Becoming a Knight...The Opportunity of a Lifetime.
If you are a practical Catholic man, age 18 or older, we welcome you to join the world's largest organization of Catholic laymen.
Being a Knight is more than camaraderie; it is being involved with your community; it is supporting your local Catholic Church, while enhancing your own faith; it is about protecting and enhancing your family life. Come see just what we are all about and take the first steps to enhance your personal life...Be the Difference!
You will have a chance to help with various programs such as Special Olympics, Soccer Competition, Free throw Competition, and numerous other projects at your local Churches, schools, and Hospitals. Once you become a Knight, you will find a host of men willing to help and work with you on current and future programs...Be a Hero!
It is likely that there is a local council near you. Applicants must apply to their local council located at a parish, college campus or in the community. Here are a number of ways to find a council:
- Find A Council. This feature will give a list of Councils in your area.
- Visit our Assembly's Contact Page to find a Council near you or to contact an Officer.
- Contact your local parish office. Often your parish will have its own local council. If not, your parish priest or parish office should be aware of the nearest council in the area.
- Contact your campus minister on your college or university campus.
- Ask a friend who is a Knight for help.
Full Knighthood in our Order - the Fourth Degree.
To become a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus you must take the first step into Knighthood by joining our Order. A Knight of Columbus is eligible to become a Fourth Degree Knight after taking his First, Second and Third Degrees of the Order.
Each spring the Archdiocese of Washington District hosts the Exemplification of the Fourth Degree for all eligible Knights in the Archdiocese of Washington. The optional weekend-long events surrounding the Exemplification make for a memorable affair for candidates and their families. On the Saturday of the Exemplification, the Assembly provides hospitality after the degree, followed by a cocktail hour and a banquet. Attending the banquet is required for our new Sir Knights (and is a wonderful culmination to the day’s events).
A special Priests' Exemplification is held before the Principal Exemplification for Priests (and those eligible knights unable to attend the Principal Exemplification). This special Priests’ Exemplification costs the same as the Principal Exemplification, but does not have the formal banquet nor the weekend-long activities planned around it.
Please be sure to view our Calendar and Contact our Navigator for information on the next exemplification of the Fourth Degree.
FORMS & REGISTRATION:
1. A physical copy of the Form-4 for membership must be filled out by each candidate before registering for the Exemplification.
2. Registration for the Exemplification can be completed online or via printed form – both available at http://awddistrict.org Registration for the Fourth Degree must take place at least 30 days before the exemplification date.
ATTIRE:
Candidates are asked to wear a black tuxedo, white pleated shirt with laydown collar, black bowtie & cummerbund and black dress shoes/socks for this exemplification. Members of the Military and First Responders are encouraged to wear their Dress Uniform to the exemplification. Priests may wear their preferred clerical attire.
COST:
Annual dues to the Assembly ($25)* and the registration fee ($70)* must be paid in full at least 30 days prior to the Exemplification.
*Priests’ registration fee of $35 and dues are covered by the Assembly.
