Founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, curate at St. Marys Parish in New Haven, CT. As the priest explained to a small group of men, his purpose for calling them together was manifold: To help Catholic men remain steadfast in their faith through mutual encouragement, to promote closer ties of fraternity among them, to set up an elementary system of insurance so that the widows and children of members in the group who might die would not find themselves in dire financial straits.
The founder and first officers of the fledging organization chose the name Knights of Columbus. They felt as a Catholic group it should relate to Christopher Columbus, the Catholic who discovered, explored and colonized the North American continent.
The group has blossomed into an international society of more than 1.5 million Catholic men plus their families, in more than 10,000 councils, who have dedicated themselves to the ideals of Columbianism: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
Our local council #452 which reorganized in 1997, was started in 1899 and celebrated their 100th anniversary on October 10, 1999 at which time they dedicated a monument to the unborn which is located in the front lawn of the rectory, under our flag pole.
The Knights provide scholarships, help our church, school and community. to keep the Faith and to spread it! This has been a guiding principle of the Knights of Columbus. Any man 18 years or older who lives up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church is eligible to join. Local Council 452 meets the first and third Monday of each month at Reschini Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in membership may contact Frank McSteen, Grand Knight, at 618-5044.