Membership  

Who are the Knights ?
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 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.

Emblem of the Order     

   The Emblem of the Order was designed by the first Supreme Knight, James T. Mullen. on May 12, 1883, at the Second Supreme meeting.
 When you first look at the Emblem, you see a shield mounted upon a Maltese cross, that is turned 45° sideways. Shields are normally associated with a medieval Knights. The cross of Malta, represents the Cross of Christ. Through the Cross of Christ all graces of redemption were procured for mankind. This Cross and Shield represents the Catholic Spirit and Commitment of the Knights of Columbus.
 Mounted to the shield's lower field are three objects; a medieval ax standing, and an anchor and a sword crossed under it. The ax represents strong leadership, authority and an efficiently operating organization. The anchor is the symbol for Christopher Columbus, the patron of our Order, while the sword is the weapon of the Knight.
 On the top field of the Shield are the letters "K of C", meaning Knights of Columbus, representing the Knighthood of a Catholic man in our organization.  Knights lived by a code of chivalry. They were merciful in action, just in deed, fearless in battle and committed to serving God.
 The red, white, and blue in the shield and cross, are the colors of our beloved country. Red is the color of stout hearted courage, pulsating activity and devotion. Blue is the symbol of hope, the tranquility of living under God and in the protection of our country, which was established under God. White is the symbol of purpose, purity and crucible tried ideals that have been carried out.
 But these colors have also other meaning. These are Christian symbols, for which red becomes the redemptive blood of Christ, shed for all of us on the Cross. Red symbolizes our Faith, in Christ, our Savior. It is also our mission, as Catholic men and Knights, to spread and proclaim the word and deeds of Jesus Christ.
 White is the color of the Eucharistic Host. God's living presence among and in men. The Eucharist shows God's infinite love and sacrifice for man. White also symbolizes the Knights Christ-like Charity.
 Blue is the color of Our Lady's mantle, which she used to drape her beloved Son. Through whom our salvation came. Blue is then the symbol of Hope.
 So ALWAYS wear the emblem of the Order with deep Religious Conviction, Honor and Pride. Remember what it stands for and who it stands for! This emblem represents all that the knights have been and all that the knights will be. Be proud to call yourself a "Knight of Columbus"!

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 low cost life insurance program, annuities and long term health care, a job referral service, a blood bank, preferential admission to Deborah Hospital, a monthly remembrance of deceased members, prayers for sick and distressed members and their families, scholarships and student loans, membership travel card- entitling a member to visit any Council, anywhere, a feeling of self-worth thru charitable works, a truly family atmosphere, fun, social events, adult sports, golf, bowling, bus trips and the Wildwood Convention.

How to 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 Frank Bryzchy, Membership Chairman at 732-738-0888 for membership.

 4th Degree
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

Columbiettes
The Columbiettes are a unified body of Catholic women who work with the Knights of Columbus while independently working toward goals of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.

Squires 
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.