In the Beginning... 
Founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, at St. Mary's of New Haven, Connecticut, the Knights of Columbus have grown from a small group of men meeting in the basement of Fr. McGivney's church to the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church. Often referred to as the "Strong Right Arm of the Church", the Knights of Columbus are a fraternal organization which offers a means for men of the Catholic Church to join together and find fellowship with other Catholic men while at the same time serving God, their churches, and their communities. Woman and men not eligible for council membership are encouraged to join the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Together, the Council and Auxiliary work to promote programs and activities.
Serving God
The Knights of Columbus have always been proud to unwaveringly support the doctrines of God and His Church. A few of the many ways they do this are:
Support of and Participation in Pro-Life Activities
Religious Vocation Support
Newman Center Support
The "Keep Christ in Christmas" campaign
Rosary Program
Prayer Groups & Bible Studies
Youth Programs
Serving Churches & Communities
The Knights of Columbus live according to the words of James 2:26: "...faith without works is dead." By serving others, we truly serve God. Some of the ways the Knights do this are:
Service & Fund-Raising Activities
Financial Aid and Donation to Churches
Civic Involvement
Substance Abuse Programs
Support of the Special Olympics
Serving Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Not only is the Catholic Campus Ministry focused on providing spiritual guidance to the students of SIUE, but the Knights of Columbus are as well. Being a College Council, our goal is to cultivate Christian growth in the students of SIUE. We are always looking for students who want to get more involved in their Christian and student community. Knights and Ladies work together to develop themselves as noble Catholics - loyal to God, the Church, their families, and their community.
Interested in joining?
You should be! You can pick up information at the Religious Center at SIUE and learn how to join the SIUE Cardinal John Newman 8343 Knights of Columbus. Membership in the Knights of Columbus Council is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the commandments of God and the precepts of the Catholic Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus and at the Religious Center. Men and women interested in participating in the Auxiliary are also encouraged to join and participate in the same service activities, programs and social outlets as council members.
Why us?
Council 8343 was chartered in 1983 and was active on campus through 1992. In 2005, efforts began anew to reactivate the Council. The process of reactivation offers new members an exciting opportunity. Education enhanced by the spirit of Catholic fraternity makes the college council program both an asset to Columbianism and a valuable resource. College councils have unique characteristics that develop and implement charitable volunteer programs that respond to the needs of the campus community. College councils help provide a source to meet and make new friends as well.
Click here to visit other Knights of Columbus web sites.