First Degree: Charity

The lesson of the 1^st Degree, CHARITY, is that Knights strive to perform charitable works and give aid to widows, orphans, the sick and the poor. Examples of good works of charity by our council include:

• OPERATION HOPE;  A campaign best known for the "Tootsie Rolls" involves Knights raising funds for the mentally challenged by soliciting for grants and donations during planned events throughout the community
• Special Olympics:  Knights assisting coordinators of the annual event including serving food and beverages.
• Habitat for Humanity:  Knights providing labor and skilled crafts for building new homes for the disadvantaged as well as refurbishing existing dwellings in poor condition.
• Coats for Kids:  Through Council funding, Knights providing winter coats for disadvantaged children
• Food for Families:  Knights assisting in the distribution of food and love for the disadvantaged throughout the community during the Holidays and as volunteer support for Fr. Pats Kitchen
• And, among many other charitable acts, Knights providing educational and mentor support to the mentally challenged as well as the incarcerated without hope for better lives.

Second Degree: Unity

The lesson of the 2^nd Degree, UNITY, is to assure that a Knight becomes fully united with his brothers in the basic understanding of his Catholic faith. Organized Columbians, united behind the individual Knight, provides the power of an intelligent, alert body of Catholic men – a strength which the individual by himself can not achieve. Does he really know: The Apostles Creed, the Ten Commandments, the Seven Sacraments, the difference between sanctifying and actual grace, the precepts of the church, Holy Days of Obligation, the Seven Capital Sins, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Mysteries of the Rosary. In other word, as a group of Catholic men, are we all united in our faith and the church?  We manifest this deep belief in our faith such activities as: 

• MASS OF THE UNBORN;  Knights together in prayer for the unborn
• MEMORIAL MASS:  Knights in prayer together for the deceased, widows and orphans
• PRO-LIFE RALLY/LIFE CHAIN;  Knights united together for Pro-Life.
• MONTHLY ROSARY;  Knights united together in Rosary before Business Meetings
• MENS DISCUSSION GROUP;  Knights together in discussion of common values and beliefs in our Catholic Religion
• RETREATS;  Knights in communion with the Church setting aside time for prayer and reflection.

Third Degree: Fraternity

The lesson of the Third Degree, FRATERNITY, makes a Knight aware that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. It brings home the requirement of Love of Neighbor no matter race, national origin or physical ability. It demands our defense of the weak and abused. It binds the Brotherhood of Knights against injustice. It solidifies the bond between the Knights and the bishops and priests of the church. Completion of this degree brings the Knight to full Knighthood. Some activities relating to this degree are: 

• SOCIALS;  Gatherings designed for families to join in faith and have fun, share common values, and learn through association with others in our fraternal organization
• Opportunities for families to participate in activities/events that either generate income for charities, or directly support charities including;  Pelicans Concessions, Operation Hope, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Family Outings, Food for Families, Council Breakfasts, Dinners, and Special Events.
• State sponsored events including Pro-Life Rally-Columbia, Life Chain-Georgetown, State Conventions, and Men's Catholic Conference-Columbia to name a few.
• Council sponsored events including Family Outings, Knight of the Month, Family of the Month, and Youth of the Month.

Fourth Degree: Patriotism

The lesson of the Fourth Degree, the highest level of membership in the Knights, is that Knights act for the good of their country. They are dedicated to promoting patriotism, i.e. love of God and country, illuminated by Catholic faith. Assemblies have their own officers, meetings and socials. Some activities of Assembly 3272, the assembly consisting of Fourth Degree Knights from, St. Mary’s and Precious Blood are

• Placing flags on over 1,000 veteran’s graves,

• Participating in, and providing an Honor Guard for, Veterans’ Day programs,

• Participating in Community Parades,

• Supplying & sending packages to our troops overseas, and

• Providing an Honor Guard for Bishop and for special moments, e.g. Memorial Mass.