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Supreme Master
Michael McCusker
suprememaster@kofc.org
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Supporting our Country, Community, and Church
With Respect and Honor
Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree
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In my former life as a prosecutor, it was always frustrating when the media reported on a case I was trying because they seldom told the truth. The local news outlets would sit in court all day, hear every word of testimony, see every piece of evidence presented, and still misrepresent or change the narrative for the sake of sensational reporting. Even worse were the times when they would ask bystanders, who did not have any knowledge of the facts, evidence, or testimony being offered, for their opinion of the case.
At the end of closing arguments, these realities compelled me to always remind the jury that their job was “to return a verdict that truth dictates and justice demands,” and thankfully, they often did exactly that.
Regretfully, the media operated by a lesser standard.
At the birth of the United States, its Founding Fathers understood truth and justice, even if not perfectly executed for all its citizens. Their understanding was formed by a hunger for knowledge, driven by the Age of Enlightenment in which they lived. At the outset of the revolution, they understood that true patriotism demands an exploration of what truth dictates and justice demands.
It should be no less the same in our time, but it seems more challenging because of the steady flow of misinformation, a news cycle monopolized by political agendas, and a society that only wants to accept facts at face value.
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St. John Paul II taught that “truth is not simply given to man; he must earn it and conquer it through his own effort, assisted by God’s grace.” This is the standard by which we must measure our patriotism as devout Catholics and Sir Knights.
Much like those bystanders being interviewed on the news, our world has grown too complacent with rendering ill-informed opinions and falsehoods instead of seeking the truth. In short, society has abandoned the necessity to acquire truth by earning and conquering it through careful examination, assisted by God’s grace.
A well-formed patriotism calls for a willingness to look beyond our own limited world views by constantly challenging us to probe the depths of misinformation to find truth. Like the Founding Fathers, a patriot must endeavor to be enlightened by the inalienable truths revealed to us by our Creator. Embracing them with a humble spirit of gratitude allows each of us to live lives dictated by a truth that calls us to act with justice as God demands by reasonably and impartially treating one another with fairness, even when our opinions differ.
That is the true mark of a patriot.
Vivat Jesus!
Michael McCusker
Supreme Master
| | 116th Supreme Assembly Convenes in Colorado | | |
The annual Supreme Assembly meeting was held August 6-7, 2026, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. The meeting followed immediately on the heels of the 144th Supreme Convention.
The meeting location was significant in that it was hosted by the Reddin Province, which is named for the first Supreme Master – John Reddin of Denver, who served from 1910-41.
Supreme Master Michael McCusker called the meeting to session at 2 pm on Thursday, August 6. In attendance were the Vice Supreme Masters, Fourth Degree Directors, and key staff. Joining the meeting were Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters and Supreme Secretary John Marrella. The annual meeting is held to conduct the business of the Fourth Degree, to consider resolutions presented by various Fourth Degree Districts, and for the Supreme Master to present his annual report.
The primary focus of this year’s meeting was to conduct a thorough review of the Laws and Rules of the Fourth Degree. Edits and revisions will be presented to the Supreme Board of Directors for review and adoption at the next available board meeting.
Thursday evening was marked by the Supreme Assembly Banquet, where the To Be A Patriot Award winners were announced. The meeting adjourned at 3 pm on Friday, August 7. The next Supreme Assembly will be held August 5-6, 2027 in Phoenix, Arizona.
| | Message From Fourth Degree Director of Training | | |
Honor Guards in Unusual Circumstances
This past Wednesday evening our assembly performed an honor guard for the 6:00 PM mass that was celebrated by our Bishop.
After the mass we continued the honor guard when the Bishop blessed the new Columbarium that was recently completed at our Parish.
When we assembled prior to mass the questions came from the guys about the blessing after mass: Where do we stand? When do we march in? When do we salute?
The easy solution was to meet with our Priest and the Bishop to understand how the exit procession after mass was going to happen and when the blessing would take place, Our Marshal got all the information we needed and we had time to do a quick practice prior to the beginning of mass.
The challenge came when everyone who attended mass came out to the small area where the Columbarium was built, but we were flexible, which worked very well and allowed the Parish members to all participate in the wonderful dedication.
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A few points:
*Always arrive at least an hour prior to get all the information you need for unusual situations.
*Practice the normal procedures on a regular basis so you will have time for the not so normal.
