History 

 The Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of Loretto Council No. 9601 was Chartered  in June of 1987. Originally, the Knights of Columbus was chartered March 29, 1882 in New Haven Conneticut by Father Michael J. McGivney and six parishioners from St. Mary's Church. They saw a need for an organization that would serve the Church and the parish community. The basic principles set forth by the order back then still remain the same. They are: 

CHARITY - To provide assistance to those in need. 

UNITY - To band together to accomplish deeds not obtainable individually. 

FRATERNITY - To assist our Brother, to aid and show concern for him, and to provide insurance protection for him and his family. (Insurance  is optional for membership.) 

PATRIOTISM - To serve and honor our country in the Church and Community. 

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS IS A "CATHOLIC, FAMILY-ORIENTED,  FRATERNAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION."

State and National Programs

INSURANCE - The Knights of Columbus Life Insurance is consistently  in the highest rated categories year after year. (Participation is optional  for membership.) 

STUDENT LOAN FUND - Loans are available to Knights and their  families for college, graduate study, vocational and special course participants. 

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS - Through "Pennies for Seminarians" and the "Jim Campbell Fund" the Knights offer financial assistance to seminarians  in college and to religious institutions for continuing education. 

ROCHESTER BUREAU - A representative of the State Council is located in Rochester whose reponsibility is to provide assistance to any Knight or his family seeking medical treatment. Assistance is available for lodging, transportation, appointments and directions, visiting the sick - all at no charge. 

'TOOTSIE ROLL PROGRAM' - By offering the public Tootsie Rolls  in hope of a donation, over $300,000 annually is raised to help fund the Special Olympics and other programs for the mentally challenged. 

EVANGELIZATION - Each year, the knights sponsor satellite uplinks so the Holy Father can spread his message throughout the world. Additionally,  every year the interest from a $20 million dollar investment is given to the Holy Father for financing deeds of charity of his choosing. 

PRO-LIFE - Your unborn baby has a life insurance policy already  "BEFORE BIRTH."