Knights of Columbus Council 12164
About Us
Thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St Mary’s Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners, the Connecticut state legislature on March 29th, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Knights of Columbus was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Assistance is rendered to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social, intellectual, and spiritual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity, and long-term care programs. The Knights are committed to contribute service, time, and energy to communities all around the world.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan.
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.