Roots of Our Mission

September 11, 2011 marked the 10 Year Anniversary of the 9-11 tragedy and the 1st Knights of Columbus Patriot's Day Run. The Patroit Day Run will continue to remind us patriots of our past but also help us respond to the growing need we have to support the men and women who serve us and make our freedom possible. A small group of Knights voluneteered to make this event a reality...with hope that it will grow and grow!

Who are the Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus were founded by the Servant of God, Fr. Michael J. McGiveny, March of 1882 in Connecticut, to support the poor and needy of St. Mary's Church and the surrounding community. It is a charitable Catholic men's group devoted to service: "Service to one. In Service to all." The Order is founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

The Knights were formed to render financial aid to fellow Knights 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 Knights are servants to the world, guided and inspired by the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Church.

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

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan

In a special way the Fourth Degree Assembly is committed to Patriotism. We Knights are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both. Whether its in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations. The Knights of Columbus in America has served our Armed Forces all the way back to the beginning and continue to. It is because of this that we pray and hope that these Patriot Day events may be another way that we can seek to support and pay back those who have and continue to support, protect and defend us every day.