A Third Degree Knight of Columbus is a full member who has completed the Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, representing the core principles of the Order. As a “Knighthood Degree” member, they are eligible to hold local council offices, vote on business, and progress to the patriotic Fourth Degree.
- Full Membership: Attaining the Third Degree is considered becoming a full “Knighthood” member.
- Principles: The degree focuses on the three core virtues of the order: Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.
- Privileges: Third Degree Knights can serve as officers in their local council, vote in council meetings, and attend state/supreme meetings.
- Progression: Members in good standing, after one year, are eligible to take the Fourth Degree (Patriotic Degree), becoming a “Sir Knight”.
- Requirements: A member must be a practicing Catholic in union with the Holy See.
Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need, 29-year-old Father Michael McGivney gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881.
His vision: a lay-led group to unite Catholic men and help families of deceased members.
To demonstrate their patriotism as well as their faith, the first Knights took Christopher Columbus — regarded as an American hero, despite his Catholicism — as their namesake. Their founding principles were charity and unity (fraternity and patriotism would be added later).
The Knights of Columbus assumed corporate status on March 29, 1882, an anniversary our Order recognizes as Founder’s Day.
Our Mission
The Knights of Columbus empowers Catholic men to live their faith and serve their family, parish, community and country.
Our Vision
Founded by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is the premier lay Catholic men’s organization. Guided by the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, we build lifelong relationships with our members and families. We are multigenerational and international. We offer formation, mutual aid and financial security to members through our charity, products and outreach. We aspire to invite every Catholic man to join the Knights of Columbus and to extend our charitable reach as widely as possible.
JOIN US
Become a member of the world’s largest Catholic men’s fraternal organization.
The Emblem of the Order
The Knights of Columbus Third Degree emblem, or "Emblem of the Order," designed by first Supreme Knight James T. Mullen, symbolizes Catholic knighthood through a shield mounted on a Formée cross.
It features a fasces (unity), anchor (Columbus), and sword (charity/mercy), representing strength through unity in charity. The colors (red, white, blue) and symbols reflect virtues of courage, faith, and hope.
Core Meaning and Symbols
The Shield (Medieval): Symbolizes the protection of a knight, representing Catholic knighthood.
Formée Cross: An artistic representation of the cross of Christ, signifying that all redemption comes through Him.
Fasces (Bundle of rods): Represents the "Strength through Unity" of the organization.
Anchor: Represents Christopher Columbus, the patron of the Order.
Short Sword (Dagger): Symbolizes the knight’s commitment to charity, mercy, and protection.
Letters K of C: Represent the Knighthood of Catholic men.