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 29, 1882, officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.
The Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
The history of the Order shows how the foresight of Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's foremost Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order has helped families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and has contributed time and energy worldwide to service in communities.
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.
Knights are practicing Catholic men, at least 18 years of age with a commitment of helping their community become a better place. Camaraderie is a big part of being a Knight as well as support for the Church, community involvement and enhancing family life and your own faith.
The Saints Philip & James Council #14102 of the Knights of Columbus meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the parish hall. Meetings are generally an hour and are followed with light refreshments and conversation. Our Council Chaplain is Fr. Ambrose Arralde, O.P. Our current Grand Knight is Tim Maxwell.
The Saints Philip & James Council conducts programs in the following areas: Church support, Community, Pro Life, and Family and Youth. Members of our Council are involved in hundreds of hours of activity annually including visiting the sick and bereaved, donating blood, serving at Mass, community service, youth service, Habitat for Humanity, and more.
The Knights lead a Rosary at 10:00am on Sundays (before the 10:30am Mass each week), and contribute time and effort to the food pantry hosted by the church on Thursdays. The Knights also host a baby bottle fundraiser campaign to support a local pregnancy resource center.
To learn more about our council visit our website HERE.