The Knights of Columbus was chartered by the Connecticut State Legislature in 1882 as a fraternal benefit society, thanks to the efforts of Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor at St. Mary's Church in New Haven and some of his parishioners. The Knights of Columbus was formed in order to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief work. The Knights of Columbus has grown from one council to more than 13,000 councils with more than 1.7 members. Charity has always been the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. Since the year 2000, the Knights havedonated more than $1.3 billion to charity.