Knights of Columbus

[Sublime_Prince]

My cousin just joined KoC and I have a long history in my family of KoC membership. Unfortunately you have to be catholic to join right? I am not Catholic like my cousin and many of my family on my dad side.

My mom’s side is protestant and her family has a long history of Masons. I have attended several masonic events that were sponsored both by the Masons and KoC in our area. The Knights of Columbus and Masons seem to get along great in our area. Lodges in our area have been doing many things together with the KoC; Pancake breakfasts, fundraisers, picnics.

It would be swell to belong to both organizations. We have a few masons who are also catholic in our lodge.

I have been regulary studying the bible recently and I feel KoC like masonry would help me understand that book of constitutions better. I would love to share in that same experience with my cousin, and I would like him to share the same in mine.

 

[Sublime_Prince]

My cousin just joined KoC and I have a long history in my family of KoC membership. Unfortunately you have to be catholic to join right? I am not Catholic like my cousin and many of my family on my dad side.

My mom’s side is protestant and her family has a long history of Masons. I have attended several masonic events that were sponsored both by the Masons and KoC in our area. The Knights of Columbus and Masons seem to get along great in our area. Lodges in our area have been doing many things together with the KoC; Pancake breakfasts, fundraisers, picnics.

It would be swell to belong to both organizations. We have a few masons who are also catholic in our lodge.

I have been regulary studying the bible recently and I feel KoC like masonry would help me understand that book of constitutions better. I would love to share in that same experience with my cousin, and I would like him to share the same in mine.

 

[marchoi]

To be a Knight, you must be a practical Catholic male, 18 years of age or older. By “practical”, it is meant not merely “practicing” but also adhering to all the teachings of the Church.

As far as the current teachings of the Church and Freemasonry goes, 1983 document Quaesitum est states: “The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.” Further, the 1985 “Letter to U.S. Bishops Concerning Masonry” from the USCCB states: “The principles of Masonry are incompatible with Christian faith and practice whether or not a specific Masonic organization happens to be engaging in activity against the Church (emphasis added).”

So bottom line: you have to be Catholic to join the Knights of Columbus, since the Knights are not purely a social organization but also live the Catholic faith. Also, Catholics are not permitted to join Masonic organizations, so the “few masons who are also catholic” that you refer to are in error.

 

[rosebudsal]

You could always become Catholic,

I do believe you have to be Catholic to join. Coincidentally, the KoC just wrapped up a conference (or something) here in my archdiocese with a Mass last night at my parish church.

I suppose you could join your Masonic group and share experiences (what you can I suppose, as the Masons are pretty secret with their rituals and stuff) with your cousin who joins the KoC.

 

[kleary]

The Knights of Columbus and Masons seem to get along great in our area. Lodges in our area have been doing many things together with the KoC; Pancake breakfasts, fundraisers, picnics.

It would be swell to belong to both organizations. We have a few masons who are also catholic in our lodge.

Catholics are forbidden under penalty of excommunication to be masons. You should inform them of this- they are forbidden to receive the sacraments.

“The faithful, who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion…” Quaesitum Est 1983

Ken