Arizona State Council Knights of Columbus - Fraternal Year 2025-2026
Patriotic Degree Exemplifications
Brothers All;
Each ‘degree’ of the Knights of Columbus is associated with a particular virtue, the fourth being “Patriotism”. Consequently, the 4th Degree is often known as ‘The Patriotic Degree’.
It was established in New York on 22 February, 1900. The requirements for joining the 4th are that a brother Knight must be a third degree member in good standing, be an exemplary Catholic, and be of sound citizenship of his country.
The Fourth Degree is frequently regarded as an honorary title but should rather be thought of in terms of service to church and country, and the goals of the Fourth Degree may be summarized as the promotion of the ideals of Catholicism and Patriotism side by side.
In more detail, these goals may be stated as:
•To promote and strengthen the patriotic spirit of the civic community.
•To educate its members, and others, both in the teachings of Holy Mother Church, and
the history of our nation.
•To promote by example the highest type of citizenship so necessary for the preservation
and perpetuation of republican form of government, and its democratic institutions.
•To oppose dissemination and spread of doctrine dangerous to our form of government,
and to the Divine law of faith and morality.
•To support by word and deed, the duly constituted authorities of local, state and national
government, and to recognize excellence in public life.
Therefore, it is not unusual to find Fourth Degree Knights participating visibly in church events, such as Eucharistic processions, and others, and in the community, standing up for the unborn and the elderly at Pro-Life events, and commemorating the sacrifices of previous generations.
The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights' respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called assemblies.
Please take the time during both Council and Assembly meetings to promote the Fourth Degree Exemplification and encourage Third Degree or lower members to attain the title of Sir Knight. Make sure a candidate receives the full packet of information which includes valuable instructions on what is needed for registration.
At this time when our way of life is being challenged both locally and globally, we ask that all men rise up to answer the call of becoming a Fourth Degree member to show that we will publicly defend both our rights and religious responsibilities.
Regalia Information
While purchasing the Patriotic Degree Regalia (formerly known as the Uniform) is not required for Fourth Degree Sir Knights, those that choose to purchase Regalia can join the Honor Guard and Color Guard.
Honor Guard and Color Guard members are the visible arm of the Catholic Church. They don Regalia to honor our fallen Sir Knights, Brother Knights and their families as well as our military and first responders.
They march in parades and Eucharistic Processions, the carry and post flags of our nation, all to bring the Good News to our communities.
Arizona District Masters
Assemblies are similar to councils. This is a very large responsibility, headed up by what we call a “District Master”, similar to the District Deputy in the 3rd Degree.
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance
The Knights of Columbus recognized that the Pledge of Allegiance is a “fundamentally patriotic exercise, not a religious one.”* Recognizing the fundamental role of religion, especially Christianity, in sustaining a morally sound nation the Knights sought to include the words “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance in August of 1952.
Fourth degree information
New Drill Manual
New Drill Manual
New Drill Manual
This manual provides the accepted drill procedures of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. It has been developed for use by Fourth Degree Color Corps as a standard for uniform drill procedures; Honor Guard/Color Guard procedures; and the Manual of the Sword.
Uniform drill procedures will enable individual Sir Knights to drill with other assemblies, and will facilitate participation of entire assemblies to drill as a part of a larger unit. Sir Knights can drill with confidence of knowing that their participation will be compatible anywhere.
State Assemblies
New Drill Manual
New Drill Manual
It is the responsibility of the District Master of the Fourth Degree in the Arizona District to ensure that his assemblies are functioning, growing, and serving within his district.
Chalice Ceremony
New Drill Manual
Chalice Ceremony
The Knights of Columbus Memorial Service has been designed for use at the wakes of members of both the Third and Fourth Degrees. It is understood, however, that the traditions of assemblies may differ from those of councils, specifically in the presence of an honour guard and the presentation of a chalice. Nevertheless, the Rosary should be prayed at the wake of every brother Knight (family and pastor permitting). For a member of the Fourth Degree, it is desirable that councils and assemblies work together so that one jointly sponsored prayer service is offered instead of two separate ones.