In the fall of 1881, a few men and a Catholic priest met in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn. The Rev. Michael J. McGivney wanted to honor the efforts of Christopher Columbus, who not only discovered America, but brought a determination to spread Christianity with him. In March, 1882, the group officially incorporated as the Knights of Columbus.

Today, the Knights are the largest Catholic fraternal organization, with more than 1.5 million members worldwide. Its primary commitments are to country, families and faith. One of its goals was to establish a life insurance program for the families of members who have died. The fund that was created for this purpose continues to receive high ratings for financial stability from independent appraisers.

The Knights have been represented in Auburn by Council No. 207 since 1897.

The indirect charitable work the Knights of Columbus do is in conjunction with groups such as Hospice, Tyburn Academy and Little League.

“Our main function is to do charitable work,” said Rick Quinn, who is the grand knight of the council. “Over the last seven years, we have donated in excess of $20,000 per year.”

The Knights also have an RSVP program (Refund Support Vocations Program). Councils are encouraged to provide financial assistance and moral support for individuals entering the clergy. Council No. 207 has helped many seminarians over the years, and they also host an annual banquet in the spring to honor all local members of the clergy, including priests, deacons and nuns.

The power of McGivney's vision continues to work today as the Knights of Columbus serve as lay (non-clergy) members of the Catholic church. In addition to their work supporting the local councils, Knights strive to be good role models for children and young adults, and many of them serve in church as lectors, cantors, volunteers at functions and members of committees.

McGivney is currently under consideration by the Vatican for sainthood. This process can take many years, and involves a very thorough examination of the candidate's life and ministry. If the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, Italy, believes the candidate lived as a good Christian and demonstrated “heroic virtue,” the pope will then make the final decision whether or not to declare sainthood.

Pope John Paul II, who recognized the contribution of the Knights of Columbus in his welcoming address to their board of directors in October, 2003, said, “In fidelity to the vision of Father McGivney, may you continue to seek new ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world and a spiritual force for the renewal of the church in holiness, unity and truth.”

Throughout the year, Council No. 207 hosts pancake breakfasts and pasta suppers, but its biggest fund-raising effort for charity is the annual Christmas Appeal.

“We have a major drive which usually raises between $3,500 and $4,500 for needy families,” Quinn said. “We donate to families that our members know about, and we also give to local Catholic churches for them to give to needy families in their parishes.”