About The Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. It was founded in New Haven, Connecticut in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney. The primary motivation for the Order was to be a mutual benefit society.

As a parish priest in an immigrant community, McGivney saw what could happen to a family when the breadwinner died, and wanted to provide insurance to care for the widows and orphans left behind. In the late 19th century, Catholics were regularly excluded from labor unions and other organizations that provided social services. In addition, Catholics were either barred from many of the popular fraternal organizations. McGivney wished to provide them an alternative. He also believed that Catholicism and fraternalism were not incompatible and wished to found a society that would encourage men to be proud of their American-Catholic heritage.

There are more than 1.8 million members in 14,000 councils, with nearly 200 councils on college campuses. Membership is open to "practical Catholic" men aged 18 or older.

About our council

The Fr. Walter Dalton, CSP Council is located at The University Catholic Center. The University Catholic Center is the Catholic Campus Ministry for and located right across the street from The University of Texas at Austin. Our council is mainly composed of students from UT-Austin. The current council officers are listed on the membership page.

Our Council is named after Fr. Walter Dalton, CSP, who was a Paulist Priest in central Texas. Fr. Dalton founded St. Paul the Apostle in Richardson, TX in 1956 and St. Paul the Apostle in Horseshoe Bay, TX in 1972. He was also a chaplain of St Mary's University.

Why Join

Imagine being part of an organization that fills your heart and your mind with the joy of giving to others and the feeling that comes with making a difference. Knights are Catholic men, 18 years of age and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life by viewing the segment, "Why Join?"