On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that became the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose. Devoted to a holy cause, they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

Over the years, the Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. Within 14 years of its founding, the Order’s commitment to charity allowed it to endow a chair at Catholic University. It was the Knights of Columbus lobbying efforts that prompted the United States Congress to add the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. Annually, the Knights award hundreds of college scholarships and provide important support to seminarians all over the world. The Knights even paid the entire cost for the recent renovation of the façade of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order not only included the pillars of fraternity, unity, charity and patriotism, but also a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order's insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits.

The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Knights of Columbus and is responsible for the development of the organization world wide. Supreme Council duties include establishing the Order in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights' mission, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program.

At the local level, councils function as a strong right arm for priests by serving families, parishes, and communities. St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus Council 14255 was established on the 125th anniversary of the Orders foundation on March 29, 2007, with the same purpose. It has already doubled its membership, mainly because of the visible efforts of those involved.

If you are a practicing Catholic man who is at least 18 and are interested in supporting your church and community, St. Sebastian Council 14255 invites you to become a member. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month, and the Council expects to have dozens of projects and events throughout the year that will allow you to get involved and serve.

Babe Ruth joined the Knights of Columbus when he was still pitching for the Boston Red Sox. John F. Kennedy became a Knight before he was elected to the House of Representatives. Vince Lombardi joined when he was teaching Latin and physics at St. Cecilia high school. What’s stopping you? Ask a Knight for information, or contact us today. A membership representative will get in touch.