How Do I Join?

The Membership Process 

Thanks for your interest in becoming a Knight and in joining our Council. Below is step-by-step guidance on the membership process. If you have a question about the Order, our Council, or anything not covered below, please ask us. 

Assuming you meet the prerequisites* (Male, 18 years and older,  and a practicing Catholic) a summary of the process is as follows:

1. DOWNLOAD then Fill out a Form 100  
2. Sign the Form 100 by typing your name in the "Signature Block"
3. Answer the "Interest" questionnaire on the last two pages
4. Include a "Proof of Catholicity" as a PDF
5. EMAIL a PDF of the Form 100 with short BIO to:   [email protected]
6. Pay the dues requested by our Membership personnel
7. Attend an Exemplification ceremony (in-person or virtual, depending)

1,2,3) Fill out the online Form 100 and other documents

• Section 1: Our Council Number is "2473" and location is "Arlington, VA".
• Section 2: Check only "NEW MEMBER" unless one of the other options applies to you.
• Section 3: Please complete entire section.
• Section 4: Please answer the following:
  • "Are you a practical Catholic in communion with the Holy See?"
  • "Did you apply for membership previously?"
  • "Parish Name" -- IMPORTANT, only include the parish for which you are registered. It's not necessary that your registered parish be one of the four that Arl2473 includes. If you are NOT registered to a parish, please leave the field blank for the time being.
• Section 5. Complete the following:
  • "Proposer's Name". Your Proposer, or "Sponsor" can be any Knight, anywhere, who is currently in good standing (a Knight is in good standing if they have a membership card for the current year). Sponsors are not required to attend your initiation, so a friend or brother overseas can still be your sponsor.
  • TYPE your name in the "Signature Block" which confirms your name 
• Proof of Catholicity:  Completing the Form 100 basically states that you are a practicing Catholic.  Include as a PDF a proof of one of our basic requirements -- being Catholic. This can be a tithing envelope from your registered parish, a letter from a priest, or a copy of your Baptismal certificate. If you have questions about this, please let us know in advance..
• ANSWER the "Interest" questions 

4) Submit your completed Form 100
As soon as possible, email your completed Form 100 and Questionnaire PDF to the Financial Secretary ( [email protected]).  We will enter your name into our "Candidates" spreadsheet.  The Membership Committee or the Financial Secretary will contact you about our upcoming meeting when your application will be read to all Knights who are present.  We prefer to do all contact by email, but you may call Membership (703-346-4387) or the Financial Secretary (703-536-9656 x 320) with any questions or issues.

5) Pay annual dues
On/Before the night you join, you must pay your annual Council dues and Columbus Club dues for the remaining portion of the calendar year.  We will give you the exact amount when we receive your Form 100.  The dues are reduced for full-time students and those under 26 years of age.  To remain a Knight in "Good Standing", you must continue to pay your Council dues and Columbus Club dues when you receive the new year Dues Notice which is emailed in December.

6) Attend an Exemplification Ceremony
This is the most interesting part, but there’s not too much we can tell you. You just have to experience it!  Attending this ceremony now involves about 30-45 minutes of your time; and moves a new Candidate through the first three Degrees of being a Knight.

5.) Want to transfer into Arlington Council 2473 from another Council? You will need the following:

• Your current membership card from the Council that you are a member of as well as a note/e-mail from the Financial Secretary notifying us that you are current with all of your fees/dues with the current council.

• DOWNLOAD and Fill out a Form 100, check the TRANSFER box.
• Submit the note/letter and Form 100 to the Financial Secretary of Arlington Council 2473 ([email protected]), along with the dues; and then come to a meeting either on the 1st or 3rd Thursday of the month.to be voted in.

The Membership FAQ on our website contains information about the process, including details regarding the Degree (where, what time, dress, etc…). We encourage you to review that.