Why the Fourth Degree
The Patriotic Degree of our Order
In the early days of the 20th century, many people in America did not believe that Catholics could be good citizens. To counter this falsehood and promote patriotism, the Knights of Columbus created the 4th Degree.
On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of the Fourth Degree was held in the New York City. To the three principles of our Order -- Charity, Unity and Fraternity -- a final lesson was added: the virtue of Patriotism. The focus of the Fourth Degree is on this principle, an abiding love for, and devotion to, one's country. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of, and loyalty to, the Knights' respective countries through membership in a local Fourth Degree group, called an "assembly."
Article VII, Section 18e of our Constitution and Laws states,"Each council of the Knights of Columbus shall be affiliated with an assembly of the 4th Degree."
Our council is affiliated with the Father Anthony Rey Assembly # 3617.
It takes courage to be part of an organization that stands firmly with the teachings of our church, but sadly is often at odds with today’s secular society. It takes courage to be part of an organization that stands for religious freedom and family values. It takes courage to be part of an organization that believes as our church teaches that marriage is a sacramental union between one man and one woman, and that abortion is the murder of an innocent life. It takes a special courage to be a 4th degree member where your allegiance to our church and our country becomes more visible, and more public. Our members promote and strengthen the patriotic spirit of our civic community. We stress both the teaching of Holy Mother Church and the History of our nation.
The fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus is alive and well in Arizona. On all members of the 4th degree, the title of Sir Knight has been bestowed. So far this year in Arizona, 80 of our brother knights have joined the Patriotic (4th) Degree. But much work remains. Now, as much as any time in our history, our Church needs us; our country needs us. We must be involved in the civic processes. We must work to support laws that protect our liberties, our values, and the rights of the innocent. Our strength is in our numbers. Our collective voice can help guide the direction of this country, but to do so, we must participate. More importantly-- no, most importantly-- we must continue to pray that the Holy Spirit guide our elected officials in their work. We learn more about who we are and what we stand for. The 52 assemblies in the Arizona Jurisdiction in the John H. Reddin Province represent a small percent of the 350,000 4th Degree Sir Knights world-wide. We need more of our brother knights to learn the lesson of the 4th degree on Patriotism. So today, I ask each of you to “Complete the Journey”. The 4th degree is the final step in your quest for full Knighthood in the Knights of Columbus. Come join us. Vivat Jesus!!
On February 22, 1900, the first exemplification of the Fourth Degree was held in the New York City. To the three principles of our Order -- Charity, Unity and Fraternity -- a final lesson was added: the virtue of Patriotism. The focus of the Fourth Degree is on this principle, an abiding love for, and devotion to, one's country. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of, and loyalty to, the Knights' respective countries through membership in a local Fourth Degree group, called an "assembly."
Article VII, Section 18e of our Constitution and Laws states,"Each council of the Knights of Columbus shall be affiliated with an assembly of the 4th Degree."
Our council is affiliated with the Father Anthony Rey Assembly # 3617.
It takes courage to be part of an organization that stands firmly with the teachings of our church, but sadly is often at odds with today’s secular society. It takes courage to be part of an organization that stands for religious freedom and family values. It takes courage to be part of an organization that believes as our church teaches that marriage is a sacramental union between one man and one woman, and that abortion is the murder of an innocent life. It takes a special courage to be a 4th degree member where your allegiance to our church and our country becomes more visible, and more public. Our members promote and strengthen the patriotic spirit of our civic community. We stress both the teaching of Holy Mother Church and the History of our nation.
The fourth degree of the Knights of Columbus is alive and well in Arizona. On all members of the 4th degree, the title of Sir Knight has been bestowed. So far this year in Arizona, 80 of our brother knights have joined the Patriotic (4th) Degree. But much work remains. Now, as much as any time in our history, our Church needs us; our country needs us. We must be involved in the civic processes. We must work to support laws that protect our liberties, our values, and the rights of the innocent. Our strength is in our numbers. Our collective voice can help guide the direction of this country, but to do so, we must participate. More importantly-- no, most importantly-- we must continue to pray that the Holy Spirit guide our elected officials in their work. We learn more about who we are and what we stand for. The 52 assemblies in the Arizona Jurisdiction in the John H. Reddin Province represent a small percent of the 350,000 4th Degree Sir Knights world-wide. We need more of our brother knights to learn the lesson of the 4th degree on Patriotism. So today, I ask each of you to “Complete the Journey”. The 4th degree is the final step in your quest for full Knighthood in the Knights of Columbus. Come join us. Vivat Jesus!!