic men (and in some councils, Catholic women through affiliated groups) who pay membership dues in exchange for community, insurance products, and participation in charitable work. The organization is structured around local chapters called councils, each with its own officers, meeting schedule, and activities.

You do not need to be wealthy, politically connected, or referred by an existing member to join, though many councils do ask that you be a practicing Catholic in good standing with your parish. Some councils are more active than others — a council in a large city may have hundreds of members meeting weekly, while a rural council might have dozens meeting monthly. The level of involvement you choose is up to you; membership does not require you to attend every event or take on leadership roles.

Key Takeaways

  • Membership dues vary by council but typically range from $100 to $300 per year, plus one-time initiation fees that can run $50 to $150 depending on your degree level.
  • The organization offers life insurance and long-term care insurance to members through its own insurance company, separate from membership dues.
  • Each local council runs its own charitable projects — food drives, youth programs, disaster relief — so the activities available to you depend on which council you join.
  • Meetings are usually held monthly or twice monthly at a parish hall or Knights facility, and attendance is voluntary unless you hold an elected officer position.
  • You can resign or let your membership lapse at any time; there is no long-term contract or penalty for leaving.

How membership dues and initiation fees work

When you join a Knights of Columbus council, you pay two separate costs: an initiation fee and annual membership dues. The initiation fee is a one-time payment that covers your admission to the organization and your advancement through the first three degrees (ranks) of membership. This fee varies by council but typically falls between $50 and $150. Some councils waive or reduce the initiation fee during recruitment drives or for men joining later in life.

Annual membership dues are paid to your local council and cover the cost of running the council — meeting space rental, insurance for council activities, administrative staff, and charitable programs. Dues typically range from $100 to $300 per year, though some councils charge more or less depending on their size and spending. You pay dues once per year, usually in the month you joined or at a set time like January. If you fall behind on dues, the council will send you notices; if you do not pay within a set period (usually 90 days), your membership is suspended until you pay or formally resign.

Some councils also charge additional fees for specific events — a dinner, a retreat, or a charity fundraiser — but these are optional and separate from your base dues. You can attend council meetings and participate in most activities without paying these extra fees.

Insurance products available to members

The Knights of Columbus operates its own insurance company and offers life insurance and long-term care insurance to members. These products are separate from membership dues; you do not have to buy insurance to be a member, and buying insurance does not automatically make you a member. Many members do purchase Knights insurance because the rates are often competitive and the company is owned by the membership rather than by outside shareholders.

Life insurance policies range from term life (coverage for a set number of years) to whole life (permanent coverage with a cash value component). Long-term care insurance covers nursing home care, assisted living, or in-home care if you become unable to manage daily tasks on your own. The cost of these policies depends on your age, health, and the amount of coverage you choose. A Knights insurance agent can provide quotes and explain the options; you can also compare them to policies from other insurers before deciding.

If you leave the Knights or your membership lapses, your insurance policies remain in force as long as you continue to pay the premiums. The insurance is yours to keep regardless of your membership status.

What councils do and how activities vary by location

Each Knights of Columbus council is independent and decides its own charitable focus and activities. A council in an urban parish might run a food pantry, sponsor a youth basketball league, and organize a Christmas toy drive. A council in a rural area might focus on maintaining a local cemetery, supporting the parish school, and organizing a summer picnic. Some councils are highly active with events nearly every week; others meet monthly and do one or two major projects per year.

Common activities across councils include disaster relief (collecting money or supplies after hurricanes, floods, or fires), support for Catholic schools and youth programs, pro-life advocacy, and community service days. Many councils also host social events — dinners, dances, or game nights — that serve as both fundraisers and ways for members to build friendships. The organization also runs a scholarship program for Catholic students, though individual councils may or may not participate.

Before joining a specific council, you can attend a meeting or speak with the membership director to learn what that council actually does. This matters because your experience as a member depends heavily on whether the council's focus matches your interests and availability.

Degrees of membership and advancement

The Knights of Columbus has a degree system that marks your advancement within the organization. The first three degrees — Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason (the names are borrowed from Freemasonry but the content is Catholic) — are conferred during your initiation. These degree ceremonies are ritual events held at the council or at a regional gathering; they involve symbolic teachings about charity, unity, and fraternity but do not require you to memorize anything or pass a test.

After you have been a member for a period of time (usually at least a year), you become may be able to access for the Fourth Degree, which is an honor degree for members who have shown leadership and commitment. The Fourth Degree involves additional ceremony and a formal commitment to the Church and the organization. Not all members pursue the Fourth Degree, and there is no penalty for remaining at the third degree. Advancement is voluntary and does not change your dues or your rights as a member.

How to find a council and what to expect at your first meeting

To find a Knights of Columbus council near you, visit the organization's website and use the council locator tool, or call the Supreme Council office and ask for a referral. You can also ask at your parish — most parishes with a significant Catholic population have a council, and the parish office can give you the council's contact information and meeting time.

When you contact a council, the membership director will invite you to attend a meeting as a guest. Meetings are open to prospective members and usually last one to two hours. You will meet the officers and members, hear about the council's activities, and learn what membership involves. There is no pressure to join at your first meeting; you can attend several meetings before deciding. If you decide to join, you will fill out a membership process, pay the initiation fee and first year's dues, and be scheduled for your degree ceremony.

Your first degree ceremony typically happens within a few weeks of joining. It is a formal event held in the evening, usually at the council hall or a nearby parish. You will be invited to bring family members to watch. The ceremony lasts one to two hours and involves the officers presenting the principles of the organization through symbolic ritual. After the ceremony, there is usually a social gathering with food and drinks.

Resigning or letting membership lapse

You can resign from the Knights of Columbus at any time by notifying your council's membership director or financial secretary in writing. There is no penalty for resigning, no waiting period, and no obligation to explain your reasons. Your membership ends on the date you specify or when ready if you do not specify a date. If you have paid dues in advance, some councils will refund the unused portion, though this varies by council.

If you stop paying dues and do not formally resign, your membership will be suspended after a grace period (usually 90 days). You can reactivate a suspended membership by paying the back dues owed. If you remain suspended for several years, the council may formally terminate your membership, but you can always rejoin by paying the initiation fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be Catholic to join?

Yes, the Knights of Columbus requires members to be practicing Catholics in good standing with the Catholic Church. Most councils ask for a letter from your parish priest confirming this, though the process is usually straightforward if you are an active parishioner. Some councils are more flexible than others about what "practicing" means.

Can women join the Knights of Columbus?

The main Knights of Columbus organization is for men only. However, the organization has affiliated groups for women, including the Daughters of Isabella and the Ladies Auxiliary in some councils. These groups have their own membership, dues, and activities. Ask your local council about women's groups in your area.

What happens if I cannot attend meetings regularly?

Membership does not require regular attendance at meetings. You pay your dues and can participate in activities as your schedule allows. If you hold an elected officer position, attendance expectations are higher, but you can decline to run for office or step down if your circumstances change.

Is the Knights of Columbus the same as Freemasonry?

No. The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization with no connection to Freemasonry, though it borrowed some ceremonial language and degree names from Masonic tradition. The Catholic Church has historically discouraged membership in Freemasonry but has no objection to the Knights of Columbus.

Can I buy Knights insurance without being a member?

Policies vary by state, but generally you must be a member or a family member of a member to purchase Knights insurance. Contact a Knights insurance agent in your area to learn the specific rules in your state.