About the Knights of Columbus
Founded on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, to provide financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Today, Father McGivney is being considered for sainthood and has attained the title of Blessed for his “heroic level of virtue,” which he displayed in his 38 short years of life as an exemplary parish priest and as the founder of the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization with over 2 million members world-wide. The Knights of Columbus provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.
Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men, who are at least 18 years old. Eligible me are encouraged to join by clicking HERE.
About New Jersey Chapter 1
New Jersey Chapter #1 is comprised of 15 affiliated councils throughout Morris, Essex, and Union counties in the Newark Archdiocese and Paterson Diocese representing over three thousand Knights of Columbus members. By demonstrating the first principle of our Order, Charity, the affiliated local councils, united through Chapter #1, provide charity at a level that no single council could provide on its own. Today, New Jersey Chapter 1 provides Relief and Scholarships of over $60,000 each year to members and their families in affiliated councils benefiting our members in need, our children attending Catholic Colleges and Universities, and Permanent Deacon Candidates in formation at the Immaculate Conception Seminary.
Relief
Originally granted its charter in 1903, New Jersey Chapter #1 has consistently met its one charge and the first principle of our Order, Charity, by providing relief to members, our brothers, when needed most. Each year, the Chapter provides Relief payments averaging a total of approximately $15,000 per year to eligible members of affiliated local councils.
As the Chapter grew, it took on an additional charge of advocating the value of a Catholic education and presently awards two 4-year scholarships to Catholic Colleges/Universities each year to children of members in affiliated local councils:
- The James J. McMahon Memorial Scholarship A is a $10,000 per year scholarship for four years for a total of $40,000.
- The James J. McMahon Memorial Scholarship B is an $8,000 per year scholarship for four years for a total of $32,000.
These scholarship grants are awarded based on academic excellence, as well as notable involvement in school, parish, and community activities.
In 2022, to show its strong support of Vocations, the Chapter expanded its Scholarship Program to help those Permanent Deacon Candidates in affiliated local councils to ease the financial burden of some of their educational costs associated with God’s calling them to service as Permanent Deacons. To date, the William A. Doyle Memorial Scholarship for Permanent Deacons has provided well-deserved assistance to two Permanent Deacon Candidates while attending the Immaculate Conception Seminary, School of Theology, at Seton Hall University.