Council Membership

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.8 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

First and foremost, being a member of the Knights of Columbus is all about being a practical Catholic – a man who participates in his parish and practices his faith in union with the Holy See. Our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, saw the need and founded a group of men who would be dedicated to the principles of our Mother Church and willing to help their fellow man in time of need – a Knight in the truest sense.

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 life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is an opportunity to become involved with other Catholic gentlemen and families for both service-oriented activities and fundraisers for various local charities. Membership also provides an opportunity to come together and interact socially in various council activities. New members are encouraged to become involved in an activity or committee right away when they join. The sooner that they meet other brother knights, the sooner they have an opportunity to find out more about the council, what we do, and ways in which we can be of assistance in our Church, in our community, and our families.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. 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. We invite you to consider joining the Knights of Columbus. If you are interested in joining the Knights of Columbus, please give us a call at (574) 234-9800 or e-mail us at info@kofc553.

Any Third Degree member in good standing, six months after the anniversary of his 1st Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the 4th 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"). Please visit our 4th Degree page on this website.

Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events. If you would like more information about the Ladies Auxiliary, please give us a call at (574) 234-9800.

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.