Please tell me more about the Knights of Columbus

  • Thread starter Thread starter jack63
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
YourNameHere said:
What the insurance stuff all about? What does insurance have to do with serving God and serving the Catholic Church? That does a little weird.
Click to expand...
At the time Fr. McGivney formed the Knights, Catholics, still largely immigrants, had the most dangerous jobs. Widows and orphans were accordingly quite common.

The very reason we exist is to deal with this problem.

Insurance is still important to us, as if we die, our families will be without our support. Having our own agency helps us handle this responsibility. There are enough of us that our rates are much better than the for profits, and better than the nonprofits or mutuals until you get to the large policies (which are still subsidizing the smaller policies to a larger extent than the other companies).

You can’t seriously suggest that caring for widows and orphans is not a Christian imperative, can you?
 
The Knights are an exemplary organization. I did not join because I when I became Catholic because I was overwhelmed. At The reception after Easter Vigil I was asked to be a part of the RCIA catechetical team, and felt called to dive in head first and be as prepared as possible. For me that was a good decision as I wouldn’t have been able to devote adequate time to both. They are foundational to many things in our parish and I admire them tremendously.
 
I am not familiar with the Knights.
I do not suggest anything.
 
I am considering joining the KoC now that I’m Catholic. However, I’m quite disappointed in the coming uniform changes. I now it’s superfluous, but I can’t help it.
 
The uniform is part of the Patriotic (4th) Degree so depending on the State you are in, it can be up to a year after your last (Knighthood/3rd) degree before it becomes an issue for you. Regardless, the uniform has been a very distracting issue among the assemblies and Sir Knights (what 4th degree Knights are called). Many of my brother knights have decided to not order the new uniform but many don’t have the old regalia either so I have a feeling that will even out eventually. Personally, I’m on the fence but one of our duties is to stand as an Honor Guard for deceased brothers and I’m having a hard time thinking that I will not be able to honor many of them.

You aren’t the only person who feels “superfluous” on that but please don’t let it stop you from join the Order.

PGK, FN
 
I had seen this. Below is a good link describing the new uniforms.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/knights-of-columbus-modernize-fourth-degree-uniforms-99119

I actually really like the new uniforms for the 4th degree. They look classy. You could wear them into a nice restaurant and not be noticed, other than for looking classy. The older uniforms looked like they’d be appropriate over a century ago.

It does feel superfluous, but the uniform change actually motivates me to consider joining.

What uniform if any do the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degrees wear?
 
Last edited:
The old regalia was a tux, service baldric, sword, cape and chapeau…the old uniform was tux and social baldric so it was also very lo-key…about 100 yrs ago it was a top-hat and tails…

There is no uniform for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd degrees…the closest would be a council polo.
 
The uniform is only for the small minority who choose to join the Color Corp.
 
So there are actually two uniforms for a 4th degree member? And the one being changed is the more formal one for the Color Corp.? Is that right?
 
The best answer I have is: kind of. There is the 4th degree uniform, which was tux and social baldric and we wore to all 4th degree functions (degrees). It’s my understanding that it was worn during assembly meetings in the past but in my assembly, we normally wear council/assembly shirts but some of the older guys will wear a sport jacket. If you were part of the Color Corps, you added a service baldric, sword, cape and chapeau to the tux when servicing in the Honor Guard (parades, funerals, corporate communions). Going forward the approved “uniform” is going to be a dark suit or the uniform that we are talking about and Color Corp members will wear the new uniform with service baldric, sword and beret.
I’m not sure if I answered the question or created more questions with that response.
 
There is no uniform for the K of C in general. There is no uniform for those who choose to join 4th degree. I am 4th degree, never wore a uniform. I am past officer in my council

But some fourth degree members choose to join the Color Corp. (Many do not join color Corp). The color Corp wear a uniform only on ceremonial occasions. There is an old one being phased out, and a new one.
 
Last edited:
My husband’s council is going rogue and will continue to wear the old fourth degree uniform. My husband just bought his right before the change was announced. Grrr. Their priest is okay with that, but I think someday they might have to modernize.
 
Last edited:
Many years ago, the Color Corp wore a top hat as part of their uniform. The current old uniform replaced that.

In the future, the current new uniform will be the old uniform, and get replaced by something else. This does not affect the great majority of Knights.
 
Last edited:
jrgmercado said:
His won’t be the only renegade assembly I’m sure…😁
Click to expand...
Indeed. I know a few other councils who have more or less chosen to ignore the fact that there is a new uniform. I can’t say I blame them. The cost alone is prohibitive for many to make the switch.
 
At my wife’s parish they all seemed to be “older” guys, maybe some of the younger guys are in their mid 40’s. They put on all of the Friday fish Friday’s during lent, and run a food stand at the community summer celebration. Outside of that, the only time I see them is Christmas Eve.

I would have joined as I really want to be more involved at my wife’s parish and enjoy volunteering, but since I’m not Catholic I can’t.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top