Our organization started in 1882 in New Haven, CT, by Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney. During that time of discrimination towards Catholic immigrants, families relied on their husbands and fathers for financial support. When a husband died an untimely death, the wife, who was the caregiver in the home, would be forced to work long hours to financially support the family. This would force mothers to go to work instead of taking the children to Mass, which would later lead to the children eventually leaving the faith to find support and faith in other entities. Seeing this, Fr. McGivney would gather leaders of his parish and they would discuss ways to care for the widows and orphans of the church.

We are Catholic Gentlemen. We pray together. We go to Mass together. We have fun together. Our families not only know each other, but are close friends with one another. We know at any point, we can call each other for support. We know that even after death, our Brother Knights will be there to help our families through difficult times. We hold each other to the Catholic faith, and make sure we do not fall into the temptation of evil.

What started as taking care of families at St. Mary’s parish in 1882 has grown to an international organization, focused on Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Throughout seventeen countries located on four continents, our Brothers care for the many different communities in the world. When the Twin Towers fell on that cold September morning, taking almost 3,000 lives, we were there to help families find their loved ones' bodies under the debris. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed over one million homes, we were there to help find shelter for the displaced. When a fire destroyed almost 2,000 homes in Paradise, CA, we were there to help families find their belongings and lost loved ones.

Now, many Brother Knights are on the border of Poland and Ukraine to help refugees of war. Not only have we been present to help in the events listed, we are there to help those in need everywhere.

Locally, our events and fundraisers bring us together. Our fundraising events have allowed us to help donate to Manteca Pregnancy Center, Hope Ministries Homeless Shelters, Special Olympics, and many more organizations that represent the teachings of Christ, our Lord. Each year we raise thousands of dollars, and we keep almost none of what is raised. Our priests and deacons, including our brother Knights, Fr. John Peter and Fr. Madhu, all know they can call us at any time to assist them with anything the church needs. Many city officials know that they can rely on the Knights to help with many of the events that bring families together.

Christ calls us to get out of the pews and use his teachings to help those in need. He asks us to keep to the Catholic faith and help our loved ones to grow closer to Him and grow His Holy Church. The question is, are you ready to answer the call?

To learn more, please go the Knights of Columbus website.