About the Assembly

The Fourth Degree is the patriotic degree of the Knights of Columbus. Its members are known as Sir Knights. Building upon the Order’s principles of charity, unity, and fraternity, the Fourth Degree calls Knights to live the principle of patriotism through faithful citizenship and service to Church, country, and community.

Membership in the Fourth Degree is open to Third Degree Knights in good standing who wish to deepen their commitment to Catholic patriotism and public service.

The Fourth Degree emblem combines the dove, the cross, and the globe. The symbols have traditionally been associated with the Holy Trinity: the globe with God the Father, the cross with God the Son, and the dove with God the Holy Spirit. Together, they express the union of Catholic faith, fraternity, and patriotic service.

Serving as the Pope of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his passing in 2005, Pope John Paul II was canonized in 2014 and is now honored by the Church as Saint John Paul II. His defense of human dignity, religious freedom, solidarity, and faithful public witness provides an appropriate example for a Catholic organization devoted to patriotism and service.