Young men have increasing demands on them as they build their
professional and family lives. Many want to enhance their spiritual lives but
may not have time to join an organization such as the Knights of Columbus.
Knights of Columbus councils in Virginia and several other states
are piloting an online membership program that will be introduced nationwide in
July.
The pilot program was brought online in Virginia Jan. 16. About a
dozen men joined online the first week, according to Steve Kehoe, Virginia state
deputy.
The program is ideal for college students, young professionals,
those with young families and military members, according to Kehoe. “Given the
increasing demands of school, work life and family, (they) are looking for a
path of growth and engagement that meets them where they are,” he said. “The
digital platform was a natural direction for the Knights to embark on in order
to reach these Catholic men while building upon the legacy of our founder.”
Kehoe said the online membership program allows the Knights to
help men in their faith foundation and give them the opportunity to put that
faith into action. When they sign up, they have access to a Knights of Columbus
portal that offers faith-formation content; news about the order and charitable
works; a calendar for local events; and weekly resources sent automatically to
their inbox.
Any practicing Catholic male above the age of 18 is eligible to
join the Knights. By joining through the online membership program, they become
a dues-paying member of a division of the state council and are eligible to
purchase insurance, receive the accidental death benefit and are entitled to
attend select local council and state council events.
“They are eligible to obtain our fraternal benefits so they can
protect their families,” said Kehoe. “They will learn how we serve others and
defend our values.”
The online membership is a gateway for local membership,
according to Kehoe.
While those who sign up through the online membership program are
non-degreed, they still are considered a Knight of Columbus. They can indicate their parish and express
interest in joining a particular local council and that council will be
notified of their interest.
The online membership is just the beginning.
“Our hope is that they arrive at an understanding of what the
Knights of Columbus are, our call to discipleship, and give them an
appreciation of this brotherhood,” said Kehoe.
Find out more
Go to kofc.org/joinus.
