Fourth Degree Update: October 2026

Supreme Master

Michael McCusker

suprememaster@kofc.org

Supporting our Country, Community, and Church

With Respect and Honor

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree

October 2026

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Supreme Master's Message

I still remember when the Tennessee State Deputy sword was passed to me by the outgoing State Deputy Tracy Staller. Upon receiving it, I expressed my gratitude for Tennessee’s confidence in me, promised to do the best I could, and assured my brother Knights that I would always put the needs of the state council before my own. Then, I turned to the assembled state officers and district deputies and added, “This sword is only mine for a short time. In fact, it does not belong to me at all. It is merely entrusted to me for the time God has allotted in my life to serve in this role. It is not mine. It will never be mine, but it belongs to something greater than all of us. It is a sacred trust.”

Looking back to that day in 2019, I never imagined that one day I would go on to lead the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus as your Supreme Master. It has been the great honor of my life, and I hope that I have served you well.

In the past three years and eight months, the Fourth Degree has grown by approximately 5,000 Sir Knights. On February 22, 2025, the Fourth Degree marked its 125th Anniversary with the premiere of the Revised Exemplification of Patriotism at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where 2,500 people gathered to witness the knighting of 645 Sir Knights. On that same day, a statue of Blessed Michael McGivney — made possible by a gift of the Fourth Degree — was dedicated in St. Patrick’s. Today, the statue proudly stands in the St. Joseph Chapel, honoring America’s Parish Priest in America’s Parish Church.

More recently on this past October 12th, more than 200 Sir Knights from around the United States gathered in New York to participate in the 82nd Annual Columbus Day Parade, led by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly.

The number of provinces have grown to 22 with the establishment of the Fr. Willmann Province in the Philippines, and the total number of districts now stands at 136. In the past 20 years, the Fourth Degree has grown by nearly 73,000 members. It has increased by approximately 15,000 members since 2019, when the new uniform was introduced.

During this term of office, this monthly newsletter was developed for the benefit of the Order. Volunteer Fourth Degree Directors were added to the staff to help foster training, recruitment, communications, programming, new assembly development, and ceremonials, which has led to regular communication through monthly VSM meetings and quarterly training.

In short, the Fourth Degree is alive and well. In fact, it is thriving, and that has everything to do with all of you, my fellow Sir Knights. Without your dedication, none of these accomplishments would have been possible. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for each and every one of you.

Now, I am excited to announce that Supreme Director Jeffrey M. Crouch (PSD – South Carolina) will serve as the 16th Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree beginning November 1st. Jeff is an incredible brother Knight, and I am proud to call him my friend. He will do amazing things as the head of the Fourth Degree. My warmest congratulations to Jeff, his wife, Rebecca, and their two amazing daughters, Edith and Helen. I am so excited for them to begin this new journey in the service of the Order, the Church, and Our Lord.

I want to also express my deep love and gratitude to my Theresa, and our amazing children: Madeleine, Sir Knight Joseph, and Meredith. It has been such a privilege to have you by my side during my time in office.

In closing, I thank our Worthy Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly, the Supreme Officers, and Supreme Directors for their confidence in me. I pray I have served you well in the Fourth Degree, and I look forward to continuing my service to the Order as Senior Vice President of Fraternal Mission.

Remember always, Sir Knights, that a true patriot is the individual who recognizes that they are a son of God, created for a purpose to love and serve their country by showing respect and love for all its citizens, while recognizing that we are all called to the service of our true country, far beyond this world.

Vivat Jesus!

Michael McCusker

Supreme Master

New Supreme Master

Supreme Director Jeffrey M. Crouch, a Past State Deputy of South Carolina, was appointed Supreme Master effective November 1, 2026. Jeff has more than 20 years of experience in aviation logistics, acquisitions, and program management, a field in which he continues to work professionally. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2001 to 2012, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and participating in three combat campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. He holds an MBA from Clemson University. A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1999, Jeff served as Grand Knight of Msgr. Andrew K. Gwynn Council 1668 and a Past Faithful Navigator of Msgr. Charles J. Baum Assembly 1073, both in Greenville, South Carolina. He served the South Carolina State Council in numerous offices, including as State Deputy from 2023 to 2025. Jeff was elected to the Board of Directors in 2025.

