Patriotic Degree - Virtual Spanish
Worthy Faithful Navigator,
I am happy to announce a unique opportunity for Spanish-speaking Third Degree members of the Knights of Columbus to advance to the Fourth Degree.
For the first time, the Fourth Degree Exemplification will be held virtually, and in Spanish, on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. There will also be a component for English-speaking candidates.
The first online Fourth Degree Exemplifications earlier this year have been very successful, with more than 600 candidates advancing to the Patriotic Degree. The Degree will feature a team of top Sir Knights, led by Lorenzo Rodriguez, State Executive Administrator.
The honoree will be Rev. Wilfredo Contreras, Pastor of San Isidro Catholic Church in Pompano Beach, which is hosting the Virtual Fourth Degree at their state-of-the-art studios.
With the success of the new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, all new Third Degree Knights now have the opportunity to become a full-fledged Fourth Degree Knights online. Faithful Navigators and Sir Knights are encouraged to share this information with their respective councils about this opportunity – especially reaching out to Brother Knights who are more comfortable using Spanish.
The Degree will be conducted using the Zoom platform. Candidates will also have an option to take the Degree in English.
Unlike the Third Degree Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity (which can be taken anywhere, and observed by family and friends), the online Exemplification of the Fourth Degree is for Candidates and Sir Knights only – sorry, no guests. We are encouraging each participating Assembly to hold a "watch party," attended only by Candidates and Sir Knights. The participation of more than one assembly in a "watch party" is encouraged. The Faithful Navigator will do the actual knighting at the proper time. Candidates and Officers should wear coat and tie; Fourth Degree members should wear coat and tie as well.
Obviously, there are several different procedures.
Every Third-Degree Knight should be offered the opportunity to join the Fourth Degree. Every council should forward the completed Form 4s to the local assembly for approval and signatures. Every Form 4 must be submitted to the assembly. The registration fee per candidate is $50 ($25 for Priests). Candidates' Checks should be made out to the candidate's Assembly. Each Assembly should then make out one check to John J. O'Toole, Master.
Assemblies will be required to send in an Assembly Candidate Registration form (please make a copy of the original form), all four copies of the signed Form 4, the exemplification certificate (Honoree Rev. Wilfredo Contreras) and the assembly check no later than Saturday, October 2. We will in turn send the signed certificate, social baldric and pin to the Assembly, and we will also send the procedures for viewing online, and hosting an online Exemplification
Please note that each Assembly must check in online prior to the Exemplification to ensure an accurate list of candidates in attendance.
The online ceremony will begin at noon, and end by 1:30 p.m. It will be held on Zoom, with links sent out prior to the ceremony.
The Florida District Degree Team will perform the Exemplification Ceremony at a remote studio location.
The candidate fee is $50. The fee for a Priest is $25. The deadline is Oct. 2.
With the Coronavirus pandemic entering its second year, we urge you to continue to be safe.
Thank You and God Bless,
John J. O'Toole
Master, Florida District
(954) 801-4914
All Assembly checks are made payable to "John J. O'Toole – Master" and sent to:
John J. O'Toole - Master
9686 SW 92 Place Road,
Ocala 34481
