Knighthood
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. 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 investigated 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.
The roots of the Knights of Columbus were planted in the rich soil that was 19th century North America. Out of the melting pot of the 1880's, our Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization emerged as a beacon of hope for masses. Whether helping the poor, the sick, the orphaned and the widowed, or supporting their Catholic brothers with their practical or spiritual needs, the first Knights of Columbus stood ready to help. We invite you to take a tour to learn more about us, our programs and the services offered to our members and their families.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council 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
Who Are The Knights?
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with over 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families, and young people.
Membership Benefits
As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of Columbia, the world's largest Catholic family magazine. You and your family are also eligible to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program in addition to many more family and personal benefits.
How Do I Join?
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See who are at least 18 years old. A practicing 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. Contact any member or Bill Anderson, 217-257-2108. for more information and any questions.
What Do The Knights Do?
The Knights of Columbus is a global fraternity of Catholic men who dedicate themselves to serving their parish and community. The brotherhood – united by the principles of charity, unity and fraternity – was founded by Fr. Michael McGivney to take care of widows and the poor. Today this mission continues through a network of local councils.
Council 583 calls Quincy home, with many members coming from St. Francis Solanus. It’s a strong council with over 700 members, many of whom regularly participate in service projects and fundraisers. John Veith has been a member for over 50 years and is currently the Financial Secretary, helping to lead the council to make sure the group is accomplishing its mission of faith and service.
“Our mission is to empower Catholic men to be leaders in the faith within their families, the parish, and the community,” John says.
The council is extremely active and blessed with a beautiful property that allows them to host many dinners and events throughout the year. Starting in September, the Knights offer a chicken dinner every Friday evening. People can order takeout and pull right up to the drive-thru window or dine in and enjoy a buffet style meal.
During Lent, the Knights host fish frys and offer the same options of dining in or meals to go. All dinners are open to the public and are a great way to get involved in the community and support the church and local charities. The proceeds of the dinners along with the Knight’s famous summer BBQ are generously donated to the local parishes, Catholic schools and charitable organizations.
“We provide scholarships to Catholic families who need help sending their children to Catholic school and have additional scholarships that we give to three students attending Quincy University,” John says. “We donate to the food pantries and financially support Catholic Charities Quincy and Birthright.”
Recently the Knights finished their Coats for Kids drive and donated over 75 coats this winter.
“It is good to see the kids smile as they walk out with their new coat,” John says.
To organize all their activities and charitable donations, the Knights meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at their clubhouse. The business meetings last about an hour and always begin and end with a prayer. Once the business is taken care of, the Knights typically stick around for a time of fellowship.
Amid the activities and charitable work that the Knights do, the brotherhood is what really animates this group.
“The brotherhood is the best part about being a Knight,” John says. “We spend a lot of time together and become good friends. The Knights for me are just like another family. It is super rewarding to be a Knight. They have helped me with my family life and inspired me to get more involved at Church.”