St Anthony of Padua Council #14544 — Las Vegas, NV
Overview & Mission
The Knights of Columbus serve a higher calling, committed to the cardinal virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. We hold four core principles at heart—Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism—which demonstrate the cornerstones of our Order. Progression through these Degrees offers every Knight the opportunity to deepen his faith, serve his community, and strengthen fraternal bonds.
Summary of the Four Degrees
| Degree | Core Principle | Title & Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Degree | CHARITY | Degree of Exemplification |
| 2nd Degree | UNITY | Degree of Admission |
| 3rd Degree | FRATERNITY | Degree of Formation |
| 4th Degree | PATRIOTISM | Degree of Knighthood (The Patriotic Degree) |
Traditionally separate ceremonies were held for each Degree, to confer upon the Knights seeking advancement in their local council. Today, a single ceremony is held for new Knights, which instills upon them the First, Second and Third Degree. A Knight’s desire to progress to the Fourth Degree is optional, but highly recommended.
1. The 1st Degree: CHARITY
[The Degree of Exemplification]
Our Catholic faith teaches us to “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Members of the Knights of Columbus show love for their neighbors by conducting food drives, donating to local soup kitchens and food pantries, volunteering at Special Olympics, and supporting their local parish and surrounding community whenever possible.
Knights recognize that our mission, and our faith in God, compels us to action. There is no better way to experience love and compassion than by helping those in need—a call we answer every day.
- Conducting local food drives and supporting neighborhood food pantries
- Donating resources and hot meals to local soup kitchens
- Volunteering time and sponsorship for Special Olympics programs
- Providing direct service and assistance to the local parish community
2. The 2nd Degree: UNITY
[The Degree of Admission]
Unity means none of us is as good as all of us. This principle helps Knights realize their true potential as Christian brothers and the sacred power of unity. Members of the Knights of Columbus all know that—together—we can accomplish far more than any of us could individually. So we stick together and support one another.
That doesn’t mean that we always agree or that there is never a difference of opinion. But it does mean that, as part of the Knights of Columbus, you can count on the support and encouragement of your brother Knights as you work to make life better in your parish and community.
Members of the Knights of Columbus are united in the body of Christ, ritualized and embodied in their full participation in the Catholic Church. Their loyalty to Christ and the unity which He encompasses is realized through their commitment to one another and their local, regional, and global church.
3. The 3rd Degree: FRATERNITY
[The Degree of Formation]
The Knights of Columbus was founded by Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, in large part, to provide assistance to the widows and children left behind when the family breadwinner died—often prematurely. The Order’s top-rated insurance program continues to do this today, as do individual Knights, who year after year give tens of millions of hours of their time to assist sick and disabled members and their families.
In the Knights of Columbus, we watch out for and take care of one another. Fraternity is the bond that links brother Knights together in mutual support and spiritual fellowship.
Privileges of the 3rd Degree Member
- Ability to serve as an elected local council officer
- Full voting rights and official admission to State and Supreme Council business meetings
- Eligibility to advance to the Fourth (Patriotic) Degree
4. The 4th Degree: PATRIOTISM
[The Degree of Knighthood / The Patriotic Degree]
Each Degree of the Knights of Columbus is associated with a particular virtue, with the 4th Degree being known as ‘The Patriotic Degree’. It was established in New York on February 22nd, 1900. Progression to the Fourth Degree is optional, but highly recommended for all Third Degree Knights.
Requirements for Joining the Fourth Degree
- Must have been a Third Degree member in good standing for at least one year.
- Must be an exemplary Catholic in practice and standing.
- Must be of sound citizenship of his country.
The Fourth Degree is frequently regarded as an honorary title with its regalia of tuxedos, capes, chapeaux, and swords, but should rather be thought of in terms of active service to Church and country.
Core Goals of the Fourth Degree
- Promotion of Catholic & Patriotic Ideals: Promoting the ideals of Catholicism and Patriotism side by side in all public and civic endeavors.
- Exemplary Citizenship: Promoting by example the highest type of citizenship necessary for the preservation and perpetuation of a Republican form of government and its democratic institutions.
- Defending Faith & Morality: Opposing the dissemination and spread of doctrines dangerous to our form of government and to the Divine law of faith and morality.
- Support for Duly Constituted Authorities: Supporting by word and deed the duly constituted authorities of local, state, and national government, and recognizing excellence in public life.
Therefore, it is common to find Fourth Degree Knights participating visibly in major church events, such as Eucharistic processions, civic celebrations, and community commemorations honoring the sacrifices of military veterans and previous generations on Remembrance Day and Veterans Day.