Faithful Navigator Tony Abbruzzio
Information about the Fourth Degree
Another degree open to members in the Knights of Columbus is the Fourth Degree. At a National Council meeting in 1899, it was determined that an additional ceremonial degree was needed that would represent patriotism. The first exemplification of that degree was held in New York City, on February 22, 1900 and exceeded 1,400 candidates The ritual added patriotism to the three principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity. Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, and sponsored by another Fourth Degree Knight (Sir Knight) 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"). Fourth Degree members must retain their membership as Third Degree members in their locals council to remain in good standing. See the Pledge of Allegiance
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.
Forth Degree Knights are committed to conduct themselves honorably as Christian gentlemen in their private and public lives, as well as acting patriotically for the good of their nations. Likewise, the Fourth Degree sword represents the bearer's reverence for the Eucharist and the Pope, bishops and hierarchy of the Church, and displays publicly his willingness to protect his Church and priests.
Considered under a religious aspect, we have the honor and privilege of wearing on our swords and our lapels the sacred symbol of the Most Blessed Trinity. This should always remind us to live a good Christian life, and that we should never bring dishonor on the emblem we have been privileged to wear. By this, others may see our good works, through which we will glorify our Holy Religion, our Honored Order and our Beloved Country.
As a First or Second Degree member, you are a "Member" of The Knights of Columbus. After the Ceremonies of the Third Degree you are a Full Knight in The Knights of Columbus. After the Exemplification of The Fourth Degree you are a Complete Knight in the Knights of Columbus and addressed as Sir Knight. Only Sir Knights are accorded the honor of the Color Corps at their wake or Funeral Mass. The names of deceased Sir Knights are engraved on a Chalice that is presented to a new Priest or Seminarian at the Ceremony of the Chalice during the Assembly's Annual Memorial Mass at which all family members of the deceased are invited to attend.
For information on the symbol of the Fourth Degree, click here.
Organization of Assemblies
The Organizational Chart is similar to
that of the lower degrees, but with different titles. At the Supreme level, the
top man is the Supreme Master. Administratively, the Fourth Degree is divided
into areas called Provinces. A Vice Supreme Master is appointed by the Supreme
Board of Directors for each of the Fourth Degree Provinces in the Order. The
Vice Supreme Master is the head of all Fourth Degree matters within the Province
and exercises general supervision over all Masters and Assemblies located in the
Province. The Vice Supreme Master is responsible to the Supreme Master and the
Supreme Board of Directors. The Vice Supreme Master is distinguishable at Fourth
Degree functions and turnouts by the light blue
Cape and Chapeau which he wears.
Each Province is divided into Districts.
Districts are placed under the leadership of a Master. The Master is identified
by the gold
Cape and Chapeau, and is often
accompanied by a District Marshall who wears a green
Cape and Chapeau.
Districts are made up of Assemblies similar to Councils in structure and operation. Many are named after patriots, war heroes, etc.
The Presiding Officer of the Assembly is
called a Faithful Navigator, who wears a white
Cape
and Chapeau. He is assisted by a Captain and a Pilot, which are similar to the
offices of Deputy Grand Knight and Warden on a council level. The fourth Chair
Officer is the Admiral, always the immediate Past Faithful Navigator. At a
Council level Officers are referred to as Worthy, while at the Assembly level
Officers are referred to as Faithful.
The other officers are similar to Council officers and include: The Friar, The Purser, The Scribe, The Comptroller, The Sentinels (Two or three in number), and The Trustees (Three in number).
The Color Corps of each Assembly is
trained and drilled by a Color Corps Commander appointed by the Faithful
Navigator. The Commander is identified by the purple or
violet
Cape and Chapeau. At District Level events, the District Marshall,
in green, is in charge of the Color Corps and may be assisted by one or more
Color Corps Commanders. Other members of the Color Corps wear
red Capes and white
Chapeaux.
Official Dress
The official dress of the Fourth Degree is black tuxedo, white pleated formal
shirt, black tie and cumberbund, black shoes and socks, black studs and cuff
links, white suspenders and white gloves.
The social baldric identifies you as a Brother Knight and must be worn at all
social functions. Officers should wear their jewel of office. The service
baldric is used whenever the sword is carried. A "simple" American Flag lapel
pin should be worn while in uniform.
All Fourth Degree members are encouraged to obtain the full regalia which
includes the white plumed chapeaux, red lined cape, service baldric and sword.
You will then be ready whenever you are called upon to participate.
Honor Guards
One of the most important functions of the Fourth Degree is providing Guards of
Honor at Mass, wakes, funerals, dedications and many other civic or patriotic
functions. In full Regalia, with colorful capes and plumed chapeaux, the Knights
of Columbus are always recognized in any public appearance. These Sir Knights
add dignity and a pride of church and country to any event. By these public
demonstrations, their loyalties bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of
Columbus.
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