Knights of Saint Columba

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The Knights of St Columba (KSC) are an Order of Catholic Laymen, founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1919^[1] who are dedicated to the service of the church and fellow man. The Organisation, which is non-political and essentially democratic, exists to support the mission of the Catholic Church and at the same time to work for the spiritual and material good of its members and their families. The knights are named for St. Columba. They are a member of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights. Founder of the Knights and first Supreme Knight was P J O'Callaghan. Following the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, members of the Order work for the moral and social welfare of our Country and in particular to help the development of young people. Members strive to achieve all these aims through Charity, Unity and Fraternity.

The K.S.C. is not a secret society;^{[citation needed]} there are no passwords, handshakes, etc. Potential members may attend meetings. It is recommended that admission ceremonies take place in a Catholic Church during a public Mass.

[edit] Organisation of the Knights

At local level, members belong to a Charter Council, lead by the Grand Knight. The Charter Councils in an area (often corresponding to a Catholic Diocese) come together to form a Province, under the Provincial Grand Knight. Representatives of the Provinces meet at least annually at the Supreme Council which governs the Order. The Supreme Knight presides over the Supreme Council.