Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy
Prayer for Peace
Lord, it is with great sadness
that we hear once again sounds of war
resonate in the Land that
You’ve made Holy by Your Presence.
Touch the hearts of all those involved
in this conflict so that a quick,
long lasting and peaceful solution may be found,
and that weapons and cries of sorrow
may be silenced in this Land where You,
the Prince of Peace, were born
and where the angels announced
Peace to all men and women of good will.
May Love be sown where there is hatred,
hope where there is despair,
and may darkness be scattered by Your divine Light.
Amen
FAQ's
Is this the web site for the Knights of Columbus headquarters?
No, the international headquarters for the Order of the Knights of Columbus is Supreme Council. This is just a simple web page for one local KofC council in Ellicott City, Maryland.
Urgent! I have an insurance problem, who do I contact?
Start with your local Benefits Advisor. If you don't know his name, try your local telephone directory in the business section, under "Knights of Columbus…" in the alphabetical listing, or under "Insurance" in the Yellow Pages. Your local KofC council near you should be able to tell you the Benefits Advisor assigned to your area. If that doesn't work, try contacting Supreme Council. Resurrection Council cannot help you with an insurance problem, unless you live local to Ellicott City, Maryland.
What is the KofC?
Guards, seen in many special Catholic events, and for its many charitable activities. The Knights of Columbus life and disability insurance programs have consistently been certified as among the best in the USA by independent insurance rating agencies, such as Standard & Poor's. The KofC has also recently begun offering long term health care plans to members.
How is the Knights of Columbus organized?
Supreme Council is the international headquarters of the Order, and is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Each state in the USA has a State Council, which groups (around four or five) geographically local councils into Districts. The State Councils, headed by a State Deputy and his staff, appoint two local officers per District to foster communication between the State and the local councils. Local KofC councils, headed by a Grand Knight, are often affiliated with Catholic Church parishes, and belong to the KofC State Council for administration. Some councils lease or own their own facilities, while others meet in churches, schools, or members' homes.
Resurrection Council #11341 is a local council affiliated with Church of the Resurrection Parish, part of Maryland State Council, in District 27. We meet in the Multi Purpose Rooms at the Church of the Resurrection, in Ellicott City.
In addition to councils, the KofC has Fourth Degree Assemblies, which host the Knights of Columbus Honor Guards. Assemblies are grouped into Districts , and the Districts are organized into Provinces. There are also Knights of Columbus Chapters, for Grand Knights to join. All Knights can join Order-wide, State-wide, or local programs which service Church, Community, Council, Family, or Youth.
Members progress in ranks called degrees. Taking the First Degree entitles the member to participate in all regular activities. To become an officer, members should complete their Second and Third Degrees, for "full" Knighthood. Exemplification of the Fourth Degree allows members to become part of the highly visible part of the Knights, the Fourth Degree Honor Guard.
Is the Knights of Columbus a secret society?
Absolutely not. All our members should be proud to let people know that they belong to the Knights of Coumbus. The Fourth Degree Honor Guard wears a black tuxedo-based uniform, but does not otherwise hide their identities. Many Knights wear name tags as part of our dress code at our functions, which are frequently not exclusive to members or even to Catholics. Knights work with other religious organizations in ecumenical ministries, despite the KofC being a fraternity only for Catholic gentlemen. Like most fraternities, our members take a pledge of loyalty to the Order, but our pledge tells us never to allow that loyalty to violate our religious or civic responsibilities. Of course, like many fraternities, SOME traditional ceremonies are secretive, to promote a sense of unity and a sense of self-belonging.
I have a son or daughter planning for college, what about scholarships?
Supreme Council, State Councils, and many local councils - all offer grants, based on need or academic ability, primarily for children of members. Low-cost guaranteed student loans are also available through Supreme Council, for members' families only. The Knights occasionally offer financial support for children of non-members, such as seminarians or other special situations. But the best opportunities are for children of members of the Order. Contact your local KofC council for more details.
How do I become a member? (or) My membership lapsed, but I think I want to become active in the Knights again, how do I find out more?
Contact your local KofC council. If the council has their own facilities, they will probably list a number in the telephone directory. Otherwise contact your local Catholic parish Church and ask them where to find the nearest council. The Knights will happily welcome you, or welcome you back!
To join Resurrection Council, contact one of the officers on our web page.
I want to start a KofC council in my parish, how do I begin?
Contact Supreme Council and let them know. They will put you in touch with members of your State Council who will show you how. It is critical that you have the support of your local clergy. Starting a new council can be hard work, but your State Council will provide plenty of help. Good luck!