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: The annual Tootsie Roll drive for those with mental handicaps,

Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter food drives for the needy,

Sponsoring a picnic for the students of Baskerville, and

Labor for the Habitat for Humanity house building

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:

 Providing funding for a Pro-life Billboard,

Organizing and participating in a community Life Chain,

Funding and providing labor for a Memorial to the Born and Unborn, and

Organizing family Masses.

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: 

Sponsoring a picnic for the students at Baskerville,

Recognizing a Knight and Family of the Month,

Organizing Tri-Council picnics, and

Managing parish breakfasts.

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 2107, the assembly consisting of Fourth Degree Knights from, St. Mary’s, Precious Blood and St. Michael’s are: 

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

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

Arranging for the respectful disposition of soiled American flags,

Supporting construction of the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., and

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