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Commander John J. Shea, FA Assembly #729

Common Questions About Joining

Can I still participate in my home Council after I join the Assembly?

Yes.   The Fourth Degree is meant to be additive and enriching, not a replacement for your excellent work in your Council.  Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree are given more significant opportunities to advance the principles of Columbianism through Patriotism.  

Is purchasing the Fourth Degree uniform a requirement of membership?

No.  While wearing the uniform is a privilege extended only to members of the Fourth Degree, owning a Fourth Degree uniform is not required for membership or participation in the Fourth Degree Assembly.  However, a uniform and sword are necessary to participate in the Honor Guard and Color Guard.  Uniforms can be purchased as a package or in pieces.  To learn more about the new uniform, visit www.kofcuniform.com.

Are there additional costs associated with membership in the Fourth Degree?
 

Membership in the Fourth Degree Assembly has dues just like membership in your current Council.  These dues are in addition to your Council dues.  They go to support the good works of the Knights of Columbus and Assembly programs.

Join Today

Joining the Knights of Columbus offers a variety of benefits that align with personal values, spiritual growth, community service, and fraternity. Here are some reasons why people might consider becoming a member:
 

1. Faith-Based Community
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization. Membership offers men the opportunity to deepen their faith, live out Catholic values, and participate in activities that enhance their spiritual lives, such as prayer groups, retreats, and Mass.

2. Charitable Work
The organization is known for its charitable efforts. Members contribute to their communities through volunteering, fundraising, and supporting charitable causes such as helping the poor, disaster relief, and assisting those with disabilities. These activities allow individuals to make a positive impact on their local and global communities.

3. Fraternity and Brotherhood
The Knights of Columbus foster a strong sense of brotherhood. Members can form deep friendships with like-minded men who share common values and goals. This camaraderie can provide support and encouragement in both personal and spiritual matters.

4. Leadership and Personal Development
By participating in local councils, members often take on leadership roles, helping to organize events, manage funds, or direct charitable efforts. This can offer valuable experience in leadership, public speaking, and project management.

5. Family-Oriented
The Knights of Columbus emphasize the importance of family. Many activities are designed to include family members, from social events to service projects. The organization promotes strong family values and provides opportunities for families to engage in community service together.

6. Insurance and Financial Benefits
One of the unique aspects of the Knights of Columbus is its insurance program, which offers members access to life insurance, retirement planning, and other financial services. The program is designed to provide financial security for members and their families.

7. Patriotism and Civic Responsibility
The Knights promote a deep respect for the Church and for country. Through programs that encourage civic responsibility and patriotism, members often get involved in efforts to honor veterans, promote religious freedom, and defend human rights.
Joining the Knights of Columbus is a way to grow in faith, serve others, and build lasting relationships within the Catholic community. It offers opportunities for personal and spiritual development, while also giving back to society.

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"The Strong Right Arm of the Church."

Assembly #729 is the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Assembly 1st New York District.  It is comprised of Sir Knights from Knights of the following Councils:

Council  # 584 Sag Harbor | Council #​ 725 Patchogue | Council # 821 Fr. Seyfried | Council # 928 Immaculate Conception | Council # 1967 Southampton | Council # 1992 Joan of Arc | Council # 2458 St. Lawrence | Council # 3852 Marian | Council # 3958 Holy Mother Mary | Council # 4126 Queen of All Hearts | Council # 4651 St. Regis | Council # 5293 Kavanaugh | Council # 5814 Saint Jude | Council # 5817 Fr. Crowley | Council # 6062 St. Thomas More | Council # 6607 Sunrise | Council # 6844 St. Sylvester | Council # 7006 St. Gerard Majella | Council # 7023 Hampton Bays | Council # 7262 Heart of the Island| Council # 7278 Mother Cabrini | Council # 7423 Fr. Slomski | Council # 8607 Good Shepherd | Council # 11416 Blessed Sacrament | Council # 11871 Resurrection | Council # 11950 Our Lady of the Pines | Council # 12006 Blessed Theresa | Council # 12839 Ss. Philip & James | Council # 12993 St. Joseph the Worker | Council # 13588 Donald J. Burns | Council # 15446 Shrine of St Jude | Council # 17159 St. Elizabeth A.S.

Brother Knights of the Third Degree may apply for membership in the Fourth Degree Assembly.  If you desire to attain the highest degree within the Knights of Columbus and serve the Church and your community more fully, speak to your Grand Knight, Fourth Degree Liaison, or Contact the Assembly.

Apply to Join the Fourth Degree

To Apply for the Highest Degree of the Order, you must be:

  • Over 18 years of age

  • A citizen of the country in which you reside

  • A practical Catholic 

  • If you are a Third-degree member in good standing, it’s time to consider joining the ranks of the fourth-degree.

Here is the chance to do more for your God and your country.

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Will YOU Answer the Call?

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal order of Catholic gentlemen who promote the ideals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.  The Fourth Degree is the Patriotic Degree of the Order.  

Charity

Unity

Fraternity

Patriotism

In a time when America must look to its Catholic citizens to be its staunchest defenders of religious liberty, Brother Knight, will you answer the call?

We have received some guidance from the Supreme Master's office regarding the 125th Anniversary Exemplification at St. Patrick's Cathedral on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

1). Any candidates from your home council who registers online for the Exemplification, please ask them to print a copy of their receipt and submit it to the Financial Secretary.

2). We will still need a FORM 4 filled out completely, as all of the candidates are required to be read into the Assembly. This will occur at our next meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council #17159, 800 Portion Road, Lake Ronkonkoma. Repast at 7:00, meeting at 8:00.  PLEASE forward them to me if they are completely filled in, or make sure they are delivered at the meeting.

3). If an individual attempts to register online, but is presently in the affiliate program, they WILL NOT be allowed to register.

4).Assembly 729 bylaws require us to collect prorated dues from the candidates for the 2025 year. That amount is $15.00, made out to Commander John J. Shea Assembly 729.

5) We will provide more information as we get it from our Faithful Navigator Jerry regarding potential busing to and from the exemplification. One thing for sure, any candidate attending the banquet at the Hilton after the event at St. Patrick's Cathedral should make alternate plans to get to and from the city.

Some of you have already provided me with information regarding candidates (Thank you!), but I may need to update the Form 4's submitted.

There will be more information forthcoming, hopefully sooner than later. Thanks to all of the Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries for their cooperation and help with this historic endeavor!

Fraternally,
S/K Ernie LaFontaine PGK, FC
Assembly 729

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