On February 22, 1900, the first fourth degree exemplification was held in New York City. The ritual added patriotism to the three original principles of the Order: charity, unity and fraternity.

Any Third Degree member in good standing, one year after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. 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.

You can recognize us anywhere -- those men wearing plumed hats (chapeaus), brightly colored capes, white gloves and swords dangling from their hips. You’ll find us dressed in our formal regalia at Catholic ceremonies, including ordinations and special Masses. But what you don’t usually see is all the good work done behind the scenes by these men - - the Knights of Columbus, the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization.

We proudly serve the folowing councils in Diocese of Joliet:

Our assembly meets the second Wednesday of each month at various locations around the diocese of Joliet. Please check our calendar for meeting locations. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.

Our assembly was formed in May of 2007 through the efforts of Master Ray Biliskov, Jim Russell our current Faithful Navigator and 150 committed fourth degree knights. Our chartered officers were installed on June 2, 2007 at St. Raphael's Parish in Naperville.

The assembly selected their name to be titled: Bishop Romeo Blanchette Assembly after Bishop Romeo Blanchette being the first bishop to be a Knight of the fourth degree in Joliet Diocese.