The Knights of Columbus are Catholic men, age 18 years and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting the Church.

The Knights of Columbus has 9,500 members and 89 different councils in Maine, stretching from Fort Kent to Kittery and Eastport to Rumford. The organization also has more than 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Philippines, Guam and Saipan.

The Knights got its start in October 1881, when a small group of men met in the basement of a church in New Haven, Connecticut. The fraternal organization was formed by Father Michael J. McGivney who, at age 29, was looking for a way to strengthen religious faith and help the community while, at the same time, giving financial stability to its members. The latter included establishing an insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. Father McGivney is now being considered for sainthood because of his holiness, his devotion to priestly ministry and his work to protect families.
Last year alone, the Knights donated more than $125 million and more than 60 million volunteer hours to charitable causes.

If you would like to learn more about the Knights of Columbus and its work, contact State Membership Director Phil Lizotte at 985-7049 or State Deputy Dale Voisine by going to the Maine State Council website: www.mainekofc.org