The Knights of Columbus – Liberty, Life, Family
The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic, fraternal, service organization in the world. Founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut, it was named in honor of Christopher Columbus.
Originally serving as a mutual benefit society to working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, it developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to providing charitable services, including war and disaster relief, actively defending Catholicism in various nations, and promoting Catholic education. The Order is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to 15,342 councils and more than 2 million members throughout the world. Their charitable activities encompass an almost infinite variety of local, national and international projects. They support such charities and causes as the Christian Refugee Relief Fund, Disaster Relief, Ultrasound Initiative, the Global Wheelchair Mission and the Habitat for Humanity.
The Knights of Columbus have shown a lasting devotion to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by raising funds for various causes including Special Olympics, through their Disability Drives and other endeavors.
The Reverend John F. Welsh Council 3231 of the Knights of Columbus, based in Manasquan, NJ, is a fraternal organization of Catholic men who live their faith by extending charitable outreach to numerous local communities. In addition to supporting dozens of charitable organizations through fundraising and thousands of hours of volunteer work each year, the council also proudly serves the parishes of St Denis in Manasquan and St Mark in Sea Girt.
The Knights of Columbus' mission is to empower Catholic men to live their faith and serve their family, parish, community, and country. The Reverend John F. Welsh Council of the Knights of Columbus (Council 3231), founded in 1949, is part of a growing proactive force of the Catholic Church in New Jersey. Statewide, membership in The Knights of Columbus exceeds 60,000.
Based on the principles of Unity, Charity, Fraternity and Patriotism, you will find Knights from The Reverend John F. Welsh Council 3231 quietly involved in virtually every church ministry. We are your neighbors – Catholic men banded together through social, charitable and community affairs. We hold dozens of events each year such as fundraisers for the families of our overseas military, An Alzheimer’s Walk, Disabled Citizens Collections, Pancake Breakfasts, and Medical Mission Trips; and we have consistently supported such organizations as the Holy Innocent, Friends of Special Children, Madonna House, Birthright, and many more.
If you are a Catholic male, age 18 or older, we invite you to be a part of a force for good in the community.
Become a Knight and help us support those in need in our local community!