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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a series of common questions and answers that prospective and existing members often ask. If you have suggestions for the content of this resource please contact the webmaster.
- Who can join the Knights of Columbus?
- Who can join the Arlington Council 2473?
- Why join the Knights of Columbus?
- How do I join?
- Is it too late? There are only X days until the next Exemplification.
- What should I know about the First Degree?
- As a member, what's required of me?
- How do I transfer into Arlington Council 2473?
- How do I transfer out of Arlington Council 2473?
- How do I reinstate a lapsed membership?
- How do I terminate my membership?
- About Arlington Council 2473 membership dues.
- What is the difference between the Council and "Club"?
- What should I do if I change address?
- Who should I notify regarding sick or distressed members or member deaths?
- Who should I contact with my membership question?
Who can join the Knights of Columbus?
Membership is open to practical Catholic men in union with the Holy See who have attained the age of 18. A practical Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the Precepts of the Church.
Who can join the Arlington Council 2473?
Arlington Council 2473 is unusual in that it encompasses four local parishes; Saint Agnes, Saint Ann, Saint Charles and Saint James. You may still join our council if you do not belong to these 4 parishes. Email the Membership Chairman for more information on this topic.
Why join the Knights of Columbus?
You should join the Knights of Columbus if...- you desire to improve your community
- you want to support the Church and grow in your faith
- you believe in family values
- you want to associate with people who share your beliefs and interests
- you have concerns about financially protecting your loved ones
Visit the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Website for more information about the Knights and "Why join the Knights?".
How do I join?
Joining is easy. Complete a Form 100 and a Thursday night and you'll be ready to go. Because our Council membership is unusually large we've developed a special process to handle the dozens of new members we initiate each year. This is thoroughly outlined on the How Do I Join? page. If you would like to join, please visit that page and follow the directions outlined.
Is it too late? There are only X days until the next Exemplification.
If you're making the decision to join and want to squeak into an upcoming Exemplification, it is possible to handle "last minute" candidacies. We'll get it done; however, it is important that you contact the Membership Chairman so that we can prepare appropriately. Walk-ins likely will be turned away for the next opportunity.
What should I know about the Exemplification?
Exemplifications at Arlington Council 2473 always fall on the second Thursday of the month -- our normal meeting night. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m., but we ask candidates to show up by 6:45 p.m. at our Council Home for a "Meet and Greet" before the ceremony. Around 7:15 p.m., the candidates move to our Main Hall for the sign-in process before the ceremony.
More information will be given to you as part of the "How Do I Join?" process and through email contact.
Upon completing the Exemplification you are a member with all the benefits of membership. There are 4 Degrees in Columbianism; while the Fourth degree is completely optional, we encourage you to consider advancing when the opportunity arises.
As a member, what is required of me?
Technically, once you join, the requirements of membership are few and easy. Pay your dues and remain a Catholic in good standing.
That said, you can get as much or as little from your membership as you desire. Our membership is diverse and we realize that individuals' abilities to donate their time reflects that -- a retiree may have more time to attend meetings than a father of 4 young children. That said, Arlington Council 2473 is a truly unique Council that needs an engaged and active membership.
We hold 2 meetings each month (the 1st and 3rd Thursdays) with some exceptions that are noted, should they arise, in the Knight Life newsletter. We encourage you to attend these meetings as much as possible. They are also the best way to learn about the Council and Order. Through meetings, the Knight Life, and our many events you will meet more people and learn what role(s) you can play within the Council.
How do I transfer into the Arlington Council 2473?
If you have already obtained membership as a Knight of Columbus and desire to transfer your membership from your previous Council to ours, please Email or phone our Financial Secretary, 703-536-9656 ext.320, email fs2473mail@gmail.com .
The process is as simple as filling out a Form 100 and having your application voted upon by our membership. A Transfer should always be initiated at the Council you are transferring into. This process will result in your old Council being notified.
How do I transfer out of Arlington Council 2473?
If you are an Arlington Council 2473 member and transferring to another Council, you should initiate the transfer at your new Council by contacting their Financial Secretary or other officer. This process will result in Arlington Council 2473 being properly notified. An email or phone call to our Financial Secretary stating your action or desire to transfer out of Arlington Council 2473 will not officially change your membership status but is an appreciated courtesy.
How do I re-instate a lapsed membership?
If you have a lapsed membership or are otherwise uncertain about your status, please contact our Financial Secretary and complete a Form 100.
How do I terminate my membership?
If you desire to terminate your membership, please send email to our Financial Secretary (fs2473mail@gmail.com). He will make sure that the appropriate actions are taken to fulfill your request.
About Arlington Council 2473 membership dues.
The membership dues at Arlington Council 2473 are comprised of both Council dues and Columbus Club dues, both of which are adjusted annualy for inflation. Dues are paid on an annual basis; and Dues Notices are e-mailed annually at the beginning of December. Dues are payable when received by cash, check or online. Failure to pay dues may result in suspension from the Knights of Columbus and Arlington Council 2473.
What is the difference between the Council and "Club"?
Arlington Council 2473 is a local Knights of Columbus entity. It is part of the larger organization which includes, the District, the State, culminating in the Supreme Council. The Council is governed by a slate of officers elected in May by the membership each year.
The "Club" (the Columbus Club of Arlington) is a business entity created by the Council in the early 1900's. It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of most of the Council's physical assets. The Club is necessary considering the resources required to staff and operate the large Council Home, the Banquet Hall, the swimming pools and grounds. The Columbus Club is governed by a slate of Board Members elected for 2 year terms by the membership at the first meeting in January. Their meetings are open to the membership and their official meeting minutes are always read after the first Council meeting of the month.
What should I do if I change address?
You should notify our Financial Secretary (fs2473mail@gmail.com). It is important to keep your address current with the Council as this will affect various mailings, including the delivery of your monthly Knight Life newsletter. Address changes are processed so that the Supreme Council and any non-Council Knights of Columbus mailing lists are also be updated. If you are an insurance member, it is also important to contact your Fraternal Benefits Advisor.
Who should I notify regarding sick or distressed members or member deaths?
You should contact our Financial Secretary (fs2473mail@gmail.com) who can record and take the appropriate steps.
Who should I contact with my membership question?
In general, you should contact one of two people; their contact information is above on the right.
The Membership Chairman. If you are a prospective or new member, or are an existing member who would like to coordinate membership activity or recruitment, contact the Membership Chairman.
Greg Strizek, Membership Chairman Email
The Financial Secretary. If you are an existing (or new) member the Financial Secretary is the person to contact in a number of situations, including:- Membership status
- Membership transfers
- Membership termination
- Change of address
- Notification of sick or distressed members
- Notification of member death
- Dues issues (receipt of, payment of, etc...)