FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What does online membership to the Knights of Columbus mean?
The Online Membership initiative was designed to allow eligible Catholic men to join the Knights of Columbus online, through a streamlined process. Online Membership offers a digital membership experience, which helps one to grow as a Catholic man and a Knight.
In addition, members who join online can choose the projects they want to be involved in within their own community. They will receive regular updates from their state council regarding news and events in their area and be presented with frequent opportunities to work alongside brother Knights in local councils. Online members may at any point transition to local council membership, allowing them to move through the degree system.
2. What kind of digital experience can an online member expect?
Online members will have access to an exclusive members-only portal through which they can manage their membership and interact with valuable content that will help them to grow in faith and to get involved in their communities.
3. What are the requirements to join the Knights of Columbus?
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
4. What is a practical Catholic?
A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.
5. If someone joins online, is he joining a local Knights of Columbus council?
No, he is not. When one joins online, he will not belong to a local council at first. Instead, he becomes a member of the Knights of Columbus state division in his state of residence.
6. Can one join a local council instead?
Yes. Council-based membership is another way to be part of the Knights of Columbus. Prospective members can join local councils just as they always have. Members who joined online can transition to local council membership at any point. Transferring involves completing a membership form (Form #100) and going through the council admissions process. This includes meeting with council leaders and taking the First Degree ceremonial.
7. How does online membership differ from membership in a local council?
Men who joined online are members of the Knights of Columbus who have not yet taken a First Degree or been admitted to a local council. They are members of the Knights of Columbus state division in their state of residence.
Like all members of the Knights of Columbus, online members have exclusive ability to purchase top-quality life, disability income, and long-term care insurance products as well as retirement annuities available only to Knights and their families. In addition, they will have access to free accidental death benefit (age restrictions apply) and a free monthly subscription to Columbia, the award-winning magazine that examines issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.
Finally, online members may attend select local and state council events which are promoted by their state division.
8. What are the membership dues/fees for members who join online?
Dues are currently $30.00 per year across all jurisdictions. Dues are paid online to the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and they cover both the member’s state and supreme membership fees. If a member transfers to a local council, the dues are pro-rated to that council. Debit cards and credit cards are accepted as methods of payment by the Supreme Council.
9. Why and how did the Online Membership initiative come about?
The Online Membership initiative is the result of several years of research and reflection by the Supreme Council, which engaged state and local council leaders, as well as prospective members, through surveys and focus groups. This process identified several membership goals, including developing a new way to introduce men to the activities of the Knights that would strengthen and benefit all councils and members.