Fr. Michael J. McGivney (pictured, right) founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882. For the 123 years the Knights have been in existence, membership has grown to over 1.7 million members. There are four Degrees that are possible for a member to complete. However, a Knight only needs to complete the First Degree in the Order to be a member. Once a Brother completes the First Degree, he becomes a member of a Council where there are many opportunities to become active such as assisting with upcoming activities, planning activities or becoming a committee director. At any time after a Brother makes the First Degree, he can make the Second Degree followed by the Third Degree. In the time that a Brother completes the first three Degrees, he has become accustom to the Knights of Columbus, he has participated in the activities of his Council and probably has planned a few events. One year after a Brother completes the First Degree and within that time has also completed the Second and Third Degrees, he is eligible to become a Fourth Degree Knight which is known as the Patriotic Degree of our Order.
The 4th Degree, The Patriotic Degree
The first Fourth Degree Exemplification took place in 1900. When a Knight has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over a year (from the date of the First Degree) and has completed the Second and Third Degrees, he can become a Fourth Degree Knight and make the Exemplification at the next one scheduled. When a Third Degree Knight is interested in joining the Fourth Degree, he should pick an Assembly he would like to join. Although the Assembly that each Knight joins is his own choice, most members of each Council are members of the same Assembly.
Once a Third Degree Knight has decided on an Assembly to join, he should get a Form 4, which is a membership document, from any Officer of the Assembly he wishes to join. The prospective Sir Knight should return his completed Form 4 with a check for an applicable fee to any Officer. The Officer will turn it in at the next General Meeting where the candidate's application for membership will be voted on. Once prospective Sir Knights are approved, they will be contacted by the Assembly's Faithful Comptroller and receive more information about the next Exemplification. Additionally, some Assemblies, such as Bishop Buddy, mail the prospective members a copy of their newsletter for the month in which the candidates will make the Fourth Degree. This allows prospective members to learn about the activities that the Assembly is currently undertaking and to get up-to-date information about the upcoming Exemplification. Locally, Fourth Degrees are held once a year.
The Fourth Degrees are held at hotels and each Assembly has a hospitality suite where Knights waiting to become Fourth Degree Knights and current Fourth Degree Knights stay to relax, socialize and have a good time. The Fourth Degrees are held in the early afternoon right after check in which is typically around 12:00 pm.
After the Exemplification, Assemblies honor their new members. Bishop Buddy Assembly designates the dinner before the next General Meeting free for the new Sir Knights.
Even though this is the highest Degree in the Knights of Columbus, there are many ways to contribute to the Patriotic Degree. There are similarities between Councils and Assemblies such as the Officer jobs, but the Fourth Degree focuses on helping and supporting our Country by supporting our Veterans who unselfishly protected our Country, marching in parades and many other things.
If you are interested in joining the Fourth Degree, please contact any Assembly Officer.