Join K of C Council 5268

Come Join Us

Do You?
Wish to become a member of the Knights of Columbus?

Are you already a Knight but wish to transfer to our council?
Desire some information regarding membership in the Knights of Columbus?
Are a former member interested in rejoining the Knights of Columbus?
Click >>HERE<< to email our Council's Membership Director

or
Click >>HERE<< to download a PDF fill in form of our Council's MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Continue reading below to find out more details about membership in the Knights of Columbus.

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE KNIGHTS:
          Since 1882, membership in the Knights of Columbus has been open to men 18 years of age or older who are "practical" (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. Since that time, the Knights of Columbus has understood "practical catholic" to mean a Catholic who accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

          The above paragraph is pasted directly from the web page of the supreme council of the Knights of Columbus which is the parent organization for all Knights of Columbus councils. By signing our council’s membership application that you can download from the link provided above you are attesting that you meet these requirements.

ADMISSION CEREMONY
          Once our council’s admission committee has reviewed and approved your membership application you will be invited to participate in an admission ceremony which is called our exemplification ceremony. This ceremony, which began in 2020 is a major change from the three-degree levels of membership that were conducted by the Knights from its formation in 1882 up until 2020. So, forget about what you thought was involved in Knight admission ceremonies and read this information supplied in Q&A format from the supreme council about the new exemplification ceremony. Our council conducts periodic live parish site exemplifications, or we will invite you to take your exemplification online depending on your preference.

Why have these changes been made?
          The future of our Order depends upon growth, and to grow, we need a way to join that is inviting and accessible. The new combined ceremony removes the barriers of secrecy and commitment of time that inhibited many from joining our ranks. It also eliminates redundancies and presents the lessons of charity, unity and fraternity in a more clear and convincing way.

What is the difference between the new degree exemplification and the old ceremonies?
          Instead of having separate closed-door ceremonies, all three degrees can now be conferred in a single ceremony held in the parish, or in a council chamber.

Who can attend the new degree exemplification?
         The new ceremony (live or online) is open to guests, including the family and friends of current and new Knights

Should First and Second-Degree members participate?
          Encourage First- and Second-Degree members to participate in the Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. These members should also be invested with a rosary and lapel pin, even though they received them at their First-Degree ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, they are Third Degree members.

Are online members allowed to participate?
          Online members can participate and then transfer into your council. The transfer details can be handled afterwards. If an online member wishes to remain in the Online Division (Council), his wishes should be respected.

There is no pledge of secrecy in this ceremony. How do members handle the promises they made during the original ceremonials?
          Promises made in previous ceremonies should be honored.

Will knighting be conducted using a sword?
          Knighting with a sword will be reserved for Exemplification of Patriotism, when the member becomes a “Sir Knight.”
            So, you have read above that the Knights of Columbus has streamlined, and we believe improved, the process of having men join our ranks. The Exemplification of Patriotism and “Sir Knight” (a.k.a. The Patriotic Degree) designation is separate from councils. Over 20 Knights in our council are also “Sir Knights” and belong to our local 4th degree Assembly #. Of the over 2 million Knights about 330,000 are also “Sir Knights” as reported at the 2021 supreme Knight’s annual convention. Our membership director can supply you with contact information for Assembly # here in Excelsior.

COUNCIL ADMISSION PROCESS:
1. If you are a seeking a new membership in the Knights or are a member of another council wishing to transfer to our council or an online member wishing to join our council contact our membership director and download and complete our council’s membership application (go to top of this page for links).
2. Once your application is approved by our admission committee you will be contacted to take your exemplification (admission ceremony) either online or in a live ceremony at our parish. Transfer-in members and online members who have already taken their exemplification ceremony do not have to take another exemplification.
3. Once you have taken your exemplification you will receive a temporary membership card and pay your initial council dues. Our $35 annual council dues are billed annually for existing members in November and payable by January 31. In our annual dues billings, we ask members to pay up to $20 or more in additional optional dues. We use these funds to cover membership fees for members who have requested dues waivers.

Come Join Us

Join K of C Council 5268

About The Knights

Quick Links