The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.7 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people.

All members of the fourth degree have been bestowed the honor of Knighthood, and have continued their journey in learning the lesson of patriotism. The primary purpose of your Fourth Degree membership is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship.

As a Fourth Degree Knight you have the opportunity to become part of our assembly's color corps. As a color corps member, you will be recognized widely by the distinctive attire of tuxedo, feathered hat (chapeau), cape and sword. Color corps members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and in ecclesial functions at Catholic churches.

The video below describes in detail what the fourth degree is all about.

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The Fourth Degree: To Be A Patriot     [ Video: 10 min. 15 sec.]
This video introduces the fourth degree. It explains the fourth degree's purpose and why fellow knights joined the fourth degree.

• The fourth Degree is a group of outstanding Knights of Columbus dedicated to promoting patriotism enlightened by the Catholic faith.
• It works for the application of Christian principles in all levels of democratic government.
• It calls upon its members to distinguish themselves with heroic deeds for God, for country and for our Order.
• It supports such religious, civic and charitable causes as are consistent with its high ideals.
• It opposes the institution and development of forces inimical to good Christian government.
• It educates its members and the world at large to be defenders of our democratic institutions.
• It is the highest degree in the Knights of Columbus, giving a greater knowledge and appreciation of our Catholic heritage.

• You must be a 3rd degree member in good standing, meaning that dues, current and past, are paid up in full.

• You must have at least one year of service in the Knights of Columbus. In other words, at the time you will be taking your fourth degree, it will be at least one (1) year from the time you took your 1st degree.*

• You must fill out and submit a Form 4 along with an exemplification reservation form and accompany this form with a seventy dollar ($70.00) payment to cover the expenses of the fourth degree Exemplification. This payment includes the cost of your social baldric and your dinner.

To get information on our next Fourth Degree Exemplification.