Founded on August 4, 1925 with the institution of Duluth Circle 1 in Duluth, Minn., the Columbian Squires program strives to provide "the spiritual, cultural, civic, social and physical improvement of its members, and the development of their leadership qualities," (section II, Article II of the Laws and Rules of the Columbian Squires). Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.
The Squires is an international fraternity of approximately 25,000 Catholic young men, ages 10 to 18, in over 1,400 circles worldwide. Circles exist, or have existed, throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Panama, Cuba, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and on U.S. military bases abroad. Local Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies sponsor Squire circles, which may be based either in a council/assembly hall, in a parish building, a parochial, private, public or military school, or on a military installation. The Squires involves young men in programs to benefit the Church, the community, as well as in recreational and social activities.
Council 4969, in Toms River, NJ, has operated a Columbian Squires program over the past several years. It is known as the DEACON MYRON NOVITSKY CIRCLE #2264, named after our deceased brother Deacon Myron Novitsky. It curently is the largest and most active Circle in the State of NJ and always on the lookout for more members.
For more information, please contact Robert McGeehan at 732-606-9458 or
Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 12 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.