Welcome to Council 18 Website
Did you know that Blessed Michael McGivney founded this council in April 1885, after becoming pastor of St Thomas Church. Read more of this story at: Father McGivney as a Pastor in Thomaston, CT | KofC.org ​
WHO WE ARE
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. It is a global family-based organization that operates on the principals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Council 18 Atlantic of Thomaston CT carries out activities in line with these principals to help others in need.
WHAT WE DO
Making A Difference
CHARITY
Supporting our community in a variety of ways
SCHOLARSHIPS
Helping high school students lessen the financial burdens of college tuition. Learn more about what is offered and how to apply.
FRATERNITY & UNITY
Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.
Blessed Michael McGivney
Feast Day Friday August 13th.
The Knights of Columbus was established in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Conn., and a group of parishioners. The intent was to bring financial aid and assistance to the sick, disabled and needy members and their families.
Father McGivney spent seven years at St. Mary’s, being assigned pastor of St. Thomas in Thomaston in 1884, where he died in 1890 at the age of 38. In 1982, his remains were reentombed at St. Mary Church. In 1997 Archbishop Daniel Cronin opened the cause for Father McGivney; in April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable. On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree for a miracle attributed to his intercession, opening the way for Father McGivney to be beatified on October 31, 2020. A second approved miracle is needed for him to be canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church.
Today, the Knights is the largest Catholic fraternal benefit society in the World, with 1.9 million members around the world investing their time, effort and resources into the core values of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism since 1882.
https://www.kofc.org/en/events/father-mcgivney-beatification/index.html
Sharing the Good News
Sharing the Good News
