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Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by the growing prevalence of fraternal benefit societies, hostility toward Catholic immigrants and dangerous working conditions in factories that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a vital, practical need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization, the goal of which would be to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies whose membership was antithetical to Church teaching, to unite men of Catholic faith and to provide for the families of deceased members.

As a symbol that allegiance to their country did not conflict with allegiance to their faith, the organization’s members took as their patron Christopher Columbus — recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America. Thanks to Father McGivney’s persistence, the Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and officially assumed corporate status on March 29.

In addition to the Order’s stated benefits, Catholic men were drawn to the Knights because of its emphasis on serving one’s Church, community and family with virtue. Writing in The Columbiad in 1898, a year before he was elected supreme knight, Edward L. Hearn wrote that a Knight should live according to the virtues of loyalty, charity, courtesy and modesty, as well as “self-denial and careful respect for the feelings of others.” Fraternity and patriotism were added to the Knights’ founding principles of charity and unity in 1885 and 1900, respectively.

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

The St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Council #11386 was chartered on June 28, 1994. We are involved in church, community, family and youth activities.

Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month from September through June in the St. Patrick Hall under St. Brigid Church at 7:30 PM.

If you are a Catholic male age 18 or older and wish to join the Knights of Columbus, please contact Grand Knight Michael Bielawa or the Parish Office at (908) 234-1265.

Related Links:

• Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Website
• Knights of Columbus St. Elizabeth & St. Brigid Council #11386