125th Anniversary of the Fourth Degree Exemplification
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Knights of Columbus will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Fourth Degree within the historic walls of America’s parish church – Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
This will be the first presentation of the New Fourth Degree Exemplification, followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Supreme Chaplain William Lori, the dedication of Father McGivney statue, and then cocktails and Banquet at the New York Hilton Midtown.
In attendance for this historic event will be the Supreme Knight, Supreme Master, Supreme Officers and the Board of Directors.
To participate in this historic event, the Virginia District of the Fourth Degree plans to charter a bus departing from the Fr. Robert W. McDonald Council #395 located at 2324 Pump Road, Richmond, VA 23233 at 6:00 a.m. on February 22. The bus will make a second pick up at the Mount Vernon Council #5998 located at 8592 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22315, departing at 8:00 a.m. on the way to NYC.
The bus will depart NYC following the banquet (approximately 10:00 p.m.) and return to each of the pickup locations.
Candidates, Sir Knight observers, and guests will pay $125, which will cover the cost of the bus and their banquet ticket. In addition, the candidate fee of $60 will be waived.
Important: The registration deadline for the bus is December 19. To make your reservation, contact District Master Kelly Mortensen at kmortensen@outlook.com or 804-651-3772 and provide him with your name, phone number, email address, and if you’re a candidate or observer. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, so do not delay.
Note: Candidates and observers who do not ride the bus are responsible for their own transportation. Candidates must register on the Supreme website and must pay the $60 candidate fee. However, Supreme will waive the $60.00 fee for candidates who bring their wives and purchase banquet tickets for both at $125 each.
See the flyer and visit the 125th Anniversary Exemplification Ceremony page on the Supreme website for more information.
District Master’s Veterans Day Message
Today, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who’ve served our nation with unparalleled courage and dedication. Veterans’ Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who’ve worn the uniform of our armed forces.
Throughout our nation’s history, in times of war and peace, our veterans have stood firm against those who would threaten our way of life. From the frozen forests of the Ardennes to the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, our service members have faced adversity with courage and determination.
To our veterans: Your service has been the foundation of our freedom. You’ve stood guard in times of peace and fought valiantly in times of war. You’ve missed birthdays, holidays, and countless precious moments with your loved ones. You’ve endured hardships most of us can barely fathom, all to ensure that we can live in a land of liberty and opportunity.
Your unwavering commitment to duty, honor, and country inspires us all. It reminds us that freedom comes at a great cost, paid for by the brave souls who’ve answered the call to serve.
As we think about your service today, let’s also consider how we can honor your legacy. Saying “thank you for your service” once a year isn’t enough. We must strive to be worthy of the freedoms you’ve protected, to be engaged citizens, and to support our veterans in concrete ways.
Let’s make sure no veteran feels forgotten or left behind. We can all play a part in showing our gratitude. As Fourth Degree Knights it’s through volunteering at VA hospitals, volunteering at USO locations, financially supporting our Military Chaplains, sponsoring the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes for our wounded warriors, supporting veteran-owned businesses, or simply taking the time to listen to a veteran’s story.
May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America.
Kelly Mortensen, PSD
Master, Virginia District
October 26 Navigators and Commanders Meeting Presentation Deck
If you were unable to attend the Navigators and Commanders meeting on October 26 or would like to refer to the information covered, click here to access the presentation deck.