The basic unit of the Order is the primary council (C.K.’s) presided over by the Grand Knight who is assisted by seven other officers. Primary Councils are grouped together to form Provincial Areas. There are twelve Provincial Areas covering the thirty two counties of Ireland. The Supreme Executive, headed by the Supreme Knight, is elected by the Supreme Council every three years. Other than the office of Supreme Chaplin, all other posts are filled by election. Order headquarters, initially situated in Belfast, has been located in Ely House, Ely Place, Dublin 2 since 1923.

As a fraternal organisation, meetings are conducted in a structure, courteous and ceremonial fashion. Robes, which are designed in the shape of a Cross, are used at certain functions. Prescribed prayers commence and conclude all meetings of the Order.

While the Order is not a secret organisation, its membership and affairs are confidential to the members. There are not secret handshakes or pass words or other signs.
To emphasise the fraternal aspect of the Order, a portion of the annual membership subscription is devoted to the funding of the Widows and Orphans Benevolent Funds.

The Trustees of these funds financially assist necessitous members and dependents.