Who can be
a Knight?
Catholic men who are 18 or older.
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What are
the different degrees?
Knights have four different principles or "degrees" as they are
commonly called. These four principles are Charity, Unity,
Fraternity, and Patriotism. Each principle is presented to members
as a degree of membership. For example, men just joining the Knights
of Columbus become "First Degree" Knights while focusing on Charity.
We encourage all Knights to obtain higher level degrees as soon as
possible after the First Degree. The Fourth Degree, Patriotism,
requires a one year waiting period after a Knight first joins the
Knights of Columbus.
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How did you
pick the name "Knights of Columbus"?
When the Knights of Columbus were formed in 1882, they selected
Christopher Columbus as the namesake for the organization. For many
members of that council, America was a new world. Columbus was well
known as a strong Catholic gentleman who was brave and bold.
Columbus was knighted by the King and Queen of Spain, a Catholic
monarchy, who also financed his expeditions to the "new world." The
concept of Knights came out of using Columbus as a model.
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How many
people belong to the Knights of Columbus?
There are 1.7 million members worldwide. In Ontario
there are over 510 Councils and close
to 57,000 members. Our local council has about
60 members.
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What do you
do?
The Knights of Columbus are an active part of our church, Catholic
education, and our community.
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What does
it cost to join?
There is no charge to become a member. Members do pay annual dues.
Dues go to support the ongoing operation of the council and our
fundraising activities.
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What is
Honorary Life Member?
After 25 years of membership, and age 65, members are considered
"Honorary Life Members."
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What is a
Life Member?
After 25 years of membership, and age 70, members are considered
"Life Members."
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Where do
you meet?
Our council chambers are in the St. Vincent de Paul Parish Hall,
Mitchell. This is where our monthly business meetings are held.
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What are
your activities?
Please refer to our
Activities
page for details of the various activities in which our council
participates.
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Is there a
time commitment required of members?
No. We like to have our members participate in at least one activity
and attend one business meeting each year, but there is no time
commitment.
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I am not
sure I have time right now to join.
Some potential members want to really jump in if they join. However,
they think about waiting until "things slow down." A creed of the
Knights of Columbus is: "Life is short, remember death." There is no
time like the present to join the Knights of Columbus!
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