1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

• An Exemplification of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus is the formal initiation into the degree.

• Exemplifications are typically held only a few times each year; therefore it is important to plan ahead for the degree.

• Every Exemplification is held in honor of a Worthy Sir Knight. The Honoree is named at the banquet and the newly initiated members are presented to him.

• A package with the details of dinner choices and hotel accommodations is sent out in advance in ample time to book before the deadline.

• In order for a candidate to be listed in the Exemplification booklet and have a certificate prepared for them in advance, their name must be given to the Master no less than 14 days before the date of the degree.

• Last-minute candidates can receive the degree, but they will not be listed in the banquet program; they will not have a certificate prepared for them, and they risk not being seated at the banquet if the event is being catered. Their fee will remain the same. The Exemplification fee will not be discounted for any reason.

• THE DEADLINE FOR CANDIDATE'S NAMES IS 14 DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF THE DEGREE

• Please help avoid confusion by meeting the deadlines.

2. EXEMPLIFICATION OF THE FOURTH DEGREE:

• Section 39. Dress for Exemplification.
  (a) For a candidate: black or dark (blue or grey) business suit with black shoes, plain white dress shirt (button cuff (no French cuffs), no button down collar shirts), necktie, and candidate identification.
  (b) For a candidate serving in the armed forces of his country, full-time police and firefighters: a Class A or dress uniform.

• Candidates may not wear Knights of Columbus jewels or name badges.

• Jewels of office may be worn by active officers only.

• Members of the Armed Forces, policemen, and firefighters may wear their full dress uniform.

• Priests may wear clerical garb with Collar.

3. RECRUITMENT AND WAIVERS:

• All Faithful Navigators are encouraged to visit councils and start recruiting as many Third Degree Knights as possible.  All Grand Knights are encouraged to inform their membership and recruit new members.

• There is no longer a 6 or 12-month waiting period before joining the Fourth Degree, so waivers aren’t necessary.

4. CANDIDATE’S APPLICATION (FORM 4):

• All Form 4’s are to be filled out properly. ALL ITEMS SHOWN BELOW ARE REQUIRED! (Rank or Title is only for Priests or Military) TYPE or PRINT LEGIBLY IN CAPITAL LETTERS all required information.

• All required signature blocks must be completed prior to forwarding the Form 4’s with the Supreme Secretary and Master’s COPIES ATTACHED. Assemblies are to keep their copy and are to return the Financial Secretary's copy to the council.

• INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL BE RETURNED FOR CORRECTION.

• Candidate Fees are $70, which includes ONE DINNER TICKET FOR THE CANDIDATE, a social baldric, and a Fourth Degree lapel pin. The home Assembly will handle fees for Priest candidates including the above.

• Please use the dinner reservation form that will be provided for any additional meal tickets.

• Assemblies are to take care of their respective Priest covering all fees and accommodations.

• A Mass will precede the banquet and all priests are welcome to concelebrate the Mass. Please encourage your Priests to bring their vestments.

• PLEASE NOTE: Send properly completed Form 4’s with candidate fees with checks made payable to Master 4th Degree, as shown on the Registration Form. All checks must be sent so as to arrive no later than the cutoff date.

• REMEMBER THE CUTOFF DATE IS TEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE DEGREE DATE

• The host Assembly will confirm with the pastor his wishes regarding the use of swords by the Honor Guard at the procession, the consecration, and the recession. The Honor Guard will accompany the main celebrant and all concelebrating Priests in the procession and recession. The use of swords is allowed in this Diocese.

5. EXEMPLIFICATION BANQUET:

• All Sir Knights, especially the new Sir Knights, should attend the banquet with their ladies and guests to celebrate the Exemplification of the Fourth Degree.

• The dress code for the banquet will be the same as for the exemplification.  Also acceptable is formal wear: black tuxedo (no long tails), with a white tuxedo shirt, with standard black bowtie, black cummerbund, and black shoes.

• All current dress code directives for Sir Knights apply.

• Members of the Armed Forces, police officers, and firefighters may wear their full-dress uniforms. Ladies should wear evening dresses suitable for the occasion.

• Guest gentlemen are requested to wear coats and ties.

• Candidate fees include one banquet ticket. Additional tickets for their lady and ANY guests must be noted on the DINNER RESERVATION form and be accompanied by payment in full by the deadline date.

6. Tuxedo information:

The tuxedo is no longer the uniform dress of the fourth degree and is no longer required.

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