Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

All priests and religious brothers having duly made application for membership and participated (by observation) in the ceremonials become honorary life members of the Order and are exempt from payment of dues.

Candidates join local units, called "councils," most of which are based in one Catholic parish, or in the community at large. The candidate takes part in initiation degrees that explain the Knights of Columbus' four principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

A candidate is considered a "Knight" after taking his First Degree, but he is encouraged to advance through the Second and Third Degrees and on to the Fourth Degree, whose members promote the virtue of patriotism by serving in honor guards, color corps and promoting respect for country and the flag.

Knights of Columbus have a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man can share in this heritage and build for an even greater future by affiliating himself with this forceful, effective fraternal organization.

In addition to the regular councils of the Knights of Columbus, the Knights sponsor college councils which enlist the enthusiasm of college and university students in Catholic devotions and service projects to their local communities. The college councils train the young men to be leaders of tomorrow, and many of the current leaders in the Knights of Columbus come from the college council ranks. To support and encourage these councils, each year the Supreme Council hosts a College Council Conference in New Haven.

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. As of June 1999, the Columbian Squires has 25,234 members in 1166 circles, located in the U.S., Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility. The year 2000 marks the 75th anniversary of the Squires — 75 years of providing support to thousands of young men on their way to adulthood.