Join K of C Council #5011

Come Join Us

1. Do you wish to become a member of the Knights of Columbus?
2. Are you already a Knight but wish to transfer to our council?
3. Desire some information regarding membership in the Knights of Columbus?
4. Are a former member interested in rejoining the Knights of Columbus?

Click >>HERE<< to email our Council's Membership Director

Continue reading below to find out more details about membership in the Knights of Columbus.

REQUIREMENTS TO JOIN THE KNIGHTS:
Since 1882, membership in the Knights of Columbus has been open to men 18 years of age or older who are "practical" (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. Since that time, the Knights of Columbus has understood "practical catholic" to mean a Catholic who accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

The above paragraph is pasted directly from the web page of the supreme council of the Knights of Columbus which is the parent organization for all Knights of Columbus councils. By signing our council’s membership application that you can download from the link provided above you are attesting that you meet these requirements.

Admission Ceremony – Becoming a Knight
Once your membership application has been reviewed and approved by our council’s admission committee, you’ll be invited to participate in an Exemplification Ceremony—the official rite of initiation into the Knights of Columbus.

A New Tradition Since 2020
This ceremony marks a major shift from the traditional three-degree system that was in place from the founding of the Order in 1882 until 2020. The new format streamlines the process, making it more welcoming, accessible, and meaningful for today’s candidates.
Forget what you may have heard about secretive or time-consuming rituals—this modern ceremony is designed to reflect the core values of the Knights in a clear and inspiring way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were these changes made?
To ensure the continued growth of our Order, we needed a more inviting and accessible path to membership. The new exemplification removes barriers of secrecy and time commitment, while presenting the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity in a more powerful and unified format.

What’s different about the new ceremony?
Rather than attending three separate degree ceremonies, new members now receive all three degrees in a single, unified ceremony—held either in a parish setting or council chamber.

Who can attend?
The exemplification is open to guests, including family and friends of both current and incoming Knights. Whether conducted live at the parish or online, it’s a moment of celebration and community.

Our council offers periodic in-person exemplifications at the parish, or we can arrange for you to complete your ceremony online—whichever suits your schedule and preference.
Would you like help drafting a welcome email or flyer to accompany this? I can tailor it to prospective members or parish-wide outreach.

Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity

Participation & Path to Full Membership
Should First- and Second-Degree Members Participate?
Absolutely. First- and Second-Degree members are strongly encouraged to take part in the Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. Upon completion, they become Third-Degree Knights, which traditionally signifies full membership in the council.

Even if they received a rosary and lapel pin during their First-Degree ceremony, they should be invested again during this exemplification to honor the unified nature of the new ceremony.

“Put another way, upon exemplification all new members become full-fledged council members. When the Order was founded in 1882, it existed in a time of strong masonic lodges, influential veterans’ groups like the Grand Army of the Republic, and anti-Catholic organizations such as the KKK. This historical context explains the ceremonial robes once worn and the formal officer titles that persist today. The name ‘Knights of Columbus’ was chosen over ‘Knights of Christ’ due to Columbus’s revered status at the time.”

Online Members & Transfers
Online members are welcome to participate in the exemplification and may transfer into your local council afterward. If an online member prefers to remain in the Online Division, that choice should be respected. Transfer logistics can be handled post-ceremony.

Secrecy & Past Promises
The current exemplification ceremony does not include a pledge of secrecy. However, members who participated in earlier ceremonies are expected to honor the promises they made during those rites.

Council #5011 Admission Process:

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining or Transferring

1. Apply for Membership
Whether you're a new applicant, transferring from another council, or an online member wishing to join Council #5011, start by contacting our Membership Director and filling out Becoming a Member at https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/join-kofc.html

2. Exemplification Ceremony
Once approved by our Admission Committee, you'll be invited to complete your Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity—preferably live, but can also be completed online on a case-by-case basis.

3. Dues & Membership Card
After your exemplification, you'll receive a temporary membership card and pay your initial dues.
• Annual Dues: $40, billed in November and payable by January 31
• Optional Support: Members are encouraged to contribute up to $20 in optional dues to help cover costs for those requesting waivers

• New Members: Your first year of membership is free. After that, a prorated fee will apply for the remaining months of the calendar year.
For example, if you join in March 2025, your complimentary year will conclude in March 2026. Beginning in April 2026, you’ll be asked to pay $3.34 per month for the remainder of the year—totaling $30.06 in dues for the rest of 2026.

• Transfer Members: Dues are prorated based on the paid-through date from your previous council
• Reminder: A valid membership card must be presented to the Warden or Guards for entry to council meetings

Moving or Updating Contact Info
If you relocate or change your email/phone number:

• Notify the Financial Secretary (contact info on the back of your membership card)

• This ensures you receive dues statements, council updates, and the Columbia magazine

• Important: Moving does not automatically remove you from the council roster. Supreme and state councils continue to charge headcount fees unless your membership status is updated.

Councils rely on volunteers—not paid staff—so keeping your contact info current helps us serve you better and avoid unnecessary suspensions.

Out-of-State Members
We’re proud to have members residing in other states, but we highly recommend that you transfer to your local council

Voluntary Withdrawal of Membership

While we hope every man who joins the Knights of Columbus becomes a lifelong member, we recognize that membership is a personal choice and may change with life’s circumstances.

Years of Service – Council Snapshot
Based on our most recent roster, here’s a breakdown of member tenure:
Years of Service / % of Membership
30+ Years / 13%
20-29 Years / 17%
10-19 Years/ 15%
5-9 Years/ 17%
1-4 Years/ 38%
Total / 100%

We’re proud to have several Honorary Life Members who are exempt from dues, and many of our members represent second and third generations of Knights—testament to the enduring legacy of our Order.

Withdrawing from Membership

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is voluntary, and any member may withdraw at any time by:

• Sending an email or letter to the council’s Financial Secretary
• Or contacting the Supreme Membership Department

Note: Resigned members are always welcome to rejoin. However, their years of service will reset based on the date of reentry.

Lifelong Brotherhood
Whether you're just beginning your journey or have decades of service, your presence strengthens our council and our mission. We invite you to grow with us, serve with us, and build lasting bonds of charity, unity, and fraternity.

Come Join Us

Be part of something greater.

Join K of C Council #5011

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