Catholic Organizations & Movements to Join
From historic fraternal orders to modern lay movements, Catholic organizations are where the faith comes alive in community. Discover the right apostolate for you — then find a local chapter and connect with members near you.
The richness of Catholic lay organizations
For two thousand years, Catholics have gathered into organizations, apostolates and movements to live the faith more fully together than they ever could alone. These Catholic groups carry distinct charisms — gifts of the Holy Spirit expressed through a particular way of praying, serving and evangelizing. Some are ancient; many of today's most vibrant Catholic lay organizations were born in the last century as the Church called every baptized person, not only priests and religious, to share in her mission.
A fraternal order like the Knights of Columbus channels charity and brotherhood among Catholic men. An apostolate like the Legion of Mary sends laypeople out to visit the lonely and pray with the sick. Renewal movements such as Cursillo and Regnum Christi form disciples through retreats and small groups, while the Secular Franciscans weave the spirit of St. Francis into ordinary family and working life. Together these Catholic movements show that holiness is meant to be lived in community, in the world.
Catholic Connect exists to help you take the next step. Reading about these organizations is one thing; meeting their members is another. Our app maps the Catholics, groups and events around you, so you can move from curiosity to a real local chapter and real friendships. Browse the directory below, pick the organization that speaks to you, then use Catholic Connect to find a chapter and members near you.
Catholic organizations directory
A guide to major Catholic organizations and movements. Tap any one to learn what it is, who it's for, and how to join a chapter near you.
Knights of Columbus
The world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization — charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism for Catholic men and their families.
Learn more & joinOpus Dei
A personal prelature teaching that everyday work and ordinary life can be a path to holiness for laypeople and clergy alike.
Learn more & joinLegatus
An organization of Catholic business leaders and executives committed to studying, living and spreading the faith in their professional lives.
Learn more & joinLegion of Mary
A lay apostolate of prayer and active service to the Church, organized into local groups called praesidia under the patronage of Our Lady.
Learn more & joinRegnum Christi
A spiritual family of lay members, consecrated members and priests of the Legionaries of Christ devoted to evangelization and formation.
Learn more & joinCursillo
A movement built around a short course in Christianity — a weekend retreat followed by lifelong small-group friendship and accountability.
Learn more & joinSecular Franciscans
Lay men and women who profess to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi while remaining in their ordinary state of life.
Learn more & joinFind members and chapters near you
Every Catholic organization is only as real as the people you meet. That's the gap Catholic Connect closes. Instead of searching a static list, you can see active Catholics around you, discover the groups they belong to, and join events where these apostolates and movements actually gather.
Whether you want to join the Knights of Columbus at your parish, find a Legion of Mary praesidium, or attend a Cursillo weekend, the path starts the same way: connect with the local community already living it.
How to join a Catholic organization
- 1
Choose your charism
Read the directory above and notice which mission stirs you — service, contemplation, evangelization or fellowship.
- 2
Find a local chapter
Use Catholic Connect to discover members, groups and parishes near you that are tied to that organization.
- 3
Show up and meet members
Attend a meeting, retreat or event. Most Catholic movements welcome guests warmly before any commitment.
- 4
Begin formation
When you're ready, follow the group's admission or formation step to become a full member.
Frequently asked questions
What are Catholic lay organizations and movements?
Catholic organizations and movements are communities — many led by laypeople — that gather Catholics around a shared spirituality, charism or mission. They include fraternal orders like the Knights of Columbus, apostolates like the Legion of Mary, and renewal movements like Cursillo and Regnum Christi. Each offers prayer, formation, fellowship and concrete service to the Church.
How do I join a Catholic organization?
Most Catholic organizations welcome new members through a local chapter, council or group tied to a parish or region. The usual path is to attend a meeting or introductory event, get to know current members, and then go through whatever formation or admission step the group uses. Catholic Connect helps you find members and chapters near you so that first step is easy.
Are these organizations only for certain Catholics?
Some are open to everyone, while others focus on a particular state in life — for example, the Knights of Columbus is for Catholic men, and Legatus is for Catholic executives and business owners. The directory below notes who each organization is for so you can find the right fit.
Can Catholic Connect help me find a chapter near me?
Yes. Catholic Connect maps the people, groups and events around you, so you can discover members of these organizations nearby, join local groups, and show up to events in person. Create a free profile and start connecting today.
Your Catholic community is closer than you think
Pick an organization, find the members living it near you, and take the next step in your faith — together. Catholic Connect is free to join.