The 4th Degree

What is the 4th Degree?

They are the Knights on Main Street, the men you probably envision when someone says Knights of Columbus to you. They’re present in their distinct regalia uniform at civic and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps, or standing in respect at the funerals of members or during adoration of the Eucharist.

But there is more to being a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus than a uniform. They are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism, the men who lead the efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and be a faithful citizen.

Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world.

The Fourth Degree operates independently from the Council, functioning within an organizational unit known as an Assembly. An Assembly comprises Fourth Degree members drawn from multiple Councils. Our Council 2531 is affiliated with the Bishop John Carroll Assembly #654, which includes Liberty Council #1910, Vineland Council #2531, Malaga Council #6513, and San Juan Diego Council #18426.

To become a 4th Degree Knight, you must first be a 3rd Degree Knight and have actively participated in the Council for at least one year. Once these requirements are met, you need to attend a 4th Degree Exemplification ceremony. These ceremonies typically take place in the fall and spring, though the exact timing may vary.

Photo of the Officers of Assembly #654 with our new members of the year 2024-2025.

Photo of the Color Corp.

The Color Corp, wearing their distinct regalia uniform, consists of Fourth Degree members who participate in Masses or special religious or civic events where their presence is requested. The Color Corp is customarily present for Masses or Religious Services where the Biship is celebrating the Mass or is a participant. Special religious services such as Confirmation, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Christ the King, St. Padre Pio Festival, etc., and various other events such as the March for life, Christmas parade, veteran’s parade and Memorial Day Services aboard the Battleship New Jersey to highlight a few. The Color Corp, at the request of the family, will also stand guard at the casket of a Brother Knight who passed away as well as stand guard during the veneration of a Saint’s relic.  

We are often asked if becoming a Fourth Degree Knight requires that you become a member of the Fourth Degree Color Corp. It would be nice to do but it is certainly not a requirement. It is entirely your decision and if you do decide our Assembly has a program in place where we will pay for half the cost of the uniform for you.