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GUIDELINES

For

Major Degrees

2017-2018 For consistency and standardization in our ceremonials, guidelines are being provided for councils who may wish to host major degrees, whether it being a combined or stand-alone. For fourth degree Exemplifications contact the District Master. Our ceremonials are to instill a message as to the principles of our Order. To do so with this message and in a dignified manner, it is important that there be continuity in the various areas such as: start times, costs, treatment of dignitaries, state officers, degree team members, candidates, protocol, dress, etc. These guidelines will allow for a host District Deputy or District Warden, Grand Knight or their respective councils representative to prepare for any major degree that may be held on an approved date by the State Deputy through the Ceremonials Chairman. A council should NOT confirm a date for a facility or the degree itself until an exemplification date has been confirmed by the Ceremonials Director and in the case of the 4th Degree, the District Master. Remember that these are guidelines and are in place to provide for guidance. They may be adjusted during a fraternal year to meet the needs of a parish’s varying circumstances but councils/assemblies should make every effort to follow as closely as possible these guidelines. Included with the guidelines is a shortened checklist guide to insure that the topical areas have been covered by a hosting council. Remember, the State Ceremonials Chairman is to approve ANY of the deviations from the guidelines, including degree times for stand-alone and combined major degrees. In the case of the 4th degree, it is important to contact the District Master who is ultimately responsible for the hosting of a 4th Degree Exemplification. Remember that to host a degree, a team is needed and their schedules must be a priority as it involves an entire team of people and not just an individual.

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CHECKLIST

FOR COMBINED 2ND (Formation) & 3RD (Knighthood) DEGREES

___ Request a date for the exemplification from Ceremonials Chairman 60 to 90 days prior to a desired date. ___ Mail an announcement of the degree (ATTACHMENT A) and the appropriate dress for candidates to surrounding councils and districts at least 45 days prior to exemplification. ___ Mailings shall include sending the announcement to the following: ___ State Deputy and State Officers ___ District Deputies and Grand Knights in the surrounding areas ___ Assigned Conferring Officer and 2nd Degree Team Captain ___ Ceremonials Director ___ State Webmaster ___ Invitations as guests should include but are not limited to the following: ___ State Deputy ___ Elected State Officers to include the IPSD ___ 2nd Degree Team members ___ 3rd Degree Conferring Officer and his staff ___ Ceremonials Director ___ Provide a registration table and: ___ Collect fees as applicable for banquet, medallions, etc.; ___ Upon arrival, contact by Grand Knight of 2nd Degree Team Captain & CO; ___ Provide food during registration process for candidates and members present. ___ Provide space for chamber & ante-chamber and assist degree teams with setup as needed ___ Request the presence of the Country Store ___ Provide ample space ___ Provide manpower to assist Country Store proprietors with unloading and loading trailer ___ Ladies Entertainment ___ If a Mass, provide for the arrangement of Celebrant, Eucharistic ministers, Readers, Honor Guard, Choir, Organist ___ Banquet - Head Table ___ Yes ___ No ___ Class honorees ___ Speakers (if applicable), ie keynote, State Deputy, etc. The State Deputy should be the last speaker.

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CHECKLIST

FOR STAND-ALONE 2ND (Formation) or 3RD (Knighthood) DEGREES

___ Request a date to host an exemplification from the Ceremonials Chairman 60 to 90 days prior to the desired date. ___ Mail an announcement of degree (ATTACHMENT A) and appropriate dress for candidates to surrounding councils and districts at least 45 days prior to the exemplification. ___ Mailings sent should include the following personnel: ___ District Deputies and Grand Knights in the surrounding areas ___ State Officers including the IPSD ___ Assigned Conferring Officer or 2nd Degree Team Captain ___ Ceremonials Director ___ State Webmaster (Regardless of mailing, information to be sent to webmaster) ___ Provide for: ___ Registration table ___ Ante chamber ___ Chamber ___ Assistance to 2nd Degree team or Conferring Officer with set-up of chamber ___ Selection of Class Honoree ___ Fee of $5.00 to be collected at stand-alone 3rd Degrees to cover cost of degree medallion ___ Country Store is normally not present for stand-alone degrees ___ Social optional

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GENERAL GUIDELINES

HOST COUNCIL

Councils wishing to host an exemplification are to provide the Ceremonials Chairman a possible date for hosting a degree. These requests should be requested at least 60 to 90 days prior to the desired date. This allows for a Council to have enough time for implementing the necessary tasks that are involved with the hosting of an exemplification.

