The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (or Military Ordinariate) is commissioned to provide the Catholic Church's full range of pastoral and spiritual services for those dedicated to national defense and to federal services overseas. It serves military personnel and families at 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 172 Veterans Administration hospitals and is responsible for federal employees serving in 134 countries.
The USCCB is an assembly of the Catholic Church hierarchy who work together to unify, coordinate, promote, and carry on Catholic activities in the United States; to organize and conduct religious, charitable, and social welfare work at home and abroad; to aid in education; and to care for immigrants. The bishops themselves constitute the membership of the Conference and are served by a staff of over 350 lay people, priests, deacons, and religious.
You have been bestowed the honor of Knighthood, and continue your journey in learning the lesson of patriotism. The primary purpose of your Fourth Degree membership is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship.
On October 2, 1882, in the basement of St. Mary's Church, Father Michael J. McGivney organized the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society that would protect the widows and children of working men and foster their faith and their social progress.
From these humble beginnings the Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 12,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
For more information on how to join a council near you click here.
