THE DEGREES OF OUR ORDER

A First Degree exemplification ceremony, by which a man joins the Order, explicates the virtue of charity. He is then said to be a First Degree Knight of Columbus.

A Second Degree exemplification ceremony explicates the virtue Unity. He is then said to be a Second Degree Knight of Columbus. The member can then go on to attain his third degree and become a full member.

The Third Degree exemplification ceremony explicates the virtue Fraternity. Upon taking the Third Degree, a member receives full honors of Knighthood and is “Knighted”

After participating in these three degrees, each of which focuses on one of the three core principles of our Order, the Third Degree Catholic gentleman is considered to be a full member in the Knights of Columbus.

Priests do not participate directly in Degree exemplifications as laymen do, but rather take the degree by observation.

Members must have taken the Third degree to be elected to Council offices or to enter into the Fourth Degree of the Order, which focuses on the fourth core principle of our Order, Patriotism.

The Fourth Degree has its own structure separate from that of the Council. Fourth Degree Assemblies gain their membership from Third Degree members of several Councils within a larger geographic area. The most visible members of the Order are often the Fourth Degree Colour Corps, with their colorful capes, chapeaux and sabres.

Within our Order itself, there are four “Degrees” of Knighthood, each one meant to exemplify one of the four principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. To become a full Knight, each member is encouraged to attain the Third Degree level. After which, he can go on to the Fourth Degree, the one that embodies patriotism and is the most visible of all the Degrees. It is through their participation in these areas that Knights receive their greatest, and often most personal, rewards.

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The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is built on the principle of “PATRIOTISM “– love for and devotion to one’s country – and Fourth Degree Knights focus the majority of their activities on this principle. Yet, it should be noted that the Fourth Degree is an important part of the Knights of Columbus worldwide Brotherhood. Nurturing a spirit of “FRATERNITY ” within our Assembly is a vital aspect of the work of the Fourth Degree.

Fourth Degree members compose a Brotherhood united in their dedication to patriotism enlightened by their Catholic faith. The patriotic spirit of every Knight of Columbus member can be enhanced if he chooses to join the Fourth Degree. To effectively celebrate and perpetuate patriotism, the Fourth Degree always welcomes additional members. While it may be unrealistic to expect every Third Degree member to join the Fourth Degree, it is important to encourage Third Degree Knights to take the Patriotic Degree of our Order. To be eligible, you must be a current member of the Third Degree in good standing and be sponsored by a member of the Assembly. You must continue your valid membership within your Council, paying your dues and remaining active in the programs offered within your home Council.

Members of Resurrection of Our Lord Council 13701 who have attained membership in the Fourth Degree of our Order are as follows;

  • Rev. Father Greg Murray,

  • Rev. Father Boniface Mouele,

  • Rev. Deacon Dan Careau,

  • Bernie Becker,

  • Leonard Brown,

  • Leo Brule (†),

  • Bruce Doucette,

  • Jean-Paul Dufour,

  • Mike Goral,

  • Owen Grenier,

  • Michael Ismail,

  • Peter LeBrun,

  • John Leury,

  • Joe Lobo,

  • John “Rea” McMahon

  • Ted McEvoy

  • Mark Mullan,

  • Bill Romo,

  • Patrick Rusheleau,

  • Manny Schmidt (†),

  • Paul Sweeney,

  • Bruno Champagne,

  • Todd Hebert,

  • Hilliard Francis,

  • Joseph Murphy,

  • Edward O’Connell.

  • Douglas Randall