About the Knights of Columbus:
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 worldís 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. These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts 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.

Father McGivney's founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Orderís insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights' growing membership. Year after year, Knights of Columbus insurance has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The Order provides its members with the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products, along with many other fraternal benefits.

The Supreme Council is the governing body of the Knights of Columbus and is responsible for the development of the organization as a whole. Supreme Council duties include establishing the Order in new regions and setting up regional authorities, defining and advancing its values and goals, undertaking organization-wide initiatives, promoting awareness of the Knights' mission worldwide, and protecting the families of members through its extensive insurance program. Members working in local, or subordinate councils, however, carry on the majority of the Knight's beneficial work.

Why Join the Knights of Columbus:
Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. 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. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, "Why join?" (www.KofC.org).

About Our Council:
The Knights of Columbus Council #857, located across the street from St. James Church, at 130 Main Street, Woodbridge, N.J., was established in 1904. We now boast more than 350 members who are and have been active participants in our community for the past 105 years. We proudly support numerous charitable causes (see list below). Some of our members have recently joined the newly formed Knights of Columbus Motorcycle Ministry (KofC NJMM). Though started by those who ride, you donít need a motorcycle to join. Also, some members choose to continue their advancement in the Knights by attaining the level of 4th degree, where Patriotism is their motto. If you are interested in joining our council or are a member of another council and wish to transfer to our council, please contact our Membership Chairman, Mr. Robert Golden PGK at 732-596-2115

Charities Our Council Supports:
St. James Food Pantry
"Tootsie Roll" Drive to Benefit Intellectually Disabled Citizens
Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League
The ALS Association
Woodbridge Domestic Violence Response Team
Life Choices (Metuchen, NJ)
P.A.C.E.
Woodbridge High School Ice Hockey
Student Scholarships

Events Hosted by Our Council:
Grand Knights Charity Golf Tournament
Right to Life "Dinner & A Movie" Nights
Oktoberfest
Ash Wednesday & Good Friday Fish Dinners
Blood Drives
Pancake Breakfasts
St. Patrickís Day Parade Social
"Fat Saturday" New Orleans Style Carnivale
Christmas Parade Social
Halloween Social & Childrenís Party
Sunday, Monday Night & Super Bowl Socials