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4th Degree Members

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

Founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney, a young priest from St. Mary's Church in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, the Knights of Columbus were officially chartered in the State of Connecticut, March 29, 1882.

The young priest explained to the small group of people congregated at St. Mary's Church in October 1881 the purpose of the meeting, summarized in the following points:  Keep Catholics firm in their faith through mutual assistance, promote fraternal unity, and implement an insurance system to protect widows and their children when members passed away, to keep them from financial burden.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits.

Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Application blanks are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus.

All Priests and religious brothers who have asked appropriately to be members and have participated in the ceremonials become honorary members of the Order for life and are exempt to pay dues.

The candidates join local units, known as "councils", the most of which have their headquarters at a catholic church, or in the general community. The candidate participates in degrees of initiation that explain the four principles of the Knights of Columbus: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. A candidate is considered "Knight" after taking the First Degree, but is encouraged to advance through the Second and Third Degree and then to the Fourth Degree, whose members promote the virtue of patriotism serving in Honor Guards, Flag Details and promoting the respect for the country and flag.

 
Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. 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 active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called "assemblies"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.

The Ladies Auxiliary's main function is to SUPPORT the men and the council. They do this primarily by providing help at events, cooking for events and providing monetary help. They also generally do help with setting up and beautifying the hall for events.

Under the guidance of Christian Brother Barnabas McDonald (1865-1929), the first Columbian Squires circle was instituted in 1925. Membership in the Squires is for Catholic boys between the ages of 10 and 17. Squires' activities are many, varying from spiritual to active service for the Church and community. Each circle elects officer members from their own rank, teaching skills of leadership and responsibility.

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