The hosting Council’s Grand Knight will mail a letter (Refer Attachment A) that announces the degree(s) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the event. It is important that a posted E-mail version of the exemplification letters and coinciding forms are sent to the State Webmaster, Steve Stank at stevestank@aol.com, for placement on the state website. When mailing the exemplification letter announcement, it is to include, at a minimum, copies to the following: MAILINGS A. Combined 2nd & 3rd Degrees (Formation & Knighthood Degrees)

i. State Officers ii. District Deputies and Grand Knights in the surrounding area iii. Assigned Conferring Officer and 2nd Degree Team Captain iv. Ceremonials Chairman v. State webmaster – stevestank@aol.com

B. Stand-alone 2nd & 3rd Degrees – e-mail announcement

i. State Officers ii. District Deputies and Grand Knights in the surrounding area iii. Assigned Conferring Officer and 2nd Degree Team Captain iv. Ceremonials Chairman v. State webmaster – stevestank@aol.com

INVITATIONS

The Grand Knight or the host District Deputy will ensure that an invitation is sent to the State Deputy, the elected State Officers to include the IPSD, Ceremonials Chairman, 2nd Degree Staff Coordinator(Captain), Conferring Officers and their respective staffs inviting them and their respective team members as guests of the council the exemplification and banquet. Included in the invitation is a copy of the letter noted in Attachment A. Those invited as guests are still required to RSVP at least five (5) business days prior to the exemplification or they may be assessed a banquet fee. (Refer Protocol ATTACHMENT D)

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IF COMPLIMENTRY BANQUET TICKETS ARE A HARDSHIP FOR ANY COUNCIL CONTACT THE STATE DEPUTY. IT IS NOT THE INTENTION OF THE STATE COUNCIL FOR ANY SUBORDINATE COUNCIL TO INCUR

EXCESSIVE COSTS AS A HOST FOR MAJOR DEGREES.

COUNTRY STORE

In the event that the Council desires to have the State’s Country Store available at the exemplification, the Grand Knight or their designee is to contact the proprietors of the State’s Country Store requesting their availability to attend the exemplification. Ample space in a location as approved by the store’s proprietors will need to be provided. The council shall provide assistance to the proprietors with necessary manpower to aid in the loading and unloading of the store’s goods from the trailer. The Country Store contact information is listed in the State Directory and on the State website. Normally, the Country Store is not in attendance at stand-alone 2nd or 3rd degrees as it is not cost effective. Special requests may be made to the proprietors of the Country Store and the store may be made available at their discretion. LADIES ENTERTAINMENT

Inform those hosting the ladies entertainment that “No fund raising raffles or cost to the ladies will be incurred during the provided entertainment.” The State Ladies Auxiliary is a resource that is available to assist with ideas for the ladies entertainment. (Refer to the State Directory for contact information.) Information as to the type of ladies entertainment should be included in the letters that announce degrees so as to allow for the spouses of candidates and/or members, to plan their day accordingly. COMMUNICATION WITH CO OR DEGREE COORDINATORS

The Grand Knight or his representative will contact the Conferring Officer or 2nd Degree Staff Coordinator by phone, e-mail or letter to learn of their needs for the exemplification and offer assistance.

COMBINED 2ND (FORMATION) AND 3RD (KNIGHTHOOD) DEGREES

1. HOSTING COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide food during registration at no cost to those present, including the ladies (unless lunch is being provided for them during their scheduled entertainment.

