About the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families and to the community at large. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families.  Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being considered by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society.  The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.

In 2006, the Knights provided:

• 68 million hours of volunteer service

• 393,807 blood donors

• $143.8 million in charitable contributions

Over the last 10 years, the Knights have provided over 1.1 billion in charitable contributions.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council in New Haven, CT., to more than 12,000 councils and 1.6 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

Membership Benefits

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.  In addition, the Knights provided a vehicle for giving something back to your parish and community through a ministry of service.

How To Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old.  A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church.   Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus starts at the local councils throughout the jurisdiction of this State (as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada, Latin America and the Philippines.)   The Order's membership at its local councils help foster the principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.   These four principals are the driving force behind the many activities within our local and state programs.   Each council involves its membership in these programs; some are listed on this Web site to give you a quick insight into the mission of the Knights of Columbus.

Council 411 - COLUMBIA
Dalton, MA  01226
Tel: (413) 684-3511

• Our Local Council

• About the Knights of Columbus
  - Membership Benefits
  - How to Join

• Services Supported

• Recent News & Events

• Local Council Representatives
  - Points of Contact

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Council Links

• Knights of Columbus

• Massachusetts State Council

To learn about the Knights of Columbus, download the Adobe Acrobat file "These Men They Call Knights."