Our Principles
All the good works we do are formed by our four core principles with Patriotism being our focus:
Patriotism
The Fourth Principle of the Knight of Columbus and the 4th Degree Knights
The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree was established on February 22, 1900, in New York City. The first exemplification of the Fourth Degree was held in New York City on February 22, 1900. The Fourth Degree is the highest degree of the Knights of Columbus and is dedicated to the virtue of patriotism. It was feared the Knights of Columbus allegiance was to the Catholic Church and could not be trusted to be citizens, so Patriotism was added as a principle in the 1900s, base on the fact that we were loyal to God and Country. As such we support our country, our military, and first responders in many ways with assistance to Veterans and other civic activities such as flag ceremonies. We develop and organize programs that promote Catholic citizenship. The Fourth Degree also support priests, those who go on to serve as military chaplains. Through a special scholarship program, the Knights helped fund the education of seminarians preparing to become Catholic chaplains in the U.S. Armed Forces. Another national Program is The Serving Those Who Served program, a major initiative of the Fourth Degree supporting Veterans Affairs facilities. The Knights of Columbus has representatives at almost every Veterans Affairs medical clinic in the United States, where they recruit and manage K of C volunteers in developing activities and programs that aid patients’ most essential needs
Who are these 4th Degree Knights? We are the Knights on Main Street, the men you probably envision when someone says Knights of Columbus to you. They were at one time present in their distinct regalia and now in a uniform at civic and Church events, acting as honor guards and color corps, or standing in respect at the funerals of members or during adoration of the Eucharist.
Being a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus is more than a uniform, for that matter it is not needed. They are the men who have chosen to embrace the Order’s fourth principle of patriotism, the men who lead the efforts to reach out to veterans and active military and to embody the fact that one can be a faithful Catholic and be a faithful citizen. It is important, particularly in this day and age, that our Fourth Degree Assemblies encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in our members and the community at large. Members who may wish to live out patriotism can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” becoming part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world. We are often referred to as the Patriotic Degree
As Fourth Degree Knights we still follow and live by the other Principles of the Knights of Columbus of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity as seen and described in the Knights Of Columbus.
St Joseph Parish
Assembly 2416
Faithful Navigator, Donn Bellmore 607-759-8133
We meet the first Tue of every month at 7:00 pm for about 1 hour. Meetings are held in the O'Conner Hall.