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The Patriotic Degree | DeSmet Province KOFC

4th Degree Sir Knights- Religously Devoted, Patriotically Proud

The 4 Degree Knight of Columbus are the men you probably think of when someone mentions the Knights of Columbus to you. They are the ones in the Knights of Columbus uniform at community and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps.

But there is more to being a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus than a uniform. They are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism, the men who lead the efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and also be a faithful citizen.

When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: charity, unity, and fraternity. At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country.

Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world.

Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree member in their local Council to remain in good standing.

As a Fourth Degree Knight you have the opportunity to become part of your assembly’s color corps. As a color corps member, you will be recognized widely by the Color corps members regularly take part in civic events such as parades, military affairs, wreath-laying ceremonies, and in ecclesial functions.

Any 3rd Degree Knight, in good standing, may be sponsored into the 4th Degree by a current 4th Sir Knight who is also in good standing. The Candidate will then attend a 4th Degree Exemplification in order to have the honors of the 4th Degree conferred upon him.

Click HERE for current 4th Degree Color Corps Manual