The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.

The Father Widmer Council supports the St. William of York Parish and the surrounding area of Stafford County, Virginia; providing funds and manpower for Church, Charity, Outreach and Youth projects as well as supporting the parish school through fund-raising and volunteer man-hours. Individual members are also active participants in the parish in many other ways. We share fun, friendship and Christian Fellowship with our Brother Knights in through our fund-raising and service projects and programs. We also enjoy social events periodically throughout the year and always include families in our work and play. The event schedule on the Activities page highlights some of the events we are planning in the coming months.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing 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 and in the vestibule of St. William of York Church.

You can also contact our Membership Program Director, Mike Godbout

 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, six months after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree.

The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Look here for more information about the Ladies Auxiliary soon!

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. 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.

Do you know a young man who would like to be a Squire?

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