Officer - Leader Resources | Knights of Columbus

Assembly Resources

Resources

Assembly Meetings Fourth Degree Color Corps Drill Manual

Faithful Comptroller's Handbook

Installation of Assembly Officers Ceremonial

Star Assembly Award Brochure

The Laws and Rules Governing the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus

Best Practices in Recruiting for your Assembly

Training

On demand training is available for Assembly officers. New and returning Assembly leaders should review this page periodically as new training sessions are added throughout the year.

View Details

Forms

Find a complete list of Assembly Forms and their respective due dates.

Master’s Semi-Annual Report View Assembly Forms

The Catholic Patriot

The Catholic Patriot is a monthly publication sent to all Fourth Degree leaders including Faithful Navigators, Faithful Comptrollers, District Masters and Vice Supreme Masters.

September Newsletter

Exemplification of Patriotism

Candidates

Candidates for the Fourth Degree must be Third Degree members in good standing. To discover the next opportunity to take the Exemplification of Patriotism near you, please review the schedule below OR find a local assembly and contact their leadership.

Schedule of Upcoming Exemplification of Patriotism Find an Assembly Near You

Assembly Leaders

Assembly leaders should promote all upcoming Exemplifications of Patriotism in their district to the councils that make up their assembly. Assembly leader should appoint a representative for each council to share the details and to work with the council's financial secretary to identify men who are eligible to join.

Recruiting Best Practices for Assemblies

District Masters

District Masters are responsible for organizing and executing the Exemplification of Patriotism in their district. Annually, a District Master should hold at least one Exemplification of Patriotism in his district, although larger districts should hold more.

Exemplification of Patriotism Script (PDF) Exemplification of Patriotism Powerpoint (Download) Song Book - Exemplification of Patriotism (PDF) Fourth Degree Exemplification Report

Fourth Degree

Who are Fourth Degree Knights

They may be known by their district uniform, but there is more to being a Fourth Degree that what he wears. Men of the fourth degree have chosen to embrace Patriotism and embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and faithful citizen.

Fourth degree members standing with American flags.

The Fourth Degree Near Me

The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is available to all third degree members in good standing who are citizens of the country they reside and wish to grow in their practice of Catholic patriotism.

Find an Assembly

A group portrait of Fourth Degree Knights in early 1900s holding swords.

The Beginning of the Fourth Degree

The first Exemplification of Patriotism was held February 22, 1900 in New York City where nearly 1,100 Knights received the degree.

Our History

125th Anniversary Event

On Thursday, February 22, 1900, in honor of George Washington's birthday, the Knights of Columbus celebrated the first Exemplification of Patriotism. The ceremony was held in the Lennox Lyceum in New York city with 1,100 candidates in attendance. On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Knights of Columbus returned to New York city to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Fourth Degree within the historic walls of America's parish church - Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Fourth Degree Knights present the colors at the outset of the 125th anniversary Fourth Degree ceremonies at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, Feb. 22. (Photo by Gregory Shemitz)

125th Anniversary of Fourth Degree Mass

Mass following the 125th Anniversary Exemplification of Patriotism at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, Saturday, February 22, 2025.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly (third from left), and relatives of Blessed Michael McGivney.

America's Parish Priest in America's Parish Church

A new statue of Blessed Michael McGivney finds a home in St. Patrick's Cathedral, reflecting the dynamic history of the Church in the United States

Read: America's Parish Priest

Fourth Degree Knights in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Feb. 22

A Celebration of Catholic Patriotism

More than 650 men were inducted into the Fourth Degree during the premiere of a revised Exempliﬁcation of Patriotism, which took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Feb. 22. Marking the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree, the celebratory event began with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, joined by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori and relatives of Blessed Michael McGivney, unveiling a new bronze statue of the K of C founder commissioned by the Order for the cathedral.

Read: A Celebration of Catholic Patriotism

Leadership Resources

Fraternal Planner 2025-2026

Fraternal Excellence Guide

Protocol, Meetings, and Ceremonials

For All Officers

Grand Knight

Financial Secretary

Membership Director

Program Director

State Deputy

Program Director

District Deputy

Program Director

Assembly Resources

Resources

Training

Forms

The Catholic Patriot

Exemplification of Patriotism

Candidates

Assembly Leaders

District Masters

Fourth Degree

Who are Fourth Degree Knights

The Fourth Degree Near Me

The Beginning of the Fourth Degree

125th Anniversary Event

125th Anniversary of Fourth Degree Mass

America's Parish Priest in America's Parish Church

A Celebration of Catholic Patriotism

Chaplain's Resources

Chaplain's Handbook

Supreme Chaplain's Monthly Challenge

Votive Mass of Blessed Michael McGivney

Chaplain's Report