About

Our History

Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by the growing fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory working conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a 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 to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies antithetical to Church teaching, uniting Catholic men and helping families of deceased members.

To demonstrate their loyalty to their country as well as their faith, these men took Christopher Columbus — recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America – as their patron. The Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29.

In addition to the Order’s benefits, Catholic men were drawn to the Knights because of its emphasis on serving one’s Church, community and family with virtue. Fraternity and patriotism were added to the Knights’ founding principles of charity and unity in 1885 and 1900, respectively.

1882: The Knights of Columbus is born on Feb. 6, 1882, when the first members choose Columbus as their patron. Immediately after the Order’s March 29 incorporation.

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St. Jude Council 14410 was founded in 2007 and has grown to over 100 members.  We participate in annual projects such as the Special Olympics Tootsie Roll drive and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.  We sponsor blood drives, assist in various church projects, and promote the sanctity of family life.

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Our Mission

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Based on the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism, we are Catholic men building a bridge back to faith. There is much good and necessary work to be done in this world, and that's what Knights do every day.