Fraternally,
Michael J. Porter, PSD,FM,FVSM
Fourth Degree Director of Training
| | Message from Fourth Degree Director of Programs | | |
I encourage you to collaborate closely with your Faithful Navigators to ensure every Assembly is participating in either the "Patriot 250" District Master's Challenge or the "St. Francis of Assisi" District Master's Challenge. Let us make this 250th anniversary a defining moment for the Fourth Degree in our Districts and Provinces.
"Patriot 250" District Master's Challenge
We're reaching the end of the "Patriot 250" District Master’s Challenge.
This competition is designed to invigorate our Assemblies through a dual focus on membership growth and high-impact patriotic programming. Districts will be evaluated on the following two pillars:
Pillar I: Patriotic Growth (Membership)
Growth is the lifeblood of our Order. We will recognize excellence in two distinct membership categories:
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Total Intake for each Division: The District with the greatest number of new Sir Knights initiated between June 1st and August 31st in their division.
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Highest Percentage: The District with the highest percentage of total intake relative to their membership base during the same period.
Pillar II: 250th Theme Program Event
Each District is invited to submit their single best patriotic event held by their Assemblies from June 1st to August 31st. All entries will be heavily weighted toward events that embrace the 250th Anniversary theme, specifically focusing on:
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Historical Connection: How the event links local history to the founding of our nation in 1776.
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Civic Visibility: Engagement with the public, local government, and veterans' organizations.
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Legacy: The event’s impact on youth and its potential to inspire future generations of patriots.
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Important Deadlines & Submissions
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Competition Period: June 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026.
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Membership Submissions: District Masters must send a copy of their Form 1291 to Bret Ladenburger, Director of Membership, at ladenburgerkofc@gmail.com and your Vice Supreme Master.
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Program Submissions: District Masters must send the entry for their District's best "Patriot 250" theme program to Ron Boyce, Director of Programs, at rboyce4539@aol.com and your Vice Supreme Masters.
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Final Deadline: All Form 1291’s and Program submissions must be received by September 11th, 2026.
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"St. Francis of Assisi" District Master's Challenge
We're reaching the end of the "St. Francis of Assisi" District Master’s Challenge for those Districts outside the United States of America.
This competition is designed to invigorate our Assemblies through a dual focus on membership growth and high-impact patriotic programming. Districts will be evaluated on the following two pillars:
Pillar I: Patriotic Growth (Membership)
Growth is the lifeblood of our Order. We will recognize excellence in two distinct membership categories:
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Total Intake for each Division: The District with the greatest number of new Sir Knights initiated between June 1st and August 31st in their division.
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Highest Percentage: The District with the highest percentage of total intake relative to their membership base during the same period.
Pillar II: Civic Theme Program Event
Each District is invited to submit their single best patriotic event held by their Assemblies from June 1st to August 31st. All entries will be heavily weighted toward events that embrace the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and the Order's 125th Anniversary, specifically focusing on:
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Service to Humanity: How the event demonstrates the Franciscan charism of caring for the poor, the marginalized, or the environment within your nation.
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National Identity & Faith: Engagement with local civic leaders or public commemorations that highlight the role of the Catholic faith in your country’s history.
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Peace & Unity: Programs that foster community reconciliation or support for veterans and those affected by conflict, reflecting St. Francis’s role as a man of peace.
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Important Deadlines & Submissions
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Competition Period: June 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026.
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Membership Submissions: District Masters must send a copy of their Form 1291 to Bret Ladenburger, Director of Membership, at ladenburgerkofc@gmail.com and your Vice Supreme Master.
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Program Submissions: District Masters must send the entry for their District's best "Patriot 250" theme program to Ron Boyce, Director of Programs, at rboyce4539@aol.com and your Vice Supreme Masters.
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Final Deadline: All Form 1291’s and Program submissions must be received by September 11th, 2026.
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National Flag Etiquette
Since many of us are celebrating important milestones in our countries, it is an ideal time to review the mandatory protocols for handling and displaying the flag. As patriotic members of the Fourth Degree, maintaining the highest standards of flag etiquette is our distinct duty.
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Please ensure the following rules are strictly observed across all assemblies and events:
1. The Position of Honor
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The Flag's Right: The right side is traditionally the place of honor (representing the historic sword arm). The union of the flag is always given the honor point: the marching right, the flag’s own right, or an observer’s left.
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Sanctuary & Stage Placement: In a public auditorium or chapel, the National Flag must stand in advance of the audience at the speaker’s or chaplain’s right as he faces the room. Any other flags must be placed to his left.
