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.

Here insert a paragraph or two about the benefits of being a member of your local council: Church Activities, Youth Activities, Family Activities, Community Service and Council Activities.

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.

For information on becoming a Knight, please contact the membership chairman, Eric Chifriller.

 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his FirstDegree, 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.

Knights belonging to the Msgr. Fitzpatrick Council who have achieved 3rd Degree and wish to become a 4th  Degree Knight can submit paperwork to the Bishop O'Connor Assembly. The Exemplification Ceremony for 4th Degree is held once a year in April at the Hilton in Parsippany. For information about becoming a 4th Degree Knight, please contact Anthony Miele, PFN, PGK.

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.

Squire Roses

The Squire Roses were established in 1996 under the leadership Mr. Russ DeRose and the Virginia State Council, Knights of Columbus. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.

The Monsignor Fitzpatrick Council is currently undergoing the necessary steps to establish Squires and Squire Roses circles for the Corpus Christi Parish. More information will be available as we progress forward. A separate Columbian Squires website will be established with the details pertaining to the circles and their respective officers.