Message From Fourth Degree Director of Training

Be Prepared

As a former Boy Scout, and long time Scout leader with an Eagle Scout son, I think it’s OK to borrow this slogan for this article.

This past Monday, the Knights of Columbus participated in the annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

I was honored by our Supreme Master when he asked me to participate in this event and help Vice Supreme Master John Brandon organize those Sir Knights who registered to participate in this special event.

Brother Knights from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and many other states around the order.

While I was preparing, I worried that it would take a long time to get everyone on the same page for the march down 5th avenue, I assumed that there would be a lot of time needed to get everyone working in unison. How were we going to get 250 men from everywhere organized in time for this parade? But thankfully I was wrong.

The Sir Knights who attended were PREPARED and professional. We had Marshals, Color Corps Commanders, Faithful Navigators, District Masters, Vice Supreme Masters, Sir Knights, State Deputies, Color Corps flag bearers, and Supreme officers. All were PREPARED and were ready to make the order proud, we were united in our effort as Sir Knights.

Each Sir Knight came PREPARED with the knowledge and commitment to serve in any capacity. They were practiced and ready to serve. They were quick to get organized, ready to listen to instructions, and held steady for 30 city blocks. Each Sir Knight made our order proud that day.

This is proof that regular practice in your monthly Assembly meetings is Vital. We should always be prepared to participate in any event that takes place in our communities, we should be prepared to stand honor guard for a fallen brother Knight, we should be prepared to assist any council attached to our assembly at events and CUF exemplifications, and our jurisdictional or state deputy when he needs the Fourth Degree for a state program at a moment’s notice.

So, please schedule time in each Assembly meeting for training, each District Master should help the assemblies with training suggestions.

If you have any other questions on training your members, please email me at MJPKNIGHT9282@aol.com.

Fraternally,

Michael J. Porter, PSD,FM,FVSM

Fourth Degree Director of Training

Columbus Day Parade

Thank you to all of the Brother Knights from across the order who joined us in New York on October 13th to celebrate Columbus day in a special way in this semiquincentennial of the United States. The witness to the memory and legacy of Columbus and show of patriotism was exceptional. Thank you to all of those who made this possible behind the scenes as well, especially Addie Roth, Justyna Padilla, and Kevin Brady.

Please enjoy this video: Knights celebrate 250th at Columbus Day Parade

Message From Fourth Degree Director of Ceremonials

I just visited the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. A great experience to get a good idea of what Noah’s Ark might have been like!

I continue to see many Color Corps members who are not carrying the sword properly. I recommend that all read the text about how to carry the sword and not try to just interpret the photos exclusively. A couple other reminders: First, when lining up Color Corps members for an Honor Guard, Marshals or Color Corps Commanders will lead, followed by all in order down through the colors, having those currently in the position first followed by those of us who are past or former. Additionally, when setting up a Color Guard, such as was done at the Columbus Day Parade in New York City, the flag bearers and guards should be spaced at a normal interval, and not wide across the entire parade. Look sharp and uniform out there!

For your convenience, the latest Drill Manual version now resides on the supreme web site! 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!

We need to make sure that we are always displaying and carrying the flag correctly! I do have some Knights of Columbus handouts on display of the flag that I will provide to the Vice Supreme Masters.

Please get all Exemplifications scheduled now and get that information to me for the Schedule Spreadsheet. And make sure to tell me of the results once the Exemplifications are held. Thanks!

Please let me know if I can assist you with anything ceremonial! Thanks for all your work in these areas!