(This is necessary as the candidates and observers will not be able to eat until the banquet. At a minimum, hosting councils should provide coffee and donuts during registration to sustain members until the banquet. No other food need be provided at any other time.)

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Reading and complying with the Guidelines for a Registration Table. (Attachment B)

Provide entertainment for the ladies who may be in attendance during the exemplification of the degrees.

(REMEMBER: Providing a pleasant atmosphere for other family members, who may be in attendance on the day of the degrees, is often the difference between the loss of/or retention of a new member for the future.)

Provide an ante-chamber of a desirable size to accommodate the number of candidates. Ideally space size should be approximately 3 to 5 square feet per candidate. Ensure that there are no seating or other obstructions in the ante chamber and that it will meet the state and local fire codes.

Provide a chamber for the exemplification that is of adequate size and should not be overly large. It should be devoid of extraneous stored items.

Assist the Second Degree Staff Coordinator and his team with the setup of the chamber so as to start the exemplification on time. It is of the utmost importance that the exemplification begins on time. The Warden of the Second Degree Team has the responsibility of clearing the chamber and preparing it for the exemplification. Upon completion of the 2nd degree exemplification, the host council should assist as necessary, the Warden of the 3rd degree staff with the chamber setup.

Celebration of Mass: 1. Host council and District Deputy are responsible for arranging for a Celebrant,

Eucharistic Ministers, Choir, Organist and Fourth Degree Honor Guard. (Choir, organist and honor guard are optional).

2. Readers and gift bearers may be provided by the state council but should be discussed with the State Warden or his representative in attendance at the degree.

3. If the dignitaries are to process into Mass, the Order of Procession protocol should be followed. The State Warden is tasked with the proper order of dignitaries for any processionals involving the 3rd Degree.

SOCIAL HOUR

Any bar associated with an exemplification shall be closed prior to and during conferring of all degrees. Remember that the celebration of Mass has been made part of the exemplification. It should also be noted that Degree Team members, including the Conferring Officer, who may be present for the Social hour, are permitted two (2) complimentary drinks in the event that there is a cash bar to accommodate liquor licensing for those councils that may be affected. (Specialty drinks may be exempted)

BANQUET

The cost of a banquet is not to exceed $20.00 ($27.00 for a late registration) per person. If children are present, a child’s menu (hot dogs, mac-n-cheese, etc.) should be provided at a minimal cost. The following PERSONS should be considered as guests of the host council:

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1) Host District Deputy and spouse 2) Degree Team Members (not including spouses)

3) Class honoree and spouse 4) Conferring Officer 5) State Deputy and spouse 6) State Officers & Ceremonial Chairman

7) Honor Guard, Organist, Choir Members (Host council’s option)

The selection of the Class Honoree may be a living or deceased Knight, a family member of a living or deceased Knight or a non-knight who is a member of a Catholic religious order.

In the event that a head table is not being set up for honored guests, the hosting council will make arrangements for seating dignitaries at assigned tables near the podium for ease of those guests who are to be recognized or may be asked to speak.

Remarks by the Host District Deputy and/or Grand Knight should be limited. A key note speaker is not necessary but may be included in the evening’s activities. The LAST speaker of the night shall be the State Deputy for major degrees.

A registration fee not to exceed $20.00 ($27.00 if reservation is less than five (5) business days prior to degree) will be charged to each candidate’s council by the hosting council to include the candidate’s banquet ticket and cover all expenses of the degrees. A fee of $5.00 is included in the registration fee that is to be paid to the State Council to cover the cost of the 3rd degree medallion for the candidate. A candidate’s lady and family members are charged no more than the $20.00 fee for dinner separately. If a council choses to not have a banquet, a registration fee of $10.00 may be charged that includes the $5.00 fee for the candidate’s 3rd degree medallions. Each participating council will be assessed the $5.00 fee by the hosting council to cover their cost of the respective candidate’s 3rd degree medallion. No other charge (except a cash bar) is to be collected from a candidate. Registration fees are the same whether or not the candidate remains for a banquet.

