For most men who follow Jesus, there comes a time when duty extends beyond our own lives, beyond how we lead our families, and into how we serve our fellow man. That’s what the Knights of Columbus is all about. The Patriotic Degree allows knights to take this one step further. “Sir Knight” is more than a title. It’s an honor.
What is Fourth Degree?
They are the Knights on Main Street, the men you probably envision when someone says Knights of Columbus to you. They’re present in their distinct regalia at civic and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps, or standing in respect at the funerals of members or during adoration of the Eucharist.
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.
The underlying principle of the Fourth Degree is patriotism. Patriotism is about duty and honor to God and country. As Fourth Degree Knights we exemplify the elements of patriotism by practising the principles of good catholic citizenship.
It was established in New York on February 22,1900. The requirements for joining the 4th are that a brother Knight must be a third degree member in good standing, be an exemplary Catholic, and be of sound citizenship of his country.
The Fourth Degree is frequently regarded as an honorary title with it's uniform but should rather be thought of in terms of service to church and country, and the goals of the Fourth Degree may be summarized as the promotion of the ideals of Catholicism and Patriotism side by side.
The principles of catholic citizenship are:
To respect and obey all lawful authority
To uphold and maintain those whose duty it is to administer the laws
To defend and preserve, unspotted and unstained the flag of our country
To maintain unity and practice the virtues of charity and brotherly love
To exemplify, in all our relations with our fellow man, the sublime teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.
Qualifications to Become a Fourth Degree Member:
Over 18 years of age
A citizen of the country where you reside
A practical Catholic in union with the Holy See
A Third Degree member in good standing
Need to add Assembly Locator and data on each