Knights of Columbus

Late-19th century, Connecticut was marked by the growing fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory working conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, gathered a group of men at his parish on October 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies antithetical to Church teaching, uniting Catholic men and helping families of deceased members.

Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of more than 1.7 million members. Its membership is open to Catholic men at least 18 years of age. The K of C is dedicated to the welfare and growth of the Catholic Church, to community organizations such as the Gabriel Project, Alpha Pregnancy, and to supporting "the fundamental right to life." The council offers programs that help strengthen family and marital bonds and support Catholic education. They are committed to fostering a supportive fraternal bond among members..