The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut.

Today, more than a century later, at 1.76 million members in North America, the Caribbean, the Philippines and now in Europe the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church.

The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by Popes, Presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

Our record of charitable giving speaks for itself:

• $149 million given to charity last year *New Order Record (representing 55% of all fraternal donations)
• 69 million man-hours of charitable activities last year *New Order Record (representing 90% of all fraternal hours given)
• $1.3 billion & 570 million man-hours donated in the past decade, alone!
• Over $10 Million Donated for Hurricane Katrina Relief.
• Over $1 million annually given to Holy Father from Vicarius Christi Fund ($45+ million since 1981) for distribution to charity.
• $1 million donated to Special Olympics annually.
• $40+ million given to support vocations.
• We are United in Charity through our international 501(c)3.
• Local council are subordinate of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council and the Nebraska State Council.

Our Mission

CHARITY, UNITY, FRATERNITY, AND PATRIOTISM

Knights of Columbus are Catholic gentlemen committed to the exemplification of charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism, and defense of the priesthood.

The Order is consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Order is unequivocal in its loyalty to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defense of the family. It was on these bedrock principles that the Order was founded over a century ago and remains true to them today. 

Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included establishing a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members.  

The Order's insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. 

Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's.  

Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's.  

If you want to join this great organization of Catholic men, it is likely that there is a local council near you or call (402) 884-4177. 

There you will find brother Knights working to fulfill the central mission of the Order: striving in charitable works; serving the Church and unified in following its teachings; supporting brother Knights in their temporal and spiritual needs; acting for the good of their country; and giving aid to widows, orphans, the sick and the poor.

This is Father McGivney's dream, echoing across the century, and living today in the hearts of his brothers and all of those they touch. 

Vivat Jesus! 

Knights of Columbus Supreme Council 
Nebraska Knights of Columbus