Fourth Degree
Worthy Former Masters and Marshals,
Due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s associated restrictions, I’m not sure how many, if any, renewal ceremonies that we will be able to hold in January.
Praying that the pandemic begins to slow and our Assemblies are able to meet again in person, I want to be prepared to satisfy requests as they come in. There are a few requests that have already come in and are tentatively scheduled.
Covid restrictions permitting, I plan to preside over as many of these renewal ceremonies as possible. If multiple requests for the same date come in, I may need to request the assistance of Former Masters (if available) to preside over a specific assembly’s ceremony as has occurred in the past, and many of you have already offered to assist if needed.
Your thoughts and comments welcomed. Thank you for all you do for the Knights of Columbus and the Fourth Degree.
Vivat Jesus!
James M. Witzman
James M. Witzman, Master
District of Minnesota, Marquette Province
612-805-1846
4th Degree Projects:
Fort St Charles
We had the chapel dedication on Saturday September 14th, 2019. We gave tours of the island as well as holding a dedication mass with honor guard celebrated by Bishop Hoeppner presiding as well as several priests concelebrating. There was a reception on site following the Mass. Some pics are below. Lastly, you can view a history and lots more photos and information about Ft. St. Charles on their website by clicking here.
Crow Wing Chapel
Missionaries came to Crow Wing and mission churches were built. In August 1852 Fr Pierz established the catholic mission. This chapel sits at the site of the first church that Fr Pierz built in 1867.
The chapel is maintained by the 4th degree of MN and there is a mass celebrated there annually in July.
Fr Hennepin Statue
The Fr Hennepin Statue is in front of the Basilica of St Mary in Mpls. The 4th degree knights were instrumental in every phase of arranging for the site, having the statue made, and erecting the statue. It was officially dedicated in a huge mass and ceremony on October 12, 1930. The 4th degree is totally responsible for the maintenance of this historic and beautiful statue.