KofC History and Heritage
Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent? To bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
2025
KofC Membership
KofC Membership
(International)
Source: 2025 Annual Report of the Supreme Knight
- Total members: 2,195,915
- Total councils: 16,799
- College Knights: 34,257
- College councils: 316
- eMembers: 41,490 (185,280 since inception)
- eMembers moved to councils: 26,999 (121,426 since inception)
About Our Council
In June 1982, a group of 41 men of Holy Spirit Catholic Church formed Council 8157, Knights of Columbus. They had visions of forming an organization that would be vital to our parish. Since that time Council 8157 has been one of the cornerstones to the parish. The Council and its members are truly in the structure of all activities within the parish. From cooking, ushering, lecturing, maintenance, to what our priest and other parishioners need, they are there to help and provide guidance.
This Council has been moving and is one of the most active Councils in the Dallas Diocese. It has received recognition from National and State levels and is working on its fifth consecutive Star Council Award and it does not look like it will stop there. If you are at least 18 and a practicing Catholic in Communion with the Holy See, then we invite you to join the Knights and help our Parish and Church.
Knights of Columbus Principles
CHARITY
Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects. Our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action.
UNITY
None of us is as good as all of us. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that – together – we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together…we support one another.
FRATERNITY
Blessed Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died – often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program was born.
PATRIOTISM
Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country, and believe in standing up for both.
We Are Men On A Mission.
Knights of Columbus around the world are committed to serving their families, parishes and communities especially when it matters most.
