Our History

Who We Are

Founded on the principles of charity, unity and fraternity, the Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. Their intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families The Knights of Columbus help men, their families and their parishes grow closer to Christ. Through our programs and resources, we provide opportunities to live and spread the Catholic faith.

Bishop Ketteler Council #1628 was named for Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler (25 December 1811 – 13 July 1877) a German theologian and politician who served as Bishop of Mainz.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are “practical” (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See. A “practical catholic” means a Catholic who accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.

Activities 

The Knights of Columbus Programs are divided into five major categories:  CHURCH, COMMUNITY, YOUTH, FAMILY, LIFE, and COUNCIL.

  • Church activities include the fifth Sunday Rosary night, Vocations financial support, Pro-Life program, Lenten Speaker, Shrine of Christ’s Passion visit, Shroud of Turin display, Annual Men’s Retreat, Spiritual Reflection.
  • Community activities include July Fourth parade participation, Intellectual Disabilities Drive, Misericordia Jelly Bean Drive, White Sox Tailgate & Game, Parish Action Day, Luminaria Sale, Christmas Greenery Sale, B.E.D.S. volunteers, Catholic Citizenship essay contest, Cruise Night Refreshments, Coats for Kids, Catholic citizenship essay contest.
  • Youth activities include Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest, National Catholic Youth Conference sponsorship, Appalachian Mission Trip sponsorship, St. Mary School fundraiser sponsorship, and Scholarship, Free throw challenge
  •  Family activities include Pasta Knight Dinner, Oktoberfest, Food for families, Family week.
  • Life activities include Pregnancy support center, Special needs Mass, Christian refugee relief.
  • Council social activities include Christmas Dinner, Council social speaker nights, Council Dinner Date Night, and Council Picnic

There are a wide variety of interesting activities from which a Knight may choose to determine his level of involvement in the Council’s work.  Many of our activities include our wives and children.