Fourth Degree
New District Master’s Message
I would like to begin by once again saying what an honor and privilege it is to have been selected as the District Master. I can tell you that the first thing that I found out was that once you take over this position you need to hit the ground running! Speaking of hitting the ground running, we have precious little time to get our recruiting done for our big Fall Exemplification event being held this year in Lino Lakes October 26th– 27th.
As of today we have over 40,000 members of the Minnesota Knights of Columbus with just over 4000 of them being 4th Degree members. As the numbers show we have less than 10% of our members in the 4th Degree. My goal is to increase membership in the 4th Degree to 15% or roughly 6,000 members. This number is achievable if we all work together. The church, our country and our communities desperately need us. With all the challenges we are facing today as Catholic American citizens, the need for the 4th Degree’s commitment to mold public opinion has never been greater. With so many people in our country currently protesting our law enforcement, promoting the culture of death, and denigrating the church and our beliefs, our nation is starving for what we as Knights of Columbus have to offer. The 4th Degree is the visible arm of the Order and that means as a 4th Degree knight, you are pledging to get out there and actively promote the beliefs and values that we stand for as Knights of Columbus and as American citizens. It’s our duty is to support our bishops and priests, defend our faith, and uphold law and order in our country. What better way to do that than to belong to the most visible arm of the Knights of Columbus, the 4th Degree!
Again, your next opportunity to join will be in a few weeks in Lino Lakes October 26th -27th. The Good Shepherd Assembly has been working hard to make this a very special weekend. I encourage all members of the Minnesota Knights of Columbus to consider joining the 4th Degree. If you have any questions about membership in the 4th Degree please email me at master@mnknights.org or call me at 763-477-4410.
Upcoming exemplifications
You are invited to join us in Lino Lakes for our Fall Exemplification October 26-27, hosted by the Good Shepherd Assembly. The Friday evening dinner, Exemplification, Mass and banquet will all be held at St Joseph’s Church in Lino Lakes. Hospitality and fraternity will be at the Hampton Inn at 579 Apollo Drive, Lino Lakes. A block of rooms has been reserved at $105.00 plus tax. Go online at https://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/M/MSPLLHX-9KC-20181026/index.jhtml?WT.mc id=POG Or you can call and make your reservations early. 763-746-7999
We will start out with our usual Friday dinner/social from 5:30-7:30 pm which is a great way to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. Once you’re done with dinner you have the opportunity to dance to the sounds of “Java Soul”. They will be playing in St Joseph’s Main Hall on Friday night. Tickets will be available for $10 which includes 2 free drink tickets.
Everyone is invited to enjoy some hospitality at the Hampton Inn on Friday and Saturday nights as we celebrate a weekend of Patriotism and Fraternity.
Saturday will be as usual with the Exemplification starting at 12:00 noon. Candidates should arrive between 11:30-11:45. We will attend the parish Mass at 5:00 pm followed by the banquet at the church. The ladies of the Good Shepherd Assembly have a great program planned for the ladies to enjoy while the guys attend the Exemplification ceremony.
With the transition to the new uniform, both old and new uniforms may be worn for the Exemplification. July 1, 2019 is the deadline to retire the capes and chapeaus. This creates challenges for many of our members. Please be patient as this all works out.
Remember, candidates for the 4th degree DO NOT have to buy, borrow or rent a tuxedo. Also, those of us who may have out-grown our tuxedo are welcome to observe the 4th Degree Exemplification wearing a black or dark suit with a white shirt and necktie. Members who choose to wear their tuxedo, cape, chapeau and sword will certainly be welcome as well. Please call or email me with any questions.
The deadline for registration is October 15.
Here are the registration letter pages to download and print if you need to:
Ladies Exemplification & Joy of Giving
For those looking for more information on the new 4th Degree uniform, see the Supreme webpage
Patriotism: is the principle of this prestigious degree. Its ceremonials are orchestrated such as to exemplify our love of our country and church.
Therefore, the Fourth Degree’s primary purpose is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in its members and the community at large.
To qualify a member must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the country in which he resides, and a third degree member in good standing.
We ask all Knights to consider becoming members of the Patriotic Degree . This is a great opportunity to step out of your local Council and unite with Brother Knights from all over the Great State of Minnesota.
VSM and Masters of the Marquette Province at the Cathedral of St Paul
Check out the “Warriors to Lourdes” pilgrimage …
To nominate a member for the 4th degree Hall of Fame go here
or print this HALL OF FAME FORM 2018 and mail it.
The recent exemplification in Brainerd was the last one where we will wear the old regalia. The following photographs were taken to commemorate this occasion, and to honor retiring members of the team.
Bishop Serba and Fourth Degree Knights at the Crow Wing Chapel Mass