2. Proper Display & Decoration
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Display Flat: The flag should always be displayed flat. It must never be festooned over doorways, tied in a bowknot, or fashioned into a rosette.
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Bunting: Never drape the flag over a speaker’s desk or platform front. Use patriotic bunting instead, arranged with blue on top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom.
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No Alterations: No lettering, figures, or objects of any kind may ever be placed on or attached to the National Flag.
3. Processions & Color Guard Protocol
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Marching Order: In a procession, the National Flag takes the marching right (the observer's left) or stands directly in front of the center of the flag line.
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The No-Dip Rule: When carried by a Knights of Columbus Color Guard, the National Flag will never be dipped by way of salute or compliment to any person or object.
4. Multiple National Flags
- When flags of two or more nations are displayed, they must be flown from separate staffs of the same height.
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Thank you for your dedicated leadership and for preserving the dignity of our National Colors across the Order.
Ron Boyce, PSD
Fourth Degree Director of Programs
| | Message from the Director of Ceremonials | | |
I enjoyed meeting and working with many of you at the Supreme Convention and the Supreme Assembly Meeting! Please take what you learned relative to Color Corps back to your Provinces, Districts, and Assemblies and share it down to the individual Color Corps members to assist us in working to become more uniform in everything that we do.
For your convenience, the latest Drill Manual version now resides on the supreme web site! And I will now declare getting to the Fourth Degree resources on the web site as Marine proof! Yes, even I was able to get to the resources just the other day! Please make sure that all who perform Color Corps duties are familiar with the Drill Manual contents, so that we can continue our work towards uniformity in our drill!
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A few reminders for your Color Guard: March in step with the correct interval, as a unit. The guards carrying swords need to carry them as explained in the Drill Manual, with arm straight and tight into their side, not out in front with a bent arm. Look sharp out there!
Please get all Exemplifications scheduled now and get that information to me for the Schedule Spreadsheet. Thanks!
Please let me know if I can assist you with anything ceremonial! Thanks for all of your work in these areas!
Fraternally and Patriotically,
Mike Thumm, FVSM
Fourth Degree Director of Ceremonials
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Daniel L. McCormick spent decades advancing the Patriotic mission of the Fourth Degree, tying civic responsibility with faith to expand the Order’s reach. Succeeding McGillen in 1970, he introduced administrative and action-oriented changes that drove substantial growth.
McCormick was born on July 8, 1913, in Newark, New Jersey, the son of Daniel McCormick Sr. and Sarah Convery. McCormick graduated from Seton Hall University in 1937, later receiving its 1960 Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh Humanities Award, which recognized him as an outstanding alumnus.
Following his graduation, McCormick worked at a loan association in Bloomfield, New Jersey, eventually serving as president of the company by the 1950s. He joined South Orange Council #1813 around this time and eventually became Grand Knight, State Deputy of New Jersey from 1956 to 1958, and was elected to the supreme board of directors. McCormick, active in broader Catholic leadership, including as president of the Newark Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Men and general chairman of the convention of the national Council of Catholic Men in 1963, was elected Supreme Treasurer in October 1965.
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On January 1, 1970, McCormick assumed his role as Supreme Master while remaining Supreme Treasurer. In his speeches across North America, he urged Fourth Degree members to participate in their implied duties—practicing active citizenship through voting, jury service, and taking a sincere interest in their communities. By remaining civilly engaged, McCormick believed that the Fourth Degree could defend Catholic values, the patriotic values of the Degree, and encourage civic participation among youth.
This commitment to service directly informed his support for the US Military Vicariate. Following a request from Auxiliary Bishop John J. O’Connor of the Military Vicariate in New York, on behalf of 250,000 European-based Catholic personnel, McCormick recommended that the Fourth Degree fund $50,000 to cover travel and administrative costs for an episcopal vicar to minister to troops and chaplains overseas.
As Supreme Master, McCormick also updated assembly rules, master election guidelines, and created a Patriotic Degree Handbook that recommended annual patriotic programs for assemblies. He also continued the work of previous Supreme Masters by supporting pro-life initiatives, directing $120,000 of the Degree’s funds to US bishops’ efforts by 1980.
McCormick retired from his role as Supreme Treasuer in 1982 but continued to serve as Supreme Master until his death. He passed away on June 20, 1983, at age 69, in Arlington, Virginia. Just hours prior to his sudden death, he reported that as of May 31, the Fourth Degree membership had reached an all-time high of 199,992 members.
