The Knights of Columbus is the among the world`s foremost Catholic fraternal benefit societies. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through a range of services and charitable initiatives. The Knights of Columbus is invaluable in all that they do throughout the Diocese of Venice.
The Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 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.
All the work and charity of the Knights come down to four core principles:
Charity
Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives and donating the food to local soup kitchens and food pantries, by volunteering, and by supporting, both spiritually and materially, mothers who choose life for their babies. Knights recognize that their mission, and faith in God compels them to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call they answer every day.
Unity
Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – they can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another. As a Knight of Columbus, the support and encouragement of brother Knights makes life better in their parishes and community.
Fraternity
The Venerable Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who last year gave more than 10 million hours of their time to assist sick and/or disabled members and their families. In the Knights of Columbus, they watch out for and take care of one another.
Patriotism
Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. They are proud of their devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.
