Last update: November 23, 2009

Who Are the Knights? The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic family fraternal service organization with 1.6 million members. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, their communities, families and young people. Membership Benefits As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine, the world's largest Catholic family magazine, eligibility to join the Knights of Columbus top-ranked life insurance program, and many more family and personal benefits. How to Join Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to practicing Catholic men in union with the Holy See, who are at least 18 years old. A practicing Catholic is one who lives up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Application forms are available from any member of the Knights of Columbus. 4th Degree Any Third Degree member in good standing, six months after the anniversary of his First Degree, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. Eligible candidates that are interested in joining are invited to contact bandmsaunders@hotmail.com. 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"). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honour guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus. You do not have to join the color corps to be a member of the Fourth Degree. Official Regalia Dress - Members The Fourth Degree member official regalia dress is as follows: • Black Tuxedo • Plain White Tuxedo Shirt pleated and with collar (No wing tip collars) • Black Bow Tie • Black Footwear • Black Socks • Black Cummerbund (No vests) • Social Baldric (worn under the coat, from right shoulder to left hip.) • Lapel Pin (Official Fourth Degree Pin) • Name Badge A member serving in the Armed Forces of his country is in proper attire when dressed in Military dress uniform. When a Fourth Degree member attends an official function of the Order where Fourth Degree dress is required, he may wear the jewel of his office around his neck, be it Fourth Degree or Third Degree, together with the Social Baldric. This applies only if he is currently serving in that office. A former Supreme Director, Past State Deputy, Past Grand Knight, Past Faithful Navigator, Former Vice Supreme Master, Former District Master, Former District Deputy, or Past Faithful Navigator may wear the miniature jewel of these offices, in accordance with the guidelines in the Protocol Handbook Color Corps As a Fourth Degree Knight you have the opportunity to become part of your 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. Official Regalia Dress - Color Corps The Knights of Columbus Color Corps official regalia dress is the same as the official regalia dress of a member, with the following additions: 1. Black Chapeau with plume the color of the office as set forth below with the Fourth Degree patch on the right side. 2. Black Cape with lining or the color of the office as set forth below with a Fourth Degree patch on the left shoulder. 3. White gloves. 4. Social Baldric is removed and a Service Baldric, together with a sword, is worn over the coat from the right shoulder to the left hip. When a sword is not permitted for any reason, the Service Baldric shall be worn nevertheless. 5. Color bearers wear a color harness and Service Baldric, but no sword. 6. The same rules apply with reference to wearing jewels of office. 7. A pocket name badge shall not be worn when dressed in Color Corps regalia. Colors for Color Corps Supreme Master Dark Blue Cape and Chapeau Vice Supreme Master Light Blue Cape and Chapeau Master Gold Cape and Chapeau Faithful Navigator White Cape and Chapeau District Marshall Green Cape and Chapeau Assembly Commanders Purple Cape and Chapeau Color Corps Red Cape and White Chapeau Former Vice Supreme Masters Blue Cape and Chapeau Former Masters Gold Cape and Chapeau Past Faithful Navigators White Cape and Chapeau