Start a Council

Build Your Brotherhood

Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights to bring Catholic men together in service to their local parish and community. Today, our councils bring that vision to life. Rooted in parish life, councils form men in faith and put that faith into action through leadership and service wherever there’s a need.

We’re here to support you as you start your new council, and we look forward to seeing it grow.

How to Start a Council

1. Talk to Your Pastor

It’s crucial to speak with your pastor if you want to establish a council in your parish. He’ll be an important partner as you bring the men of your parish together. Ask him how a council could support his ministry and how you can work together to spread the word and recruit members.

2. Contact us

Submit an inquiry under “New Council Development” through the Contact Us form, linked below. We’ll put you in touch with Knights of Columbus leadership from your state or province, who will help you navigate the ins and outs of forming a council.

3. Recruit Men

You need at least 30 men to start a new council, and all of you need to first join the Knights, which can be done online . Your contact at the local leadership level will also help your group undergo the exemplification ceremony, which is another requirement to joining — or forming — a council.

Most new councils take three to six months to start. It takes work, but you’ll have support and mentorship along the way.

Next Steps

Once you’ve recruited members and established your council, you can:

Elect officers
Choose programs to participate in
Start serving your community and building brotherhood

Need Help?

Select “New Council Development” on the Contact Us form, and our team will be in touch.