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Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to
practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who shall not be less than
18 years of age on their last birthday. 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. Every knight is happy to propose
eligible Catholic men for consideration as members.
Acceptance of the applicant
depends upon a vote of the members of the subordinate council in which he is
making application.
All priests and religious brothers
having duly made application for membership and participated in the
ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from
payment of dues.
Application for membership must be
made through the council in the community nearest the applicant's place of
residence. Interested prospects without a permanent domicile, such as men
temporarily away from home through duty in the armed forces, may make
application through their hometown council or at the nearest council on a military
base.
If favorably voted upon, the
applicant becomes a member by initiation known as the First Degree. He
subsequently is advanced through the Second Degree and the Third Degree.
There are modest initiation fees
and dues set by subordinate councils under regulations established by the
Supreme Council. The insurance privileges are available to all members who
can qualify, which represents an important advantage of membership. For men
in every walk of life the name Knights of Columbus engenders the image of a united
organization, efficiently going about it tasks of charity, unity, fraternity,
patriotism and defense of the priesthood. It is composed of men who are
giving unselfishly of their time and talents in service of God and their
country.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus provides
opportunity for wholesome association with congenial companions who are,
first of all, practical Catholic gentlemen. It offers the opportunity for
fellowship with those who are of the same belief, who recognize the same duty
to God, to family and to neighbor and who stand side by side in defense of
those beliefs. Programs are so organized as to appeal to the individual
interest of the members. Through many constructive activities of Christian
fraternity, members are enabled to render service to their Church, their
country and their fellowman. Through membership they develop a consciousness
of their ability to lead and to assist.
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