The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is the highest and most prestigious degree within the Catholic fraternal organization. Often referred to as the Patriotic Degree, its primary purpose is to foster a spirit of patriotism and encourage active Catholic citizenship. The Fourth Degree was established on February 22, 1900, on the principle of patriotism – love for and devotion to one’s country. Fourth Degree Knights focus the majority of their activities on this principle. The Fourth Degree is an important part of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization.
Key features of the Fourth Degree include:
- Core Principle: It is built on the principle of Patriotism, complementing the first three degrees of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.
- The Title “Sir Knight”: Members who attain this degree are bestowed the honor of the title “Sir Knight”.
- The Color Corps: This is the most visible arm of the Order. Members serve as Honor Guards at religious and civic functions, such as Masses, funerals, and parades.
- Organization: While lower degrees belong to a local “Council,” Fourth Degree members are part of an “Assembly”.
- Eligibility: To join, a man must be a Third Degree member in good standing and a practicing Catholic.
- Uniform: The traditional regalia (capes and plumed chapeaus) was officially replaced in 2017 with a new official uniform consisting of a blue blazer, dark grey slacks, and a black beret.
- History: It was established in New York on February 22, 1900, to demonstrate that one could be both a loyal Catholic and a faithful citizen.
To join the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and complete a formal application process.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, a candidate must satisfy the following criteria:
- Third Degree Member: You must be a Third Degree (Knighthood Degree) member in good standing with your local council.
- Practicing Catholic: You must be a “practical” Catholic in union with the Holy See.
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the country in which you reside.
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
Application Process
If you meet the qualifications, the standard steps for joining are:
- Obtain Form 4: This is the official membership document required for Fourth Degree applications.
- Find a Proposer: You typically need a current Fourth Degree member (a “Sir Knight”) to propose your membership and sign your Form 4.
- Council Verification: Your local Council’s Financial Secretary must sign the form to verify that you are a Third Degree member in good standing.
- Submit to an Assembly: Deliver the completed form to the Faithful Navigator or Faithful Comptroller of the Assembly you wish to join.
- Pay Fees: Application fees for the Fourth Degree Exemplification are typically around $70.00 (though often reduced for Priests).
- Attend Exemplification: You must participate in a Fourth Degree Exemplification ceremony to officially receive the degree and the title of “Sir Knight”.
The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree is structured into 21 geographical provinces worldwide, each led by a Vice Supreme Master to promote the principle of patriotism. Provinces are divided into districts (often by state) and then local assemblies. Key provinces include Calvert, Saint Junipero Serra, and John H. Reddin.
The Calvert Province covers Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia. Provinces are further divided into Districts, usually coinciding with state boundaries, managed by a Master. The Calvert Province is one of the original 6 provinces established by the Knights of Columbus. It originally included New York and New Jersey. The province was named for the Calvert Family (Lord Baltimore) that formed the state of Maryland.
The Maryland District consists of all Fourth Degree Assemblies within the Greater Baltimore Metropolitan area, those extending within the Northern and Western tiers of Maryland (as far west as Garrett County) and those on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The Emblem of the Order
The Triad Emblem of the Fourth Degree features the Dove, the Cross and the Globe. The Dove - classic symbol of the Holy Spirit and Peace is shown hovering over the orb of the earth (Globe). Both which are mounted on a variation of the Crusader’s Cross - that which was found on the tunics and capes of the Crusading Knights, who battled to regain the Holy Land from the pagans.
Our Honored Order cherishes as its patron Christopher Columbus. Christopher (Christ Bearer) Columbus (Dove of Peace), symbolizing the Paraclete spiritually; the sacred symbols on the emblem typify the Union of the Three Divine Persons in one God - the most Blessed Trinity.
The Orb or Globe represents God the Father the Creator of the Universe. The Cross God the Son the Redeemer of Mankind. The Dove the God the Holy Spirit and Sanctifier.
These symbols along with the red, white, and blue colors are used to stress the basic principle of the Fourth Degree: Patriotism.
Leadership
PROVINCIAL
Calvert Province - Vice Supreme Master
Francis D. (Fritz) Leach
website: https://calvertprovince.org
DISTRICT
Archdiocese of Washington District (AWD)
Christopher L. Powers, IPSD, Master
website: https://www.awddistrict.org
Maryland District
Jim Duryee, Master
website: https://kcmaryland4th.org