The Foundations of the Knights of Columbus All the good works we do are informed by our four core principles: Charity   -   Our   Catholic   faith   teaches   us   to   “Love   thy   neighbor   as   thyself.”   Members   of   the   Knights   of   Columbus show   love   for   their   neighbors   by   conducting   food   drives   and   donating   the   food   to   local   soup   kitchens   and   food pantries,   by   volunteering   at   Special   Olympics,   and   by   supporting,   both   spiritually   and   materially,   mothers   who choose   life   for   their   babies.   Knights   recognize   that   our   mission,   and   our   faith   in   God,   compels   us   to   action.   There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need, a call we answer every day. Unity    –   None   of   us   is   as   good   as   all   of   us.   Members   of   the   Knights   of   Columbus   all   know   that   –   together   –   we can   accomplish   far   more   than   any   of   us   could   individually.   So   we   stick   together…we   support   one   another.   That doesn’t   mean   that   we   always   agree   or   that   there   is   never   a   difference   of   opinion.   It   does   mean   that   –   as   a   Knight of   Columbus   –   you   can   count   on   the   support   and   encouragement   of   your   brother   Knights   as   you   work   to   make life better in your parish and community. Fraternity    –   The   Venerable   Michael   J.   McGivney   founded   the   Knights   of   Columbus,   in   large   part,   to   provide assistance   to   the   widows   and   children   left   behind   when   the   family   breadwinner   died   –   often   prematurely.   The Order’s   top-rated   insurance   program   continues   to   do   this   today,   as   do   individual   Knights,   who   last   year   gave more   than   10   million   hours   of   their   time   to   assist   sick   and/or   disabled   members   and   their   families.   In   the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another. Patriotism    –   Members   of   the   Knights   of   Columbus,   be   they   Americans,   Canadians,   Mexicans,   Cubans,   Filipinos, Poles,   or   Dominicans,   are   patriotic   citizens.   We   are   proud   of   our   devotion   to   God   and   country,   and   believe   in standing   up   for   both.   Whether   it’s   in   public   or   private,   the   Knights   remind   the   world   that   Catholics   support   their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.