Knights of Columbus

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AT ST. MARY'S

The Knights of Columbus Uncas Council #32 is a Catholic men's organization that provides service and care to St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Unionville. The Council meets regularly at the Knights of Columbus Hall located at 301 New Britain Avenue in Unionville. Those interested in learning more about the Knights can go to the official Knights of Columbus website, kofc.org.


HISTORY OF THE KNIGHTS

On Oct. 2, 1881, a small group of men met in the basement of St. Mary's Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. They sought strength in solidarity, and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith. The efforts of these men came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

The Order has been called "the strong right arm of the Church," and has been praised by popes, presidents, and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life.


FOUNDER OF THE KNIGHTS: BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY

The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1881 by Father Michael McGivney, who was then the parochial vicar at St. Mary's Church in New Haven. Born and bred in Waterbury, Connecticut, Fr. McGivney was a prayerful man whose heart was open to serving all those who could use his love and assistance. Though Fr. McGivney died at the young age of 38, his life was one filled with pastoral care and outreach to those in need ithe places he ministered throughout Connecticut. Fr. McGivney was declared a Blessed of the church on October 31, 2020, during a solemn Beatification Mass at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, and he is on his way to someday being canonized and declared a Saint. Information about Blessed Michael McGivney can be found at fathermcgivney.org.