What is the Patriotic Degree?
Every Knight knows the three principles of the Third Degree: Charity, Unity, and Fraternity. But there is a fourth principle, Patriotism. In the Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbus, members are committed to this principle of Patriotism, which is not political but rather religious. Patriotism is love for our country that gave us a home, whether we were born here or immigrated here. Patriotism is also commitment to the ideal that justice is for everyone and not just a select few. We therefore seek justice for those who have been treated unjustly.
In the Third Degree, Knights meet in their home Councils as often as they can. In the Patriotic Degree, we meet in Assemblies. While a council is usually composed of Knights from a single parish, assemblies are composed of Knights from multiple councils and therefore multiple parishes. While councils typically belong to a district comprised of three to five councils, assemblies belong to much larger districts often aligned with an entire Diocese or even a state. In Texas, the Diocese of Austin comprises the Sixth Texas District and includes 28 assemblies.
What We Do
The Patriotic Degree is the visible arm of the Knights of Columbus. We wear a distinctive uniform with our berets, baldrics, and swords that makes us standout in a crowd. You will often see us accompanying the Bishop at an ordination, a confirmation, or a church dedication.
We also perform patriotic activities such as Veterans Recognition Ceremonies, flag retirements, and laying wreaths or planting flags near the graves of those who died serving our country. In addition, we raise funds which we then contribute to patriotic charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Honor Flights.