Fourth Degree

By District Master Dale A. Weber

Report for Web Site December 2025

There have been four exemplifications held in Kansas since the roll out of the new 4^th degree Patriotic exemplification in February 2025 in New York City.

The first was Leawood Nativity and Wea assemblies in the Kansas City area held March 22, 2025, bringing in 49 Sir Knights.

The second was in Manhattan on July 19, 2025, bringing in 39 Sir Knights.

The third was Clonmel/Schulte assembly in the Wichita area held October 25, 2025, bringing in 36 Sir Knights.

The fourth was held in Schoenchen (Just south of Hays) by the Hays assembly held November 22, 2025, bringing in 40 Sir Knights.

I would like to thank all these assemblies as this totaled 164 new Sir Knights under the new degree, which welcomes family and friends to view and share the exemplification experience with each new Sir Knight.

The next degree is scheduled in Topeka April 25, 2026. The detail of this exemplification is found below in the link. This includes the registration page. The Biennial Mtg will be held on this same day immediately after the exemplification.

In discussion, Columbia Assembly in Wichita is holding an exemplification late summer or early Fall of 2026. Discussions are under way to hold an exemplification in the Southeast Kansas area in 2026. There is still interest in holding an exemplification in western Kansas.

The annual March for Life in Topeka will be January 28, 2026. All the final details are not posted at this time; however, it will probably be similar to last years schedule. That is 4^th degree Knights meet at the Church of Assumption early in the morning. March to the Topeka Performing Arts Center for the 10:30 Mass, then at noon March to the Capital Steps for the Rally. I will update everyone once I have the final timeline.

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. Please join me in welcoming Bob to our State for all future State and Patriotic 4^th degree events.

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. 

I would like to highlight one of the programs the Knights support. Since 2013, the Knights of Columbus has partnered with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, to sponsor the annual Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage. Each year, wounded, ill and injured U.S. warriors (as well as non-wounded) are accepted to participate in a five-day retreat in Lourdes culminating with the events of the International Military Pilgrimage. Selected pilgrims spend this time of prayer and reflection taking meaningful steps in their journey toward healing from moral injury and finding inner peace. Many assemblies have donated to this cause over the years. For $3,000, an assembly can provide the opportunity for a warrior to attend the pilgrimage. To see more information visit its website, WarriorstoLourdes.com.

So, let us not forget the benefits of being a 4th degree knight. The 4th degree is to enhance the work of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd.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 is available upon 

     request. I will be involved through the whole process. So, if it’s your first  

     exemplification, no need to worry. I’m there to help.

The potential for new assemblies in Kansas is great. This is due to the growing third-degree membership; more assemblies are a definite reality.  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 myself, 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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