Knights of Columbus Council 6020

Membership/Join Us

We were founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, the pastor of St. Mary's in New Haven, CT. The state of Connecticut officially chartered the order on March 29, 1882. Today, the Knights have over 1.8 million members, and we are the largest men's Catholic fraternal organization in the world.

We are founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity. As Knights, we are able to provide assistance and support to members and their families whenever needed. As fathers and husbands, serving our families is not only part of what we do; it is part of who we are. To that end, Knights of Columbus Councils offer programs that strengthen family and marital bonds by holding numerous family focused events, including the "Family of the Month" program that honors our outstanding families.

As Knights, our faith is our foundation. Dedicated to the Catholic Church’s growth and her good works, we support religious outreach, promote vocations, and provide financial support for seminarians and postulates. This way, we help support our Church and strengthen our personal faith.

As committed as we are to the Catholic Church, so are we to our communities. By actively and financially supporting Special Olympics, by leading the charge in pro-life, or by safeguarding the environment, Knights of Columbus members all over the world have helped countless communities prosper.

Our Council was instituted on December 30, 1967. We serve St. Bonaventure and St. Vincent de Paul parishes by helping with the Parish Fiesta, Lenten fish fry’s and other family events. We invite all men of the parish to join us. The parish needs your help, and we need your help. We know you are busy, but WILL YOU GIVE BACK A FEW HOURS A YEAR TO HELP? Will you help one hour with a pancake breakfast, a lenten fish fry or the parish fiesta?

BECOME A KNIGHT

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference.

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

Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.

Our annual dues are ONLY $44.00

Membership Benefits

COLUMBIA MAGAZINE – Free subscription to the Order’s monthly magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.

KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS ROSARY – Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the First Degree exemplification to each new member.

DAILY MASS OF REMEMBRANCE AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH – Mass for deceased members and their wives, and deceased members of the Squires program, at birthplace of the Order.

INSURANCE – Portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care, and annuity products exclusively for members and their families.

FAMILY FRATERNAL BENEFIT – For eligible families: a) Pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) Pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) Offers guaranteed-issue insurance up to $5,000 to any child under age 18.

ORPHAN BENEFIT – $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available.

MEMBER/SPOUSE FRATERNAL BENEFIT – Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost.

WIDOW BENEFITS – a) Continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) May purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance, or annuities up to one year after insured member’s death; c) Receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) Eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.

SCHOLARSHIPS – Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organization skills, etc.

FOURTH DEGREE – Eligibility to join the “Patriotic Degree.”

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Age 70 with 25 years of membership.

MEMBERSHIP CARD – Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in nearly 13,000 councils throughout the world.

ACTIVITIES – FAMILY/YOUTH/RELIGIOUS/SOCIAL/ATHLETIC – Participation in a variety of programs and activities conducted by local councils.

Our eight-page Overview Booklet (pdf, 415k) gives additional information about what it means to be a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Our "Who Are These Men Called Knights Knights Booklet (pdf, 335k) gives additional information about the Knights of Columbus.

Email us for more information.

Fourth Degree

Any Third Degree member in good standing, six months after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

More information on 4th Degree please click here.

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It is at the parish level and in support of parish priests that the Knights of Columbus will continue to make its mark on the Church. That was the commitment Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson made to more than 100 priests and bishops from throughout Connecticut who were guests of honor at a banquet hosted by the Supreme Council on Founder’s Day, March 29. “This year, in honor of the parish priest who was our founder [Father Michael J. McGivney], the Knights of Columbus pledges to increase the vitality and spirituality that will help our parishes become the leading edge of a renewed and energetic Catholic Church,” said Anderson.

How to Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.