Knights Of Columbus: Fourth Degree 'color Corps'

[Paladin D]

[color="#0000FF"][size=5][b]Great things have been done for love of country. But the greatest things have been done for love of country and God.[/b][/size][/color]

[i]The Fourth Degree is the highest degree of the order. Members of this degree are addressed as "Sir Knight". The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship. Fewer than 18% (approx. 306,000) of Knights join the Fourth Degree, which is optional. A Knight is eligible to join the Fourth Degree after one year from the date of his First Degree, providing he has completed the 2nd and 3rd degrees beforehand.[/i]


[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/PaladinD/KofCNationalShrine1.jpg[/img]

[color="#FF0000"][i][b]Honoring the legacy of Knighthood.[/b][/i][/color]
[i]The Color Corps is an elective division of the Fourth Degree, whose distinctive presence in parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and Catholic functions is a visible reminder of our service to the community. The tuxedo, chapeau, cape, and sword worn by the Color Corps were inspired by the 19th century naval uniforms, with different cape colors representing nine different program ranks. The ceremonial sword symbolizes Christian Knighthood, and is carried to signify reverence to Church, Eucharist, country, and freedom. Color Corps members wear the colors with pride, knowing they represent the very best of the Knights of Columbus.[/i]

[img]http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06Svg0x6sid8k/340x.jpg[/img]



[img]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fa/Fourth_degree.gif[/img]
[size=5][color="#0000FF"][b]Emblem of the Fourth Degree[/b][/color][/size]
[quote]Three elements form the emblem of the Fourth Degree. A dove floats over a globe showing the Western Hemisphere, the New World Columbus is credited with discovering. Both are mounted on the Isabella cross, a variation of the Maltese cross with knobs at the end of each of the 8 points. This cross was often found on the tunics and capes of the crusading knights who fought for the Holy Land.

Spiritually, the symbols of the emblem symbolize the three persons of God. The Globe represents God the Father, Creator of the Universe. The Cross is symbolic of God the Son, who redeemed mankind by dying on the cross, and the Dove represents God the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier of Humanity. The colors of the emblem, the red cross, white dove and blue earth are the colors of the flag of the United States, where the Order was founded. The elements serve as a reminder that the principle of the Degree is patriotism but also that the Order is thoroughly Catholic.[/quote]


[b][i]The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is committed to the preservation of the Church, the Order, and the many nations where Knights serve. We stand where Christ would have us, as examples of His presence in the world.[/i][/b]

[img]http://koc2852.netfirms.com/activityphotos/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/thumb_St_Patricks_Day_Parade_0540.JPG[/img]
Fourth Degree Knights act on what is right and honorable by:
- Supporting and defending truth in the public arena.
- Protecting faith in civic life, such as the American examples of "One Nation Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and "In God We Trust" on currency.
- Funding, restoring, and serving in Church initiatives and events.
- Supporting the culture of life.

[img]http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o18/tzor/Knights300.jpg[/img]
Fourth Degree Knights lead and serve our brother Knights by:
- Conducting educational programs.
- Honoring Knights and our families during times of tragedy and loss.
- Encouraging active participation in important programs of the Order.
- Sponsoring Squire Circles and scout troops.

[img]http://www.kofc.org/un/cmf/images/pubs/kia/108-MD-State.jpg[/img]
Fourth Degree Knights model and foster patriotism in many nations by:
- Teaching personal responsibility in civic affairs.
- Taking publicly visible leadership roles on important national and moral issues.
- Facilitating voter turnout on election days.
- Training and encouraging youth to be engaged citizens.
- Working to honor and protect the flag.
- Participating in national holiday celebrations.
- Honor veterans for their service and sacrifice.


[img]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2344791488_d90de2a1ec.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.kofc2308.com/images/honorguard.jpg[/img]

[size=5][b]Ranks and their respective colors:[/b][/size]
[b]Vice Supreme Master[/b]: [color="#0000FF"]Blue Cape and Chapeau [/color]
[b]Master[/b]: [color="#FFFF00"]Gold Cape and Chapeau [/color]
[b]District Marshall[/b]: [color="#2E8B57"]Green Cape and Chapeau [/color]
[b]Faithful Navigator[/b]: White Cape and Chapeau
[b]Assembly Commander[/b]: [color="#800080"]Purple Cape and Chapeau [/color]
[b]Color Corps Members (standard)[/b]: [color="#FF0000"]Red Cape [/color]and White Chapeau


[b]Color Corps saluting the President and the Pope during the Holy Father's visit to the White House:[/b]
[img]http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/images/20080416-3_p041608sc-0146-515h.jpg[/img]




[color="#FF0000"][size=7][b]Vivat Jesus![/b][/size][/color]

Edited August 22, 2008 by Paladin D

[CatherineM]

I think my husband is still a 1st or 2nd degree. I couldn't get him to tell me, like it's a secret. I'm not sure any of us are ready to see him running around with a sword though.

[Paladin D]

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1634087' date='Aug 21 2008, 11:31 PM']I think my husband is still a 1st or 2nd degree. I couldn't get him to tell me, like it's a secret. I'm not sure any of us are ready to see him running around with a sword though.[/quote]

The only thing that is kept 'secret' is the degree ceremonies (when a member climbs from one rank to another), but everything else is pretty much open to the public. The main reason for this, is to create a sense of 'awe' to those who have no prior knowledge of what is about to happen. It alerts their senses, and keeps them more aware of what is transpiring. It's also a matter of prestige I suppose. All you need is someone to "give the scoop" to a new candidate on what is about to happen before the ceremony; thus, lessening the 'awe' factor.

So your husband most definately shouldn't hide his degree from you.

[CatherineM]

I didn't think that he was supposed to hide it from me, he just enjoys pulling my chain.

[Nihil Obstat]

I want a sword and cape.
When I'm eighteen... Totally joining.

[CatherineM]

Do you think in 100 years that they will wear light sabers with their capes?

[BG45]

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1634783' date='Aug 22 2008, 03:46 PM']Do you think in 100 years that they will wear light sabers with their capes?[/quote]

The KoC is going to become a group of Sith Lords? Perhaps it was good I turned down an offer to join the other year.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1634783' date='Aug 22 2008, 01:46 PM']Do you think in 100 years that they will wear light sabers with their capes?[/quote]
Darn right.
Would it be sacreligious to hae a "Jedi of Columbus"?

[Farsight one]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' post='1634795' date='Aug 22 2008, 02:58 PM']Darn right.
Would it be sacreligious to hae a "Jedi of Columbus"? [/quote]I see the next big internet meme right in front of my eyes...

...and I like it...

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Farsight one' post='1635102' date='Aug 22 2008, 06:53 PM']I see the next big internet meme right in front of my eyes...

...and I like it... [/quote]
I CALL IT!
I'll get going on paint right now.

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' post='1635345' date='Aug 23 2008, 12:07 AM']I CALL IT!
I'll get going on paint right now.[/quote]
Literally right this second, and I'll post when it's done.
Cheers.

[Nihil Obstat]

K, I've done one guy. I don't know how to post it though, since it's not on a website.

[Farsight one]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' post='1635358' date='Aug 23 2008, 01:39 AM']K, I've done one guy. I don't know how to post it though, since it's not on a website.[/quote]Photobucket is your friend.

[Roamin Catholic]

Paladin...yet another great post about the Knights and what we/they do....

[CoffeeCatholic]

so sweet. We're totally having them at our wedding, since Joey and his dad are 4th degrees and all! They'll do the sword tunnel for us to walk through- super awesome!!!