• • Charity is the first principle of the Order.
    First Degree

    Knights are followers of Christ and men of faith. As St James reminds us “faith without work is dead.”  Therefore, as Knights we are committed to charity, easing the plight of the less fortunate. 
     

  • Unity  is the second principle of the Order.
    Second Degree

    In unity there is strength. Existing in an environment that was openly hostile to Catholics, the founders of the Order relied on the strength of unity to remain steadfast in the Faith while claiming their rightful place in society. Today the Order uses that strength to speak out for religiously moral values in a culture that has forsaken them.
     

  • Fraternity  is the third principle of the Order.
    Third Degree

    In the 19th century America, life insurance was beyond the financial reach of many poor Catholics and social services did not exist. Through the Knights of Columbus men were able to band together to help one another in times of distress, sickness and death.
     

  • Patriotism  is the fourth principle of the Order.
    Fourth Degree

    One of the reasons the Order was founded was to emphasize that Catholics are proud citizens of their country. Today Fourth Degree Knights in full regalia, the visible arm of the Order, serve to witness to the values of devotion to God and country, the bedrock of patriotism.