Recruitment

Recruiting new members is essential to the continued growth and well-being of your council and the Order. Offering a man membership in the Knights of Columbus gives him the opportunity to improve his own life and his community. Membership allows him to experience the fraternal bond that Knights share while growing closer to his family and his faith.

Before you consider HOW to recruit, you must address the question WHO to recruit. There are many eligible Catholic men and their families who would enjoy participating in the Order. Identifying them is easier than you think.

  • Approach pastors for parish rosters for potential Knights.
  • Add all local priests who are not Knights to prospect list.
  • Consider ushers, parish council members, choir members, lectors, mens’ club, etc., as prospects.
  • Welcome all new parishioners by asking them to join.
  • Recruit all 18-year-old Squires, and high school and college graduates.
  • Consider all vendors who serve council as potential members.
  • Add fathers, sons, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, grandfathers, grandsons.
  • Order free copies of the Prospect Referral Card (#921) from Supplies Online. Distribute copies of the card to all members at the council meeting or in the newsletter. Ask that completed cards with names of friends/acquaintances be returned to the membership director.
  • Advertise regularly in church bulletins, inviting interested prospects to contact the membership committee about joining.
  • Contact former members.
  • Use your imagination. Potential new members are all around you!

Once you have your Prospect List, it’s important to reach out to them and invite them to join. 

  • Send a personal invitation (by mail or email) each prospect and his family, personally signed by the grand knight.
  • Contact each prospect within one week of the mailing to arrange a home visit by the membership committee or your recruitment team.
  • ASK THE PROSPECT TO JOIN. Assist him in completing his Membership Document (#100) and collect fees.
  • Ensure a prompt initiation. Inform the candidate of dates for the Admission committee interview and the next Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity.
  • Complete proposer duties:
    • Accompany your prospect to the Admission Committee interview, Exemplification, council meetings;
    • Introduce the prospect and family to council members;
    • See that the prospect is assigned to committees/programs of interest.

The Patriotic Degree

The Patriotic Degree allows K of C members to take this one step further. “Sir Knight” is more than a title — it’s an honor.

Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus seek to embody the Order’s core principle of patriotism and exemplify true Catholic citizenship. Sir Knights, as Fourth Degree Knights are called, have been active in such programs as Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships, Serving Those Who Served, To Be a Patriot, Get Out the Vote, and Flag Protocol. In addition, assemblies have optional programs that honor the memory of deceased Fourth Degree Knights. The Chalice Program is one of the most enduring programs that memorializes a deceased Fourth Degree Knight and helps a priest acquire a precious chalice. Another involves presenting a crucifix with the emblem of the Order to the family of the deceased Fourth Degree Knight.

Knights of the Patriotic Degree are dedicated to the personal development and continued honor of brother Knights. We are always there to offer leadership, guidance, and encouragement.

Knights of the Patriotic Degree glorify God by serving our communities and nations as though Christ were the one being served.

Knights of the Patriotic Degree hold unwaveringly to what is right and honorable, working to keep God in the civic arena, serving the life of the Church, and defending laws that recognize the sanctity of life and true religious liberty.

fourth Degree Members

 The following Brother Sir Knights are members of Honesdale Council and Bishop Hoban Assembly.

 Robert J. Asinari

Donald L. Barney Jr

Russell J. Bateman

Rev. Martin M. Boylan

James E. Burke

Ralph A. Corey

Rev. Balaraju Desam

Richard B. Downs Jr

Joseph B. Ehrenhardt

Errol C. Flynn

Morgen R. Hatton

Roger B. Hermans

Heinrich Hochreither

Michael J. Jackson

Louis S. Johannes

Michael E. Jones

Tony L. Kietrys

Rev. William J P Langan

Paul M. Meagher

Maurice F. Meagher Jr

Paul M. Meagher Jr

Matthew L. Meagher

John T. Mielnik

John E. Petroski

Joseph A. Poltanis

Francis J. Rogers

Frank J. Savastano

Michael S. Slish Jr

August Stile

David J. Sutton

David A. Swendsen

Dr. Vincent J. Tully

Donald J. Vivacqua

Robert J. Warnock

Color Corp

When knighthood was in flower, knights carried the sword to defend their God, their Church, their country and their fellow man according to the code of chivalry. Today, Sir Knights wear regalia and carry the sword to honor Christ and His apostles, especially on religious and civic occasions specified in this manual. Hence, the primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to encourage active Catholic citizenship and foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large. The Color Corps members exemplify all the principles of our Order:

  • Charity – by the gift of their time and energies necessary to practice, perfect and perform the ceremonials and sword drill,
  • Unity – by the united efforts of Sir Knights to practice and perfect a coordinated drill for the good of the Church and the Order,
  • Fraternity – by expressing an “Esprit de Corps,” sharing a common desire for drill excellence and camaraderie; and
  • Patriotism – by performing precision drill as a salute to God and to country and visually exhibiting a love for both.

The public appearance of Fourth Degree Knights as a Color Corps at religious and civic functions is an important activity of each assembly. By these public demonstrations, their loyalty and patriotism bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of Columbus and presents a visible reminder of our service within the community.