Potomac Council 9259
   •   18825 Fuller Heights Rd.   •    Triangle, VA  22172   •    703-670-3757   •   

Serving the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Community

Why Join the Knights of Columbus?

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.

Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, "Why Join?"

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For an inspiring look at what it means to be part of the Knights of Columbus, see the video introduction, "In Service to One. In Service to All" (running time, 30 seconds).

Our eight-page Overview Booklet (pdf, 415k) gives additional information about what it means to be a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Hear what Knights have to say in their own words about their membership in the world's largest Catholic family service organization. "Experience of a Lifetime" (running time, 14 min.).

How to Join

If you are a practical Catholic man, age 18 or older, we welcome you to join the leading organization of Catholic laymen.

Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.

Contact us in any of the following ways;

• e-mail our membership director, John Negron (clicking on the name will create an e-mail to him)

• Contact a Knight you know, or one you see at an event

• Call the Grand Knight, Dan Sullivan at 703-670-6858

Membership Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
2. What are the requirements?
3. What is a practical Catholic?
4. Explain what Degrees are.
5. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?

1. I don't have time to join another organization; why should I join the Knights of Columbus?
As a Knight you can choose the projects with which you wish to be involved in within your own community. What is more, the Order is dedicated to family life and the many benefits it offers. From insurance to scholarships to service and social activities and programs, all are open to the whole family.

2. What are the requirements?
Membership requirements are that he be a practical Catholic gentleman, who is 18 years of age or older.

3. What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic is one who is in union with the Holy See and who practices the precepts of the Catholic Church.

4. Explain what Degrees are.
There are four degrees within the Knights of Columbus. Each degree ceremony imparts a lesson on the Order's core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

5. Do I have to purchase Insurance to become a member?
No; unlike many fraternal organizations one does not become a member by purchasing insurance. In the Knights of Columbus a man has to be a member before he may avail himself of the insurance benefit. Purchasing insurance is optional, however; the life insurance and long-term care insurance products offered by the Order are not only competitively priced, they are among the most solid and highly rated products available anywhere. Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best, the leading independent agencies that rate insurance companies, give K of C insurance their highest ratings.

4th degree

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.