Fraternally and Patriotically,

Mike Thumm, FVSM

Fourth Degree Director of Ceremonials

Message From Fourth Degree Director of Programs

National Flag Etiquette

With the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, 156th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation, 216th Anniversary of Mexican Independence, and 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, it is an ideal time to review the mandatory protocols for handling and displaying our National Flags. As patriotic members of the Fourth Degree, maintaining the highest standards of flag etiquette is our distinct duty.

Please ensure the following rules are strictly observed across all assemblies and events:

1...The Position of Honor

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.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.

Thank you for your dedicated leadership and for preserving the dignity of our National Colors across the Order.

Official winners of the membership part of the Patriot 250 District Master’s Challenge and St. Francis of Assisi District Master Challenge

Through outstanding dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our Order, these assemblies and District Masters have set the standard for excellence. Please join me in celebrating their remarkable achievement!

Patriot 250 District Master’s Challenge & St. Francis of Assisi District Master Challenge

Division #1

District Master: Robert S. Urrutia (Florida District), Total New Members: 269

Division #2

District Master: Dr. Noel Panlilio, PSD (Northern Californa District), Total New Members: 61

Division #3

District Master: Geoffrey Bacon (New Mexico District), Total New Members: 23

Division #4

District Master: Ronnie F. Caballero, District Master (District 20, Simon Fraser Province) Total New Members: 46

Official winners of the Patriot 250 District Master’s Challenge and the St. Francis of Assisi District Master Challenge!

Patriot 250 District Master’s Challenge

Division #1

Assembly: Msgr. Albert A. Siener Assembly 1627 (Nashville, TN)
District Master: Ken Warren (Tennessee District)

Division #2

Assembly: St. Josaphat's Basilica Assembly 3210 (Milwaukee, WI)
District Master: Jack Wrbanich, PSD (Eastern Wisconsin District)

Division #3

Assembly: Our Lady of the Incarnation Assembly 3309 (Rio Rancho, NM)
District Master: Geoffrey Bacon (New Mexico District)

Division #4

Assembly: Very Reverend Francis W. Black Assembly 905 (Medford, OR)
District Master: Richard Huff (Oregon District)

St. Francis of Assisi District Master Challenge

Division #1

Assembly: Bishop Ceciron Sta. Maria Tumbocon Assembly 3727

District Master: Romeo A. Atienza, District Deputy (North Central Luzon District III)

Division #4

District Master: Ronnie F. Caballero, District Master (District 20, Simon Fraser Province)

Congratulations to all our champions for their exceptional leadership and tireless efforts! Thank you for your continued dedication to our Patriotic Degree.

Vivat Jesus,

Ron Boyce, PSD

Fourth Degree Director of Programs

Message From Fourth Degree Director of New Assembly Development

Worthy VSMs,

I have contacted most of you discussing your forecast for new assemblies this fraternal year. Thank you very much for the forecasts. For the VSMs I have not contacted, I will be calling you soon to discuss your forecasted new assembly count for your respective provinces.

Worthy DMs,

As noted above regarding new assemblies, please let your VSMs know if you have any new assemblies being created this fraternal year. Your respective targets are low, so this should be a slam dunk. Have a good look at your district for opportunities. There have been many exemplifications this year allowing the possibility of larger assemblies to be split or an assembly in an area untapped.

So far this fraternal year, the Board of Directors has approved 25 assemblies and there are many more to come. Thank you to Justyna for burning the midnight oil in putting all these put together for approval. Last year at this time we had 26 approved, so that means we are on target for another great year. Thank you for all your great work.

As usual, I am just an email or phone call away if you have any questions or need help with forming a new assembly. My email is dale.hofer@kofc.org.