– Based on records from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council Archives, newspapers, and Columbia.
Cecelia Puckhaber
Senior Fraternal Resources Associate
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Here are the final Province quotas for the 2025-2026 Fraternal year.
Keep up the good work!
Click the image to view at full size.
| | Message from the Director of Communications | | |
To the Sir Knights who participated in the Honor Guard at this year’s Supreme Convention, thank you.
Your presence throughout the Convention was a powerful and visible expression of the patriotism, fraternity, and devotion to the Church that have always distinguished the Fourth Degree. Whether welcoming our bishops and clergy, participating in the liturgies and ceremonies, or guarding our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament throughout the week, you represented the Fourth Degree—and the entire Order—with dignity and distinction.
The Supreme Convention brings together Knights, families, clergy, and guests from around the world, and your service helped make this year’s gathering especially memorable. The time, preparation, travel, and personal commitment required to serve in the Honor Guard did not go unnoticed.
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Most importantly, you demonstrated what it means to be a Sir Knight: to step forward when called upon, to serve with honor, and to provide a proud and unmistakable witness to our Catholic faith.
On behalf of the Fourth Degree, thank you to every Sir Knight who answered the call and helped make the 2026 Supreme Convention such an outstanding success. Your service brought great credit to your Assemblies, your Districts, the Fourth Degree, and the Knights of Columbus.
¡Viva Cristo Rey!
Sterling C. Roatch
Director of Fourth Degree Communications
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Eugene Suchyta’s term as master of Michigan 1 will end August 31, 2026. From October 5, 2026, through October 15, 2026, Gene will be bicycle riding the Way of St. James pilgrimage route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a journey of about 500 miles.
In addition to the pilgrimage, Gene is raising money for the Warriors to Lourdes program sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA. The Warriors to Lourdes program sends military service men and women in need of physical, mental and spiritual healing to Our Lady of Lourdes in France. About 40 other countries around the world participate in the pilgrimage which is usually in May of each year.
It takes $3000 to send a warrior to Lourdes. Gene's goal is to able to raise funds to send at least 5 armed service members in need of such healing.
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Contributions in recognition of this effort can be made one of two ways:
1...Click here to make a donation to the Knights of Columbus Warriors to Lourdes fund.
Click on the box that says Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone, click the In Honor Of... circle, and then enter WTL 2026 Charity Ride in the box that says Honoree's Name.
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2...You can send a check to:
Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc.
P.O. Box 382154
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8154
On the check's memo line: Warriors to Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund.
Also, please include a note or letter saying the donation is in honor the WTL 2026 Charity Ride.
You can follow Gene’s adventure, starting August 25, 2026 (yes, training is involved), at the Michigan 1 WTL website by clicking here. In addition to contributions in recognition of the ride, there are also instructions for sending Gene requests for the intercession of St. James at the cathedral.
| | Fourth Degree Across the Order | | Father Boniface Sack Assembly 1686 | | Sir Knights of Assembly 1686 of Clovis, New Mexico provided a Color Guard for the July 4th Parade in Clovis celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States of America. | | Assembly 3560 Of Taos, New Mexico provided a Color Guard for the parade for the Fiesta de Taos and later supported the dedication of the new flagpoles at the City of Taos Administration Office. | | New St. Tarcisius Assembly | | |
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, The Northern Illinois District of Marquette Province, held a Fourth Degree Exemplification of Patriotism in Hinsdale, Illinois.
The Exemplification admitted 40 Sir Knights to the Fourth Degree to initiate the start of the St. Tarcisius Assembly (a new Assembly).
The new Sir Knights were brothers of St. Giorgio Frassati Council 18889, formed just four months earlier at St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Hinsdale, Illinois.
| | Our Lady of Lourdes in Mission, British Columbia | | |
On August 15, 2026, 19 Honor Guards from various assemblies of the Simon Fraser Province, District #20, gathered to serve at the High Mass celebrated by His Grace, Most Reverend Richard W. Smith, before the Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Lourdes in Mission, British Columbia.
Following the Holy Mass, the Honor Guards proudly led the pilgrims for almost 1.5 kilometers in procession to the Grotto. Approximately 700 pilgrims participated in this annual pilgrimage, demonstrating the strong faith and devotion of the Catholic community.
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Would you like to see your Assembly featured here?
Email photos and a brief write up of events to CatholicPatriot@kofc.org!
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