The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 by a 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut.  Today, more than a century later, the Knights of Columbus has become the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church.  It 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.

Council 6850 is dedicated to our church, council, community, family, and youth.  Members participate in monthly programs as their schedules and interests dictate.  Our Knights and their families regularly participate as ushers, lectors, and other ministries.  We also have a dedication to Mary, our Mother of the Church, each Thursday night at 7 p.m.  Our council is involved in numerous other projects throughout the year that benefit our church and community.    

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 who can be readily seen wearing blue jackets at our weekly masses or by contacting Peter Hubby at (603) 895-6179 .

 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year 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.  Our assembly, Bishop Leo E. O'Neil 2644, was formed in May 2000.  Meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of each month in the St. Joseph Hall at 9 a.m.

 
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 10 and 18. 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.

St. Joseph Squires Circle #3847 was formed in 1990 with 12 members. Our goal is to aid our parish and community in any way that we can - physically, mentally, economically, and spiritually.  Today, our Circle is comprised of eager young men from ages 10 to 18 who are determined to carry through with this challenge and wish to make a difference in  their parish and community.  By learning to put others first and by freely giving of their time and energy, these young men are developing leadership skills and other prized qualities that will help them prepare for their future and the future growth of our community.

Upon formation, our Circle immediately set out to implement our goals by establishing Squires Sunday. On the first Sunday of every month, the Squires help out with the Mass by being ushers, altar servers, and  lectors, and fulfilling any other needs that may arise.  They also orchestrate many fundraisers throughout the year.  This generates the necessary funds to support our many charitable activities.  Accordingly, we are entirely self-supporting.  For example, we host monthly dinners for our community in order to support a seminarian throughout the year. Our group has also set up a scholarship fund which awards two $300.00 scholarships each year to deserving Squires who are going on to college. The Squires frequently help individual members of our parish by performing odd jobs for the elderly, cleaning yards, delivering wood, etc.

In addition to our formal fundraisers and charitable work, the Squires also organize social activities for its' members.  Such activities include camping, hiking, fishing, and numerous other leisure events.  The combination of these activities with our charitable work fosters a setting that develops young men into well balanced Christian adults who enhance the world that we live in.

Our group is always busy and looking for new members to help carryout their goals. If you think that you would like to take on this challenge, or you think you would like to help your Parish Community grow and prosper, please don't hesitate to contact Richard Cabral at (603) 679-1184

Click here to link to the Squires' web site.

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