Knights, guilds and lay societies
Knights of Saint Columbanus
KSC · KOSC · Order of the Knights of Saint Columbanus
Founded 1915Irish Catholic lay fraternal order, headquartered at Ely House, Dublin, and registered as an Irish charity. Not a papal order and not canonically erected as a public association of the faithful.
A few minutes' work
Free online form. The alms are not made clear.
Enroll nowFill in the Express Interest form (Form M1) on the members' portal; no account is needed, and the order's own wording is that it will be in touch if it can take your interest further, so in practice an existing member usually still sponsors you.
Members have a portal to sign in to.
An Irish Catholic men's order with the motto Restore All Things in Christ, working mainly in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Local groups are called councils, and the work is a mix of charitable support, apostolate, and public Catholic life: running a public speaking competition for young people, organizing pilgrimages, operating Bru Columbanus (accommodation for families of patients in Cork hospitals), funding sacramental books, and hosting talks and film screenings. There is also an Associate Knights stream for younger men. Historically the order has had a quiet, somewhat private reputation in Ireland, and most men still come in because an existing member asks them.
What you promise
Catholic men in full communion with the Church. The order's own public materials and diocesan descriptions give the minimum age variously as 18 or 21, so confirm with the council you approach. Councils meet regularly and expect participation in the order's charitable works and apostolate. Dues are not published.
What the Church attaches
The order has chaplains, holds an Opening Mass at its Stated Annual Meeting, promotes 40 Hours Adoration and the Pope's monthly prayer intentions, organizes jubilee pilgrimages to Rome and Assisi, and has a published letter from Pope Francis. It is fraternal and apostolic rather than indulgence-bearing.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.