4th Degree Knights Q&A
What is a 4th degree Knight?
A patriot. It’s the 4th principle. It’s about patriotism. It’s about our country. Bottom line. The mission, in are particular case, is communication. Communicating our mission to the rest of the work through our ceremonies, our uniforms, through our appearance.
In regards to uniforms, what can you tell us about the swords and the rest of the uniform?
The uniforms are historical. I can’t tell you when it all started, but we used to have a uniform that was capes and feathered hats…something that people liked. And when the Knights changed over, a lot of folks were upset over that. What the new uniforms have done is they modernized the Knights of Columbus. It’s probably at the right time because the Knights of Columbus used to be more about him and him and him and him. Now it’s about family and family and church and priests and God. And that’s what it’s all about. With the new modern uniforms, it signals the change of what our mission is, compared to what our mission was five years ago.
How long after one becomes a knight or how active should a knight be before becoming a 4th degree Knight?
Why wait? You’re a patriot now. You’re a patriot now, you stand tall now, you stand for your country now; why wait? Become a patriot: a full complete knight. You’re not a full knight until you become a 4th Degree Knight. So the soonest is best.
How much more time is required of 4th Degree Knights over other Knights?
In our case, we work together with the council as one team. The only time a 4th Degree Knight steps out from the other Knights is when we have to get into our uniforms. And what a beautiful time that is because we are usually delivering a message, i.e. Consecration of the Holy Family, funerals, veterans’ dinner (November 11th we will be posting colors), POW program, etc. It’s about stepping forward and communicating our mission.
The Knights offer to pay part of a 4th Degree Knights uniform. How much and how long does that apply?
The uniforms cost about $500. Buy the uniform, bring the receipt, and we’ll write you a check for $200. Bottom line. And it is not going away. It is too important. It is too important the representation in the parish, standing for the parish. We need men in uniform. We need men to deliver the message. It still stands and it will continue to stand, as long as the assembly wants it. The only outside thing is you need to shop around for a sword because there are plenty out there.
To become a Knight, contact John Forrest
Fellow Brother Knight
John Forrest
208-872-2399
steilacoomjohn@gmail.com