Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney in 1882 at St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and now the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization, the Knights of Columbus have over 1.6 million members in twelve countries. The Knights provide members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, communities, families and young people. The Knights offer mutual aid and assistance to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. The Knights promote social and intellectual fellowship among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, and relief works.

The St. Mary Parish Knights Council was founded in June 2002 largely through the efforts of Past District Deputy Ray Carney and Past Grand Knight Edmond Naman. The Council actively supports our priests, our fellow parishioners, our school teachers and staff, our youth, and the community at large.

Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and

snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -
by the Divine Power of God -
cast into hell, Satan and all the evil spirits,
who roam throughout the world

seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

The St. Mary Knights Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the 1st Thursday of each month. We have a business meeting followed by fellowship "for the good of the Order."

As a member of the Knights of Columbus, you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine and eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program.

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. To become a member of the Knights in the First Degree, an applicant must complete a short written application and undergo an initiation. We also welcome men who are already Knights and want to transfer to our council.

To obtain information about joining the Knights, contact Grand Knight Charlie Ingram (605-2255), Deputy Grand Knight Chris Carroll (652-1136) or Chancellor Robert Cummings (382-8824), mail us a letter at P.O. Box 1348, Mobile, AL 36633, or send a fax to 650-2060.

The St. Mary Parish KofC Ladies Auxiliary supports the Knights. Although many members of the Auxiliary are the wives of Knights, any woman of the parish may participate in the Auxiliary.