HISTORY

On March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus was officially chartered by Connecticut State Legislature as a fraternal benefit society, and today it remains true to its founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity.  A fourth principle of Patriotism was added later.  Visit the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council to learn more on these core principles.

The history of the Order shows how the foresight of our founder, the Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is currently being investigated by the Vatican, brought about what has become the world's largest Catholic fraternal benefit society. The Order helps families obtain economic security and stability through its life insurance, annuity and long-term care programs, and also contributes time and energy worldwide to service in communities and to our church’s activities.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from its first Council in 1882 to more than 14,000 Councils and 1.8 million men throughout the United States, Canada, Philippines, Mexico, Poland, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam, and Saipan. 

Locally, we are based in the Diocese of San Jose’s Holy Family Parish, San Jose, California.  Our Council, St. Ignatius of Loyola, was formed in the fall of 2000 through the encouragement and support of Father Matt Stanley, then Pastor of Holy Family Church.  We were then chartered by the Knights of Columbus’ Supreme Council in the following year (2001) as Council Number 12853.  Our Council is named after St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) and who underwent a spiritual conversion while in recovery after being seriously wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521.  The St. Ignatius of Loyola Council works closely with Holy Family Parish by actively participating in the church's programs and activities.  

Our Council renders financial aid to needy members and their families, and mutual aid and assistance are offered to our sick, disabled and needy members and their families.  We promote social and intellectual fellowship among our members and families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare and relief works.

We are some of the men next to you in the pews.  We are the guys serving pancake breakfast after Sunday morning Masses.  We sponsor student essay contests.  We sponsor blood drives, coat drives and support veterans.  We provide scholarships to seminarians - to date we have awarded over $26,000 in 53 scholarships to seminarians.  We are your friends and fellow parishioners.