The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.8 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

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

 
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. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

  
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year 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.

Dear Catholic Men 

I am writing to ask you to consider joining your local Knight of Columbus Council 279. I joined the Knight’s because I wanted to grow in my faith, help people in need, and do activities that helped to support our churches in Burlington. I am asking you join our council and hope you can benefit in helping the Knight’s with all that we do in the Community. The activities of the Knights of Columbus are centered around support for Church, Community, Family, Youth, and Culture of Life. We support programs like our nationally recognized Boxes of Love event for the homeless on church street. Through the Boxes of Love program, we collect and distribute items that are helpful for the homeless during the winter. Recently, our council conducted a Food Drive to assist families in need during the coronavirus pandemic and collected over 1000 lbs. of donations. Our council also supports the program for Keeping Christ in Christmas and displays the signs you see around Burlington at Christmas time. Having you as a member of #279 will make us a stronger council enabling us to continue great programs like these. Joining the Knights of Columbus is not a large commitment of your time, but it is an opportunity to help you maintain and or grow your faith, as well as support your parish and community in a charitable and meaning way when you are able. Who are the Knights? The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal benefit society. It is the largest lay organization in the Roman Catholic Church. The core principles of Knights of Columbus are Charity, Unity, Fraternity, & Patriotism. How do you join? There are only three prerequisites to joining the Knights of Columbus: 1) You must be male 2) You must be at least 18 years old 3) You must be a practical Catholic (practical meaning practicing/living out the faith) Upon satisfying all these requirements, you can contact any of the Knights (membership list on front) and express your interest to join. They can answer (or find the answer) to any questions that you may have and help to direct you to the proper channels to join. The Knights operate on a degree standard - first through fourth. Knights may progress through the degrees as they are able and willing. Degree ceremonies are held on a regular basis throughout the year so there is no specific time of year that you need to join, and you can even join online! Whenever you feel the calling works! If you don't meet the requirement you can still volunteer to help us at any of our events and functions. We welcome you to join us in lending a hand. Thank you for your time. David A. Ely II DeGoesbriand Council 279 Chancellor/ Membership Director 175 Elmwood Ave Burlington VT, 05401 Phone Number 802-862-5109 Email Davidely1986@gmail.com