The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus by Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, Connecticut. He believed that Catholicism and Fraternalism were not incompatible and wished to found a society that would encourage Catholic men to be proud of their Catholic faith and heritage. Charity is the foremost principle of the Knights of Columbus. The Order is dedicated to levels of four degrees associated with the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.
The council at St. Alphonsa was established in 2007 and chartered as St. Thomas Council 14350. This is the first council chartered in the Syro-Malabar Catholic diocese of North America.
The current officers are the following:
Grand Knight: Jose Kannukkadan
Deputy Grand Knight: John Ooroth
Treasurer: Thomas Sebastian
Financial Secretary: Joseph J. Michael
The Fourth Degree is the highest degree of the order. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of civic patriotism and faithful Catholic citizenship. Only Fourth Degree Knights may join the Assembly’s Color Corps which is the most visible arm of the order. Assemblies are distinct from councils and are led by a separate set of elected officers.
The Assembly Color Corps consist of the following members:
Jose Kannukkadan, John Ooroth, Thomas Sebastian, Mathew Jacob, Thomas Thomas, & Past Navigator, Captain & Trustee: Joseph J. Michael