Fourth Degree

By District Master Dale A. Weber

The roll out of the new Degree Exemplification was held in New Your City, February 22^nd, 2025. This was the 125^th anniversary date of the first Fourth Degree in NYC.  Kansas had Sir Knight (John Angelo) signed up from Wichita.  Others attending were myself, DD #7 Tom Heffron, along with VSM Guy Steier.

So, in conjunction with this 125^th anniversary there is an exciting new 125 for 125 programs in the 4^th degree. This is for every district (state) to hold one “Anniversary” exemplification with a class of at least 125 candidates to celebrate 125 years since the first 4^th degree exemplification in New York City. Every Candidate in attendance of a successful 125 for 125 exemplifications will receive a special certificate from Supreme.

There was a banquet that night after the exemplification. Michael McCusker the Supreme Master was the emcee and gave remarks. His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, gave the Invocation. Remarks were given by Patrick Kelly, Supreme Knight.  Closing remarks were given by Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, VP of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and our Supreme Chaplain.

Since the last convention Derby Assembly held an exemplification 11-16-2024. 26 new Sire Knights and 1 priest totaling 27 came in as new Sir Knights that day.

Leawood Nativity and Wea assemblies in the Kansas City area held their exemplification on March 22, 2025. This was the first time the official new degree was presented in Kansas. 45 new Sir Knights and 1 deacon, and 3 priest, totaling 49 came in as new Sir Knights that day.

Manhattan and other assemblies in the area are scheduling an exemplification for July 19, 2025. The goal for this exemplification will be 125 candidates.

The Clonmel/Schulte assembly in Wichita is working on an exemplification for October 25, 2025. Thie exemplification will take place in Schulte. 

The Manhattan and Schulte Exemplification registration letters are below with links to registration forms. Also below is an electronic link to Form 4. 

Topeka is talking about scheduling an exemplification. The date is yet to be determined.

There is interest in Western Kansas for a Hispanic Exemplification on video. We will be addressing with the new degree in Spanish. 

There is also interest in exemplification in Hays. This will probably be in the fall after Wheat sowing and Milo Harvest. 

I also want to report on a program that the 4^th degree is supporting. This is the “Youth Read Sacred Texts Day” on May 1, 2025, put on by Scouting America (Formally the Boy Scouts of America). This is the second year for this event. Last year when it was initiated there was overwhelming participation from Scouts worldwide. This is in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer on May 2, 2025. This is where Scouts worldwide pray and Read from Sacred Texts and books. This can be either at Home, in Meetings, or in churches. This is promoting all faith groups to participate. This will probably be an ongoing program each year.

Reminder - The Supreme Master has also advised a Uniform revision. A pinned, or magnetic name tag may be worn on the right breast of the Uniform during social (not Honor Guard or Color Guard) functions.

       So, let us not forget the benefits of being a 4^th degree knight. The 4^th degree is to enhance the work      

       of the 1^st, 2nd  and 3^rd degrees, while bringing in patriotism to our nation, as well as our name being         

       placed on a chalice so that we are remembered in a Mass after we are deceased.

Every Sir Knight is encouraged to recruit new Sir Knights for these exemplifications. Only through the recruitment of new Sir Knights will your assembly remain strong and active today and in the future. The need to support and defend our country’s religious freedom and civil laws are ever becoming more vital to the growth and well-being of our American heritage.

        Contact me if your assembly would like to host an Exemplification. Additional information about     

        Hosting exemplifications are available upon request.

         The potential for new assemblies in Kansas is great. Many eligible Knights of Columbus members  

         decline to join due to the distance to assembly meetings or events. For a member to be active, they     

         must become and stay involved. In some areas, a district or group of smaller councils could join to  

         form an assembly. Likewise, members in a large council could easily support their own assembly.

         Brother or Sir Knights interested in establishing a new assembly are invited to contact the District

         Master for further information. I will gladly meet with any council or group of councils to assist you.

   Vivat Jesus

   Respectful submitted.

   Dale Weber

   District Master – Kansas

   808 E 8^th St.

   Wellington, KS 67152

   316-648-6080

   [email protected]

Exemplification Registration for Schulte

Identifying Rank With The New Uniform

When wearing the new uniform, rank will be identified by a color patch that will be placed behind the 4th Degree emblem on the beret. The patch colors are as follows:
 Purple for Color Corps Commander
 White for Faithful Navigator or Past Faithful Navigator
 Green for District Marshal
 Gold for District Master
 Light Blue for Vice Supreme Master
  
 You can order uniform accessories currently by clicking HERE.

Our Safe Environment Program safeguards children and other vulnerable persons, assures members and their families that we maintain a safe environment, protects members from awkward situations, misunderstandings, and appearances of impropriety, builds trust with arch/dioceses and parishes, and protects the good name of the Knights of Columbus.

Three training modules are required for members serving in youth leader and certain officer roles: “Meet Sam,”addressing the issue of sexual abuse awareness, “Duty to Report,”covering legal reporting obligations, and “Know Your Policies,”a review of Knights of Columbus safe environment policies. We also maintain a youth leader screening process, including background checks, specifically for members who lead Knights of Columbus youth activities.

Please click on link below to access Supreme Councils webpage for more information and what positions are required to acquire this training:

http://www.kofc.org/un/en/members/programs/youth-activities/safe-environment-program.html

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