Thank you and God Bless,

Dale Hofer, PSD

Director of New Assembly Development

Sir Knight Pens Journey Toward Justice in Appalachia

Sir Knight Tom Kimball, a member of Father Patrick J. Ryan Assembly 1084 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has penned memoirs of his time as a public defender in the Appalachia regions of Kentucky and Tennessee in The Adventures of Tom Lawyer: Justice Law and Mercy in Appalachia. In the narrative, Tom conveys the difficulties of working in a criminal justice system in one of the poorest regions of the United States. Throughout the tales, he consistently blends the Catholic faith that sustained him in the challenges he faced and the people he served. From laugh out loud moments, to gut punches, to miracles that simply have no explanation, Tom brings to life the pursuit of justice through God’s tender mercies. Click HERE to learn more.

Tom Kimball has a long history of service to the Knights of Columbus as a Past Grand Knight of Bishop Choby Council 10010, in Gallatin, Tennessee and Virgin of the Poor Council 11542, in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. He previously served five years as Tennessee’s Life Director. Professionally, his legal career spanned work as a public defender, prosecutor, and ultimately an instructor for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.

Fourth Degree History

Hilary F. Schmittzehe became Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree in 1987 and served in the role until 1991. Under his leadership, he launched initiatives focused on governance, uniform ceremonial standards, and expanded charitable outreach for persons with disabilities.

Schmittzehe was born on January 29, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the son of Hilarius and Philomena Jaroskik Schmittzehe, who were descendants of German and Czech immigrants. He served in the Navy Reserve and enrolled in the Montgomery and Taylor School of Horology, where he earned a trade degree in watchmaking. He owned a jewelry business for twenty-five years before turning his focus to public advocacy and serving people with disabilities—a cause inspired by his two daughters, Cynthia and Barbara, both of whom had disabilities. He went on to help craft legislation enforcing state mental health system support for those with disabilities. On June 2, 1951, he married his first wife, Marjorie Martin, and after her passing later married Mary George Zeller.

Along with writing legislation, Schmittzehe served his community in several capacities, including founding the Cape Girardeau Community Sheltered Workshop which provided employment opportunities for more than 3,000 individuals beginning in 1967. He also served on numerous public and private boards including the Cape Girardeau School Board and Saint Francis Medical Center advisory board. His dedication to service led him to join St. Vincent’s Knights of Columbus Council 1111 of Cape Girardeau in 1948. He rose through leadership as Grand Knight for two years, District Deputy, and Missouri State Council Director before being elected as State Deputy of Missouri on July 4, 1974. He remained State Deputy until 1976.

Schmittzehe was later elected to the Supreme Board of Directors before being elected Supreme Master of the Fourth Degree in 1987, serving through 1991. During his tenure on the State Council, he had developed the Tootsie Roll Program, which supported people with developmental disabilities. What began as a Missouri initiative quickly expanded across the whole Order, raising millions of dollars in funding for programs for those with disabilities. Schmittzehe, in his capacity as Supreme Master and one of the pioneers of the program, was credited for the program’s growth and success.

As Supreme Master, Schmittzehe also launched a “Back-to-Basics” program to bring uniformity to the governance system, of which future Supreme Masters and District Masters were responsible. As part of the campaign, members became widely known as the “Knights on Main Street.” He also led the effort to establish a requirement for ceremonial leads, who would now need to be certified before leading ceremonies.

After Schmittzehe’s retirement from his role as Supreme Master, when he returned to Missouri to continue his work with his agency, the percentage of Fourth Degree members exceeded 15 percent of total membership in 1992. This was the first time it occured in the Order’s history, much because of the efforts Schmittzehe made to make the Fourth Degree more accessible. He passed away on May 5, 2014, in Cape Girardeau.

– Based on newspaper articles, obituaries, census and marriage records, and Patriotism and Fraternalism in the Knights of Columbus - a History of the Fourth Degree.

Cecelia Puckhaber

Senior Fraternal Resources Associate

Message from the Director of Communications

Devotion & Duty

History remembers Blessed Karl of Austria as the last Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary. Yet the Church remembers him for something far greater than his imperial titles: his unwavering fidelity to God and to the responsibilities entrusted to him. At a time when duty is too often subordinated to personal comfort and convenience, Blessed Karl offers Catholic men, and particularly Sir Knights, a compelling example of what it means to serve faithfully.