Members who have attained their 3rd degree under previous versions of the 3rd degree ceremonial and attends the new Knighthood (3rd) degree exemplification may purchase a medallion for a $5.00 fee. Only members who have attended a new Knighthood degree ceremonial may purchase the medallion.

The Hosting Agreement (ATTACHMENT C) must be signed and returned to the Ceremonial Director at least thirty (30) to forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled date of the degrees.

SCHEDULES/RESPONSIBILITIES

COMBINED 2ND (FORMATION) & 3RD (KNIGHTHOOD) DEGREES SAMPLE SCHEDULE Saturday or Sunday

REGISTRATION: 11:00 – 12:30 p.m. CANDIDATES TO ANTE CHAMBER: 12:45 p.m. SECOND DEGREE: 1:00 p.m. THIRD DEGREE: ******Immediately follows 2nd degree***** MASS: 5:00 p.m.

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SOCIAL/BANQUET: Social and banquet immediately following Mass LADIES ENTERTAINMENT: 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Dependent on Mass start times, use the appropriate schedule, i.e. 5:00 PM is normally a Saturday schedule unless utilizing the parish’s Saturday mass scheduled time and 4:00 PM is a Sunday schedule for degrees.

THE STATE DEPUTY IS TASKED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DEGREES. IF ANY OF THE STATED

CONDITIONS, INCLUDING START TIMES, CANNOT BE MET, THE HOST DISTRICT DEPUTY AND/OR HOST GRAND KNIGHT MUST CONTACT THE STATE CERMONIALS CHAIRMAN TO GAIN APPROVAL OF THOSE

REQUESTED DEVIATIONS, EITHER AT THE TIME A DEGREE IS REQUESTED OR AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS PRIOR TO THE MAJOR DEGREES.

STAND-ALONE 2ND (FORMATION) AND 3RD (KNIGHTHOOD) DEGREES Usually week nights

HOSTING COUNCILS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reading and complying with the Guidelines for the Registration Table. (Attachment B)

Providing of an ante-chamber of a desirable size to accommodate the number of candidates. Ideally space size should be approximately three to five square feet per candidate. Ensure that there are no seating or other obstructions in the ante chamber.

Providing a chamber for the exemplification of the degree that is of adequate size but not overly large and it should be devoid of extraneous stored items.

Assisting the Warden of the Second Degree Team or Third Degree Conferring Officer or his Warden in the setup of the chamber so as to start the exemplification on time. It is of the utmost importance to begin an exemplification on time. The Warden of the Second Degree Team or the Conferring Officer’s Warden has the responsibility of clearing the chamber and preparing it for the exemplification.

Selecting Class Honorees. A class honoree may be a living or deceased knight, a family member of a living or deceased Knight or a non-knight who is a member of a Catholic religious order.

A registration fee of $5.00 will be charged to each stand-alone 3rd degree candidate’s council to cover the cost of the candidate’s 3rd degree medallion.

As an option, a council may include a social after the degree. The responsibility for the arrangements of a social is that of the hosting council though no cost will be assessed to councils or the candidates. A council may make available a donation jar to offset any costs for refreshments.

The Hosting Agreement (ATTACHMENT C) must be signed and returned to the Ceremonial Director at least forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled date of the degrees.

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STAND-ALONE 2ND (FORMATION) & 3RD (KNIGHTHOOD) DEGREES SAMPLE SCHEDULES REGISTRATION: 6:30 p.m.–7:15 p.m. CANDIDATES TO ANTE CHAMBER: 7:30 p.m. 2nd or 3rd DEGREES: 7:45 p.m. MASS Optional SOCIAL/BANQUET Optional LADIES ENTERTAINMENT Optional

THE STATE DEPUTY IS TASKED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DEGREES. IF ANY OF THE STATED CONDITIONS, INCLUDING START TIMES, CANNOT BE MET, THE HOST DISTRICT DEPUTY AND/OR HOST GRAND KNIGHT MUST CONTACT THE STATE CERMONIALS DIRECTOR, TO GAIN APPROVAL OF THOSE REQUESTED DEVIATIONS EITHER AT THE TIME THE DEGREE IS REQUESTED OR AT LEAST FORTY-FIVE

(45) DAYS PRIOR TO THE MAJOR DEGREES.

