United Family Council, Based in Manson, Iowa

Who are the Knights of Columbus? 
A diverse group of Catholic men who share the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic family fraternal organization with membership at over 1.9 million worldwide.  Our council is number 14494 (which indicates we are the 14,494th council within the Knights). Our current members are from Manson, Palmer, Pomeroy, and Rockwell City.

The Knights were originally formed 135 years ago in 1882 by Fr Michael McGivney in Connecticut to mutually benefit working class and newly immigrated Catholics who were suffering (especially widows and orphans) financially by making insurance available.  Today, we have developed into a fraternal benefit society dedicated to the original ideals through insurance which is available (but, not mandatory) as well as providing charitable services such as Habitat for Humanities,  promoting Catholic education, helping promote Catholic public policy positions, and defending Catholicism.  We are here to assist our local priests and religious staff in any way we can.

Events sponsored by 14494 include:

• Baby Bottle Boomerang to support Obria Medical Clinic
• Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Tootsie Roll Drive
• Lenten Fish Frys & Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed
• Youth Free Throw and Spelling Bee Competitions
• “Coats for Kids” for elementary youths
• St Thomas Senior Scholarships
• Co-Sponsor annual high school senior breakfast
• Promote Pilgrim Icon Program
• Host a Public Square Rosary around the statue of Jesus
• Host a Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass and Dinner
• Nominate Knights of Columbus “Family of the Month” and “Knight of the Month”
• Organized a 24 hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Funds are used to support:

• Brushy Creek Honor Flight 

• Iowa Special Olympics

• “Then Just Feed One” food packaging event

• Statewide Disaster Fund and Helping Hands Fund 

• Opportunity Living - Lake City 

• Howard Center - Sac City 

• New Hope Village - Carroll 

• Diocesan Seminarian through RSVP Program

• Statewide Vocations 

• Persecuted Christians Fund 

• Lila Mae’s House in Sioux City 

• Manson Single Mom’s Group 

• Two local Food Pantries 

• Keep Christ in Christmas  

• Clay County Fair Catholic Information Booth 

• Global Wheelchair Mission

The Knights of Columbus Annual Tootsie Roll Drive in Iowa donates an average of $23,000 to Special Olympics and $411,000 to persons with Intellectual Difficulties. In the past 10 years, the KC's have donated $1.5 billion to charity and 673 million volunteer hours.

When does our local Knights of Columbus Council meet?
The third Tuesday of each month with Mass and meeting to follow.

Where can I learn more about the Knights of Columbus?
If you would like more information about our council, our activities or how to join the Knights of Columbus, please reach out to the church office for Grand Knight contact information.