Who are the Knights of St Columba ?

The Knights of St Columba are an Order of Catholic Laymen dedicated to the Service of the Church and fellow man.

The Organisation, which is non-political and essentially democratic, exists to support the mission of the Catholic Church and at the same time to work for the spiritual and material good of its members and their families.

In accordance with the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, members will diligently work for the Moral and Social Welfare of our Country and in particular to help young people develop in the likeness of Christ.

Members of the Order will strive to achieve these aims through the fundamental virtues of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

The K.S.C. is not a secret society; there are no passwords, handshakes, etc. The Order is completely open and potential members may attend meetings. Admission ceremonies often take place in Church during Mass.

The KSC is a Family Organisation, dedicated to The Holy Family. It is firmly committed to the protection of human life, from conception to natural death, and to the preservation and defence of the family.

From the Order's earliest days it has focused on the family unit; by supporting family life through the provision of fraternal benefits, communicating with our young people and social participation. Promotion of family values is an integral part of the Knight's activities, as can be seen by the many action programmes.
Not only do Knights work hard in achieving the Order's fundamental goals but the majority of Councils have a varied programme of social activities in which families and friends are involved.

Every Knight is by definition a Lay Apostle; one who aims to promote the Catholic Church by Christianising his own environment. By his words and actions, a Knight can influence those with whom he associates and make a positive contribution to the Church's Social Teaching. As a member of the Order his obligation also extends to joining with fellow Knights in those activities which rely on organisation and commitment for their success.

No Knight should lose sight of his obligation to assist the clergy of his parish, in every way possible. On every Catholic there lies the obligation to contribute to the support of his pastors. On the Knight there rests a greater responsibility; which is to be discharged by providing willing assistance to the clergy in their duties, whenever that assistance is required.

The harmonious relationship which exists between the Knights of St Columba and the Clergy is apparent by the co-operation and support provided by the Hierarchy. From the Order's earliest years the Hierarchy has appointed one of their number as Ecclesiastical Advisor to the Order; the present one being the Rt Rev Phillip Pargeter, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham.