Our History 

 

The Knights of Columbus was formed in 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut by Father Michael J. McGivney. Originally formed to render aid and assistance to members and their families who fell ill, disabled or experienced financial hardships. Additionally, the Knights supported and promoted Catholic values and supported social and intellectual fellowship through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare and other public works. On March 29, 1882, the Connecticut state legislature officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a fraternal benefit society. 

 

Today, the Knights of Columbus remain true to their founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The Knights are a fraternity of men dedicated to the service of the Church and society. The Knights of Columbus has grown from a single council to over 15,900 councils with approximately 2 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, Saipan, Lithuania, Ukraine, and South Korea.

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Our St. Mary Magdalen Council, Order #14982, was formed on March 12, 2010 and serves the community of St. Mary Magdalen parish in Media, PA and the surrounding area. We also support causes around the world through international Knights of Columbus program.

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The Knights have four Core Principles. The Knights of the St. Mary Magdalen Council keep and promote theses principles:

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Charity

 

Knights recognize that our mission and our faith in God compels us to take action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we strive to answer every day. The Knights of St. Mary Magdalen show love and care to our fellow neighbors by supporting local charities. One of our primary focuses is to aid Philadelphia's Bethesda Project, specifically through Connelly House. We also raise funds to support other area programs, which include but are not limited to Cityteam Ministries, Philabundance, Mother’s Home, Little Sisters of the Poor and Catholic Social Services, while supporting the Parish, School and CYO. 

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Unity

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The Knights of St. Mary Magdalen recognize that we accomplish far more collectively than we ever

could individually. So, we stick together and support one another. The Knights of Columbus offers men a place to lead their families and communities in faith and service and to put their 'faith into action' every day. 

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We work hand-in-hand with our St. Mary Magdalen parish community through our stewardship events and services. Some of our reoccurring events include: Pancake Breakfast, Easter Egg

Hunt, Free Throw Challenge Event, 'Keeping Christ in Christmas' & Citizenship Essay Programs,

Crab Cake Sales, and our annual scholarship program supporting catholic education through the James A. Newman scholarship, named for one of our founding members. Our St. Mary Magdalen parish community enjoys the fellowship and support of our Knights, as we work to build a family

of faith in Jesus Christ through community fellowship, support and charity.

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Fraternity

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We are a fraternity and fellowship of Catholic men who remain faithful to our founder's mission and The Knights of St. Mary Magdalen support one another, and families in the parish, region and around the world and have access to the Knights of Columbus top-rated insurance program that continues to assist families in their time of need. principles. We believe that how you live your faith in your councils, families, parishes and community has a ripple effect that changes the world. We share a common interests of serving one another and others, as guided by the principles of the Venerable Michael J. McGivney. He founded the Knights of Columbus, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family's primary wage earner died.

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Patriotism

 

All members of the Knights of Columbus are patriotic citizens who are devoted to God and country. As Catholics and patriots—we support our country and conduct ourselves in accordance with our faith and laws.We run voter registration drives and encourage all to participate in the political process by exercising their voting rights.  We are thankful to those who have served our country and provided the freedoms we enjoy.

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To learn more about the Knight of Columbus, please visit the Order's main website at kofc.org