Why Join
WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A KNIGHT
If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving your parish, growing in your faith or having exclusive access to top-rated insurance protection for your family, then the Knights of Columbus is the organization for you.
Becoming a Knight of Columbus can transform your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to support your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to our top-rated insurance program to protect your family.
These are just some of the reasons to become a Knight.
We are a band of brothers, a network of men in communities around the world dedicated to doing good in the service of God and our neighbor.
Benefits
BENEFITS
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COLUMBIAMAGAZINE – Free subscription to the Order’s monthly magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families.
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KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS ROSARY – Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the First Degree exemplification to each new member.
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DAILY MASS OF REMEMBRANCE AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH – Mass for deceased members and their wives, and deceased members of the Squires program, at birthplace of the Order.
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INSURANCE – Portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care, and annuity products exclusively for members and their families.
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FAMILY FRATERNAL BENEFIT – For eligible families: a) Pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) Pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) Offers guaranteed-issue insurance up to $5,000 to any child under age 18.
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ORPHAN BENEFIT – $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available.
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MEMBER/SPOUSE FRATERNAL BENEFIT – Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost.
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WIDOW BENEFITS – a) Continues to be covered under the Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) May purchase life insurance, long-term care insurance, or annuities up to one year after insured member’s death; c) Receives a free lifetime subscription toColumbia; d) Eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.
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SCHOLARSHIPS – Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children.
- LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organization skills, etc.
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FOURTH DEGREE – Eligibility to join the “Patriotic Degree.”
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HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP at Age 70 with 25 years of membership.
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MEMBERSHIP CARD – Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in nearly 13,000 councils throughout the world.
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ACTIVITIES – FAMILY/YOUTH/RELIGIOUS/SOCIAL/ATHLETIC – Participation in a variety of programs and activities conducted by local councils.
Shining Armor Award
SHINING ARMOR AWARD
This award is primarily awarded for service to the Order with distinction during the first year of membership. The Shining Armor Award is given to first-year Brothers that exemplify what a true Knight of Columbus Brother is...serving his Parish, his Family, the Youth and his Community. To qualify for the Shining Armor Award, the new Member/Brother must complete the following during the first year of membership:
- Participate in three (3) or more Council projects, events, or activities (known as PEA’s). See the Council Event Calendar for upcoming projects, events, or activities Corona Council 3687 is involved in or contact the appropriate service program director in charge of Church, Community, Council, Family, or Youth to see where they need your help, assistance, or expertise.
- Attend three (3) or more Corona Council 3687 General Business Meetings. Corona Council 3687 normally meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Saint Mary Magdalene Church.
- Receive the Honor of Knighthood in the Third Degree. Invitations, flyers or other communications will be sent out advising all Second Degree Members of information regarding any upcoming Third Degree Exemplifications.
- Meet with the Insurance Field Agent of Corona Council 3687. Normally, the Insurance Field Agent will contact all new Members and schedule an in-home appointment for the Family. If you have not heard from the Field Agent within two (2) months, contact Grand Knight Kerry Smith or the Membership Director Tom Garcia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Recruit one or more new Member. Non first-year Brothers can qualify for the Shining Armor Award by completing all the above requirements and recruiting two (2) or more new Members in one year.
Council 3687 Membership Process
COUNCIL 3687 MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
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Practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years-old. You may be eligible to join if you are currently enrolled in RCIA and are near completion of the program (with the Permission of the Parish Priest or Pastor).
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A practicing (Practical) Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Roman Catholic Church.
Steps to Becoming a Corona Council 3687 Member
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Membership is attained in steps by being proposed by a Proposer/Sponsor.
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Your Paid Membership Application is submitted to the Council's Admissions Committee and reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
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Only after being accepted and found favorable by the Admissions Committee and the Council through a vote, do you gain membership by attending Degrees.
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Once accepted, a new member (Candidate) must attend a First Degree Exemplification with his Proposer Brother Knight or other Sponsor in order to become a Knight.
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Full Knighthood is obtained by attending a Second Degree and then the Third Degree
Degrees of the Knights of Columbus
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These Degrees are not attended by Family members until the Third Degree, at which time the Spouse and Family members can usually attend a Family Program and Dinner Banquet.
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All Degree Ceremonies are private and open to members only of the Knights of Columbus whom have previously attained that Degree Level.
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Travel Cards are checked at the door for proper Degree Level and currency before entry to a Degree Exemplification is granted.
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Once you have obtained a valid membership card (Travel Card) by attending a First Degree, you may attend meetings at the Corona Council.
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Application blanks for membership in Corona Council (Form 100) are generally available from any member of the Knights of Columbus before and after Masses at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Community.
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Contact the Corona Council Membership Director Tom Garcia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information on membership or to obtain a Membership Application.
Fourth Degree
FOURTH DEGREE
Any Third Degree member in good standing, six-months after the anniversary of his Third Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve in the "Color Corps" as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.
Ask any Sir Knight (Fourth Degree member) for an application blank (Blue Form 4) if you wish to join the Fourth Degree. The Fourth Degree Exemplification is a Formal Affair and requires a Tuxedo matching the specifications of the Knights of Columbus and advance preparation by the Fourth Degree Candidate.
Our Fourth Degree Assembly is the Monsignor Edward J. Flanagan Assembly #0059 located in Riverside, California. The Assembly meets on the second Monday of the Month (Officers') at 8:00 PM and on the fourth Monday of the Month (General) at 7:45 PM (Rosary). Meetings are held at St. Francis De Sales Church, Riverside, CA, in the
K of C Riverside Council #1638 meeting room. Contact Corona Council Membership Director SK Tom Garcia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Chancellor SK Stephen Demeo for further information on the Fourth Degree.
NOTE: The next Fourth Degree Exemplification is scheduled for February 2013 at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario, CA. As more detailed information becomes available (probably in November), it will be disseminated to all council Third Degree members.
If you are planning on attending this full Knighthood, Patriotic Degree, plan on acquiring your Tuxedo and proper accessories at least a month before the Degree date if you are purchasing it. Firstly, consult with a Brother Sir Knight who is already a Fourth Degree for guidance on what is required and before purchasing or renting a Tuxedo and accessories. You do not need to purchase the full regalia until such time as you desire to join the Color Corps.
