WHO
CAN BECOME A KNIGHT? 
Membership

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.
Organized Columbianism,
united behind the individual Knight of Columbus, provides the power of an intelligent, alert body of
Catholic men--a strength which the individual by himself cannot achieve.
The Knights of
Columbus has a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man can share in that heritage and build an
even greater future by affiliating himself with this forceful, effective body.

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The Patriotic 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. Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree
members in the local council to remain in good standing.
Certain members of the
Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity which has brought
worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus organization.
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Contacting Council
12003(Membership queries, requests for information concerning website, etc)
If you are within the local area (Sault
Ste. Marie) you may contact us by telephone. If you e-mail us please enter your name and
telephone number or e-mail address so that we can contact you with information. If you are
outside of Council 12003's jurisdiction, your request for information will be forwarded to the
nearest Knights of Columbus council. Our telephone number at the Council is (705)
949-4937. If no one is there to handle your call immediately, please leave a message on the
answering machine and your call will be returned promptly.