The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. The Knights of Columbus was begun by Father Michael J. McGivney-- Apostle to the Young, Protector of Christian Family Life and Founder of the Knights of Columbus.  For a thorough history of the Knights of Columbus, visit this History site.  Visit the Father McGivney Guild, sign up to become a member free of charge, and support the effort for his Sainthood.  Click on the link to visit his site:  http://www.fathermcgivney.org

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, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance programs of permanent plans, term plans, annuities, and long term care, and many more family and personal benefits.  Presently, the field agent assigned to our part of the Shenandoah Valley is Mr. Bill Walsh.   Please contact him with any questions by clicking on the window below.  To become more familiar with the benefits of the insurance programs that the Knights of Columbus has to offer, click on this link for an in-depth view of the plans.  

Being a member of the local Council can afford you the opportunity to do fraternal projects, such as:  being involved in KOVAR (Knights Of Virginia Assisting the Retarded), other charity projects for those in need, Church and community work, working with the youth of the parish, and enjoying  family 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. Any eligible man interested in joining the Knights of Columbus may contact any of the officers of the council or stop by Knights Hall after the 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM Mass on Sundays for coffee, good company, and an opportunity to speak with a Knight about membership. Our Membership Committee is composed of GK Larry Kreitzer, PGK Gerry Hrastar, Frank Caesar, and PGK John Little.  You can click on the Officers page to find their email addresses.  

 
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.  The Fourth Degree Assembly that serves the area of Woodstock is the Father Robert O. Hickman Assembly #1883.

The Ladies Auxiliary, who are known as the "KC Ladies", have as their main function, the  SUPPORT of the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, assist in cooking for events, and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.  The "KC Ladies" are a small but growing group of individuals serving God, helping the Knights of Columbus, our Church, and our community. During the school term, any wife, or widow, of a Knight who is interested in joining the KC Ladies, can meet after the 10:30 Sunday morning Mass in the Knights Hall, where there will be snacks and coffee. Please stop by and speak with them.  During the summer season, contact the Grand Knight of Council 9002.     Jan Cain, President

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.  At present, our council 
                       does not have a Squires organization in formation.

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