Born in 1887, Karl inherited the imperial throne in 1916, amid the devastation of the First World War. Although he had not sought the crown, he accepted the immense responsibility of governing a nation at war. Recognizing the terrible human cost of the conflict, he worked tirelessly to secure peace, even when his efforts met with opposition from his allies and military commanders. His understanding of leadership was not rooted in personal ambition, but in a profound conviction that authority was a responsibility before God.

Karl expressed this conviction in a remarkable declaration:

“With the last breath of my life I must take the path of duty.”

These words reveal something essential about the Christian understanding of duty. It is not merely an obligation imposed upon us by circumstance, nor is it something we may abandon when it becomes inconvenient. Rather, duty is an expression of fidelity to God, who calls each of us to serve Him through the responsibilities of our particular vocation.

For Karl, this sense of duty extended beyond his imperial responsibilities. On the eve of his marriage to Empress Zita in 1911, he reportedly told his bride, “Now we must help each other get to Heaven.” Together, they raised eight children, sustaining their family through war, political upheaval, and eventual exile. Karl understood that his obligations as a husband and father were no less sacred than those he bore as emperor.

His example speaks powerfully to the challenges facing Catholic men today. We live in a society that increasingly measures success by personal satisfaction, material achievement, and individual freedom. Yet the Christian life calls us to something greater: the willingness to sacrifice our own desires for the good of those entrusted to our care.

As Sir Knights, we have freely accepted particular obligations to our Church, our country, our families, and our fellow man. Our patriotism must be more than ceremonial, just as our faith must be more than an outward profession. Both demand action: fidelity to our marriages, the formation of our children in the faith, service to our communities, and the courage to defend what is right, even when doing so carries a personal cost.

Blessed Karl reminds us that the true measure of a man is not the honors he receives, the offices he holds, or the recognition he enjoys, but the faithfulness with which he fulfills his duties. Though he lost his throne and died in exile at just 34 years of age, his witness has endured long after the empire he governed disappeared.

May we, like Blessed Karl, recognize that our duties are not burdens to escape, but opportunities for holiness. And when those duties become difficult, may we remember his example and resolve, with God’s grace, to follow the path of duty to our last breath.

Blessed Karl of Austria, Pray for us!

Blessed Michael McGivney, Pray for us!

Sterling C. Roatch

Director of Fourth Degree Communications

Fourth Degree Across the Order

Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Quilts of Valor Ceremony

On October 3, 2026, Assembly 3696 at All Saints Catholic Church in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, hosted a Quilts of Valor ceremony honoring eight veteran patriots. Although the honorees represented different generations, military branches, and roles, their stories shared a common thread of duty, courage, sacrifice, and service. Each went into harm’s way, went where needed, and accepted the responsibilities entrusted to them. America needs men like these.

Simon Fraser Province Diaconal Ordination

Various Honour Guard assemblies from across the Province of Simon Fraser, gathered together in a spirit of faith, unity, and brotherhood to honour of the ordination of a Brother Knight to the sacred order of Deacon. The Pontifical Divine Liturgy was presided over by Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, who served as the main celebrant at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Archbishop Blanchet Provincial Meeting 2026

On Saturday October 10th, Columbus Day Weekend, the Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet Province held their Annual Provincial Assembly Meeting at the Proto-Cathedral of St. James the Greater in Vancouver, WA. It was very well attended by members across the Province and was a time for fraternity, collaboration, and discussing ideas to advance the mission of the 4th Degree. The theme was "Preparing for the Next 250 Years of Patriotism," where the attendees were encouraged to do what they can to ensure that our posterity will be able to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the United States with pride.

De Soto Province Commemorates the Founding of St. Augustine