In 1939, Monsignor J. Francis McIntyre, Chaplain of the New York State Council of the Knights of Columbus, later a cardinal, suggested formation of the group.

Their plan called for the establishment of Auxiliaries in each Council and to coordinate the efforts of all under the direction of one parent group.

[1] Spiritual patronesses are the Blessed Virgin Mary, Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Joan of Arc.

[citation needed] A Columbiette Auxiliary must be sponsored by a Knights of Columbus Council.

The primary requirements to be a member of this organization is to be a Catholic female in good standing with the Church and to be 18 years of age or older.