Knights, guilds and lay societies
Knights of Columbus
KofC · K of C · The Knights · Columbians
Founded 1882Fraternal benefit society (a member-owned life insurance organization) and the largest Catholic lay men's organization in the world. It is a civil corporation with its own chaplains at every level rather than a canonically erected association of the faithful.2200000
A few minutes' work
Online form, paid. $30 per year for online membership across all jurisdictions; local council dues are additional and set locally.
Enroll nowFill in the online application as a baptized practicing Catholic man 18 or older, pay $30, and a local brother Knight (your field agent) will phone you to welcome you and, if you asked, to start you toward a council.
Members have a portal to sign in to.
This is the big one, the Catholic men's group most American parishes already have. You join a local group called a council, usually attached to a parish, and most councils meet once or twice a month in the evening. The work is practical and visible: pancake breakfasts and fish fries, coat drives, Tootsie Roll drives that fund services for people with intellectual disabilities, hauling tables for the parish festival, and standing up a Rosary before meetings. Men join for the brotherhood and for a ready-made way to be useful in their parish, and the member-only life insurance is a real draw for men with young families.
What you promise
Online membership is $30 per year paid to the Supreme Council, which covers both state and supreme fees. Council membership adds local dues set by each council, commonly in the $25 to $60 per year range, and requires completing the membership form (Form 100), meeting with council leaders, and taking the First Degree ceremonial. Degrees beyond the first (Second, Third, and the Fourth or patriotic degree with its regalia) are optional and progressive. Councils expect you to show up for a share of the service projects, but nobody tracks hours.
What the Church attaches
Every council, state council, and the Supreme Council has a priest chaplain. Masses are offered for deceased members, and members participate in the Cor program of prayer and formation for men, Marian prayer programs that circulate a pilgrim icon among councils, and Eucharistic initiatives. The Order does not advertise attached indulgences the way a confraternity does.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.