Who Are the Knights of Columbus? 

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic Fraternal Organization, founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut as a men’s fraternal benefit society to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. 

The Knights of Coloumbus organization has grown to more than 16,000 local councils and more than 2.0 million members throughout Canada, United States, Mexico, the Philippines, the Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Guam, Sipan, Poland, France, South Korea, Ukraine and Lithuania. 

The first Knights of Columbus council in Alberta and Northwest Territories was formed in Edmonton on January 5, 1907 with 30 Charter members. Since then the Knights have grown to more than 175 councils and more than 18000.  Included in these numbers are several councils from various linguistic, cultural, and Catholic traditions both East and West.  Languages include but are not limited to English, French, Ukrainian, Tagalog, Polish and several variations of the Arabic and Indian languages.

The Knights of Alberta and Northwest Territories have been active in many worthwhile projects and activities. They are involved in their parishes, communities, and youth programs, support of vocations, education and health systems. Their involvement in community life is a record of outstanding benevolent achievement.