The Fourth Degree

Fourth Degree: Patriotism

Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens. We are proud of our devotion to God and country and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

Fourth Degree Assemblies operate independently from—although frequently alongside—local Knights’ Councils. The Fourth Degree, with its distinctive regalia, provides a visible symbol of duty toward God, neighbor, and nation.

Bishop Sylvester Treinen Assembly #2751
Bishop Sylvester Treinen Assembly #2751 - Meridian, Idaho

Bishop Sylvester Treinen Assembly #2751 - Meridian, Idaho

Bishop Sylvester Treinen

Bishop Treinen served as bishop of the Diocese of Boise for almost 27 years.

He was born in Donnelly, Minn., Nov. 19, 1917. He was raised in Bismarck, N.D., earned a bachelor of arts degree from St. Paul’s Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., in 1946, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1946, for the diocese of Bismarck.

In his early years as a priest, he served in parishes, did some coaching, and was involved in Boy Scouting.

In 1950, he became personal secretary to the bishop of Bismarck and later became chancellor. He returned to parish work in 1959.

Pope John XXIII named Treinen the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Boise in 1962. Shortly after his installation, he was called to Rome to attend the Second Vatican Council. He was one of the few remaining participants of Vatican II prior to his death.

Under Treinen’s leadership, the Catholic education office, permanent diaconate, mission in Cali, Colombia, and Hispanic ministry office were established. Bishop Kelly High School, Nazareth Retreat Center, and student centers at colleges and universities in Moscow, Boise, and Pocatello, Idaho, also were built.

While Treinen was bishop of the diocese of Boise, 53 priests and 36 deacons were ordained, 20 parishes and stations were established around Idaho and the Catholic population in the state grew from 45,300 to 73,300.

Bishop Sylvester Treinen Assembly #2751 - Meridian, Idaho
The Patriotic Degree Reminds Us of Our Duty to God and Country.
By: Andrew Butler

They are the Knights on Main Street, the men you probably envision when someone says Knights of Columbus to you. They’re present in their distinct regalia 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.

But there is more to being a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus than a uniform. 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 also be a faithful citizen.

4th Degree Knights and their Uniform
When the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882, three principles united its members: Charity, Unity and Fraternity. At that time people feared that members of the Catholic faith owed their entire allegiance to the Church and could not be trusted as citizens of their country. Patriotism was added to the Order’s principles in 1900, based on the idea that Knights are loyal to both God and country.

Members who wish to live out patriotism together can join “the Fourth Degree.” Members of this degree have the special honor of holding the title “Sir Knight,” participating in color and honor guards and organizing programs that promote Catholic citizenship. They also become part of a Fourth Degree Assembly in their area. There are more than 3,500 Fourth Degree assemblies around the world.

“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,” Supreme Master Dennis Stoddard said.

The Serving Those Who Served program is 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.

The Fourth Degree has also supported priests, in particular 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.

Stoddard said Fourth Degree assemblies help Knights to put their faith, and their love of country, into action.

“The fourth principle ‘Patriotism,’ commits our members to the preservation of our Church, our Order and to the many nations where Knights serve,” Stoddard said.