Why is Knights of Columbus secret?

Answer 1

The Knights of Columbus are not considered a Secret Society because the only thing about them that is kept secret is their initiation ceremonies, called Degrees. These, however, are kept secret so as to help make the person who is being initiated feel more special. The K of C were created thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, (1852-1890) assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven,CT 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.

A candidate becomes a full Knight after taking his Third Degree. The First and Second Degrees are often done on the same day. The Third Degree is often done by itself. After six months, a member can then take his Fourth Degree, the last step in Knighthood, All degrees are voluntary.

In order of Degrees taken, Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism are the four main principles of the Order. Each degree can best be described as a dramatic presentation on these principles. They are nothing to be afraid of. However, to describe them in this forum would be to lessen their effect. To join the Knights, find a local Council or go to the website: (listed below). The Knights of Columbus are 1.8 million strong. They are a Catholic, Family, Fraternal organization. They also provide life insurance to their members and families with 80 billion dollars of insurance in force. To join you must be a male practicing Catholic, 18 or over.

Young men 10 to 18 can join the Columbian Squires.