Fourth Degree

By District Master Dale A. Weber

This year’s exemplifications have experienced the new 4^th Patriotic exemplification that came available since February 22, 2025, in NYC. One of the biggest changes was inviting spouses and family to view the exemplification.   

Since last year’s convention we have had much activity in the state of Kansas

Manhattan held its exemplification on a very hot day July 19, 2025, bringing in 39 Sir Knights.

Then Clonmel/Schulte assembly in the Wichita area held its exemplification October 25, 2025, bringing in 36 Sir Knights.

Then we traveled west and held an exemplification in Schoenchen (Just south of Hays) by the Hays assembly on November 22, 2025, bringing in 40 Sir Knights.

Last weekend, April 25^th, Topeka held its exemplification bringing in 77 sir knights and 1 priest. It was a very successful exemplification.  

I thank all these Assemblies and their exemplification teams for making all these exemplifications a success in their areas. We seem to have a new surge of towns wanting to bring in new Sir Knights.

The next exemplifications are scheduled for Garnett on September 12, 2026, then Bel Aire on October 24, 2026, then we will go up to Overland Park on November 7^th or 14^th. This date hasn’t been set yet. 

You will be able to find the link to a registration page for these new exemplifications. Just go to the Kansas State Website. On the top right-hand side of the site hit Patriotic Degree. This will take you to the links. Also, in this area as an electronic link to Form 4. Just print and complete and turn into the appropriate personnel listed on the registration page on the exemplification that you will attend.

I would like to take this opportunity to announce Robert (Bob) Hawkins as the new Vice Supreme Master (VSM) of the Rev. Juan Padilla Province. He is a former District Master and Faithful Navigator and a member of the St. Louis Assembly. He is also a Past State Deputy of the Missouri State Council. We had the privilege of having Bob participate in the Schulte exemplification on October 25^th. 

I would also like to thank Guy Steir, Former Vice Supreme Master and Past State Deputy of Kansas for the last four years. He worked tirelessly to promote the Patriotic degree. He is much appreciated, and I would like to wish him well in his next positions in the Knights of Columbus.

There were 170 Star Assemblies in the order that was recognized for the 2024-2025 year. One of these Star Assemblies was in Kansas. It was Bishop Jean Baptiste Miege assembly #3068 in Paola. I would like to congratulate Faithful Navigator Troy Schumaker on helping the assembly reach this threshold. 

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

   d[email protected]

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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