Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by the growing fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice, and dangerous factory working conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization to persuade Catholic men against entering secret societies antithetical to Church teaching, uniting Catholic men, and helping families of deceased members.
To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus – recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America – as their patron. The Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29. In addition to the Order’s benefits, Catholic men were drawn to the Knights because of its emphasis on serving one’s Church, community, and family with virtue. Fraternity and patriotism were added to the Knights’ founding principles of charity and unity in 1885 and 1900, respectively.
Little Falls, Council No. 220 was instituted on May 2, 1897. Charity is at the heart of our work. For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a variety of projects. Our commitment to charitable service is just one of the many ways we express our Catholic faith. We’re here to build a bridge to what matters. Our principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism serve as the basis of the Order’s core values of Integrity, Excellence, and Respect.
For inquiries please call Bob Peters at (315) 429-8099 or visit the Knights of Columbus website at kofc.org.