Knights of Columbus – Exemplification on January 31st

Fraternal organizations, which combined social aspects and ritual, were extremely popular during the late 19th century, but anti-Catholic sentiments regularly excluded Catholics from joining many of these groups and accessing the social services they provided. Given this social environment and the Church’s ban on membership in secret societies, Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney established the K of C not only to unite men in their faith and provide for deceased men’s families, but also to create an alternative social outlet to prevent Catholic men from joining organizations that conflicted with Church teaching.

Given the strong desire for ritual at the time, the K of C developed multiple ceremonies associated with receiving the four degrees that marked a man’s progress as a Knight. While the K of C has never been a secret society, the degree ceremonies were kept confidential to preserve their impact on the degree candidates as well as maintain the beauty and dignity of the lessons taught regarding charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Times change and so do the Knights. After 142 years, in early 2020 the Knights decided to combine the 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees into a single ceremony called the Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. They also removed the veil of secrecy by making it open to family, friends and fellow parishioners. On January 31st, LaSalle Council will induct new members during the first Exemplification ceremony to be held at St. Ignatius.