About the Knights of Columbus
In 1882, Blessed Michael McGivney, a young parish priest in New Haven, Connecticut, founded
the Knights of Columbus to serve the needs of a largely immigrant Catholic community. What
began as a small fraternal benefit society has since grown into the world’s premier lay Catholic
men’s organization, with more than 2.1 million members in over 16,800 local councils. As
members of one of the world’s leading international charitable organizations, Knights around the
world donated more than 47 million service hours and over $190 million for worthy causes in
their communities in 2023. The Knights of Columbus also offers a range of life insurance
products to members and their families. Knights of Columbus Insurance currently has more than
$123 billion* of life insurance in force. In addition, the organization offers investment services in
accord with Catholic social teaching through its wholly owned subsidiary, Knights of Columbus
Asset Advisors, which holds more than $29 billion** in assets under management. Based on the
founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus is committed to
strengthening Catholic families and parishes, and to practicing faith in action through service to
all in need. To learn more or to join the Knights of Columbus, please visit kofc.org/join.
The mission of the Knights of Columbus California is to support our Chapters, Districts, Assemblies, and Councils within our area. Each Council within their respective Districts support their priest, parishioners, and community by providing support and sharing their time, and talents while serving the spiritual, liturgical, educational and social needs of all God’s people.
The Knights of Columbus in California has 6 Engagement Teams, 16 Chapters, 176 Districts, 134 Assemblies, 724 Councils and more than 82,000 members.