If you are a practicing Catholic gentlemen, 18 years of age or older, you are eligible to join the Knights of Columbus.  Joining is fun and easy.  Contact webmaster Rich Connor at DD43@njkofc.org for more information.  Some FAQ's are answered below.

Does it cost money to join the Knights of Columbus?  There is a small initial fee of $10 to offset the cost of the First Degree Kit.  Dues in Council 10206 are currently $25.

First Degree?  What is that?  The Knights have four levels of involvement called degrees, which are associated with the four basic principles of the Order:  Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism.  Each degree is conferred in a ceremony, commencing with the First Degree.

How long is the ceremony?  The First Degree takes about 45 minutes.  The Second degree, if taken, is usually about an hour.  The Third Degree and Fourth Degrees, if taken, are a few hours each.  The first three degrees are typically followed by refreshments and the Fourth Degree is followed by a banquet.

Aren't the Knights involved in a lot of activities?  Membership must be very time consuming.  It is true that the Knights are involved in more charitable activities than most people realize.  But individual members typically engage only in the activities that "sing" to them.  Many hands make light work!  There are no mandates - charity should spring form the heart!

Don't I have to buy life insurance from the Knights?  The Knights of Columbus has an excellent insurance program, but insurance for members is not mandatory.  We do ask that each member give the insurance agent the courtesy of a half hour meeting, but there is no "hard sell" and members who buy insurance do so because they conclude that K of C insurance is a really good deal offered by a top-flight insurer.

Aren't there a lot of meetings?  Most councils have 2 meetings per month, usually in the evening.  Occasionally, there are additional meetings to plan or hold special event.  Most meetings last from an hour to an hour and a half.

Cant I serve my parish without joining the Knights?  Yes, but the Knights serve more than their local communities.  As an international organization of 1.8 million Catholic gentlemen, the Knights serve their local communities, the State, the country, and the world.  The Knights have been major providers of relief from major natural disasters such as the damage from Hurricane Katrina and the earthquakes and Haiti.

So, we have an FAQ of our own.  What are you waiting for?