Membership
The Knights of Columbus 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
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, or in the display located in the rear of Saint John's Church. De Soto Council #6 has over 190 members. To join us simply print a copy of form 100 and mail it to us. Degree Schedules and information for 1st degree members wishing to advance may be found by contacting us at cromwellkofc@yahoo.com.
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 our 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
DeSoto Council # 6 is proudly affiliated with the Bishop McFarland Assembly
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 12 and 17. 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.
With the arrival of the new students each term, college councils have a great number of potential members eager to get involved.
Throughout the fraternal year, college councils receive information from the Supreme Council's Council Growth & Development Department for implementation of the current membership campaign
The retention of college council members is a growing concern, especially in the area of alumni and graduating senior members. An effective retention program for college councils would involve using a member interest survey to keep current members active, encouraging graduating seniors to transfer their membership to a local council, and implementing other retention program ideas suggested by the Supreme Council Department of Fraternal Services.
