Membership Information

Who Are The Knights?

Knights in ParadeThe Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization, with 1.7 million members as of 2005. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church and their communities. We encourage all of our members and their families to participate in any worthwhile activity that benefits others.

Membership Benefits

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine; eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program; and many others. Loyalty Council #2661 sends all of its members a monthly newsletter called "The Clipper." The newsletter is available also on the Internet and can be e-mailed to you simply by requesting it at the Council's clubroom. 

Our Church Activities Committee works with all four parishes in our community to assist with the various programs and projects that will benefit the parishes. We encourage our members to step forward and get involved in their own parishes and reach out and participate at the other parishes as well.

Our Youth Activities Committee is actively involved with the local C. Y. O. programs at all of our Catholic Elementary Schools and includes the Catholic students that attend the public schools in our area. We are an active participant in the West Ohio Baseball League, which is a local area youth baseball program that has become the major league in Allen County. Meetings are held at the Council Family Center, and the Knights of Columbus is one of the major contributors to the league.  

The Family Activities Committee works with the manager of Loyalty Club to plan and schedule the various activities that we promote for the membership throughout the year. This group plans our family picnic and many other activities.

The Council's Community Service Committee works with various agencies from throughout the area as well as with the parishes to stay current with what programs and activities are taking place throughout the community. We keep in contact with the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, local arts groups, Square Fair Inc., the City of Lima Parks Department and numerous sorority groups.

Our Council Activities Committee and and the Social Committee from Loyalty Club meet and plan events and programs for our in-house activities and also work with the Lima Central Catholic Athletic Boosters as well as the booster groups at our local Catholic elementary schools..

How To Join

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus 

The 4th Degree

4th Degree EmblemAny Third- Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective orders in all countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

Ladies Auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Squires

Squires EmblemUnder the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.