ATTACHMENTS

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ATTACHMENT A (EXAMPLE REGISTRATION LETTER)

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 7502 August 11, 2017 TO: State Officers, District Deputies, Ceremonial Director, Grand Knights,

Assigned Conferring Officer, Assigned Second Degree Team Captain FROM: Wallace Butler, Grand Knight SUBJECT: Major Degrees, Saturday, October 2, 2013 Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Parish Center 11385 Grant St. Northglenn

CO 80233

The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Council 7502 will host Major Degrees on October 2, 2017 at the IHM Parish Center, 11385 Grant St. Northglenn CO 80233. Councils are invited to bring all 1st and 2nd Degree Knights in your council for the conferring of these degrees. Candidates that have received their 2nd Degree must register and will attend the 2nd Degree as an observer. The following schedule will be adhered to in order to celebrate Mass at 5:00 P.M. Registration: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Candidates into ante chamber: 12:45 PM Second Degree: 1:00 PM Third Degree: Immediately follows the 2nd Degree Mass: 5:00 PM Social and Banquet: Immediately following Mass Ladies Entertainment: 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

First and Second Degree Knights should never have to attend a degree alone. Their Sponsor, Grand Knight or Membership Director should make certain that this does not occur. All candidates and attendees must have a current membership card in their possession and will be inspected at the registration table.

If a candidate has special needs, a disability or illness, his Grand Knight should note this on the registration form. Candidate certificates will be the responsibility of the member’s council and will not be issued at the degree.

Pagers and cell phones are not allowed in the chamber during the degree. Please leave them in your vehicle.

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The celebration of Mass and the Banquet are essential parts of the Exemplification. All candidates are expected to participate in both. Each of the candidate’s council will be assessed $20.00 for the degrees. Banquet guests will be charged $20.00 per person. Children under 12 will eat free. Late registration and at the door will be $27.00 per person. Please fill out the enclosed registration form and submit it with the total registration fees to:

Robert Allan Financial Secretary 13658 Cherry St. Thornton, CO 80602-6073 720-872-6228 robjudyallan@gmail.com

Please make checks payable to K of C Council 7502. Registration for candidates, sponsors,

guests and observers must be received prior to September 24, 2017. Vivat Jesus, Wallace L. Butler Grand Knight, Council 7502 5923 E. 121st Place Brighton, CO 80602-8095 720-350-7213 walldodiam@comcast.net

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ATTACHMENT B

REGISTRATION TABLE GUIDELINES-2ND (FORMATION) & 3RD (KNIGHTHOOD) DEGREES EVERY REGISTRATION TABLE MEMBER MUST READ, UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES:

Keeping the solemnity of the exemplification is important. Inform EVERY Knight that cell phones and/or pagers distract from the solemnity of the Exemplification and must be set on silent mode or NOT be allowed. It is preferred that they are left in their vehicle but anyone that absolutely requires a cell phone, it is to be kept in the silent mode or IT can be left with an assigned contact at the registration table. That contact will be able to notify the member or candidate from the degree in the event of an emergency. In the event that an emergency notification is made in the chamber, a candidate should make it known to the Degree Warden.

Every candidate will be checked for possession of a FIRST DEGREE membership card. Other member Knights will be checked for a Second or Third Degree membership card. For combined 2nd and 3rd Degrees, a member with a SECOND DEGREE membership card is to be informed that he must register and he will be an observer during the conferring of the 2nd degree.

Provide a name tag to each candidate. Names and/or numbers must be easily readable and each name tag will be numbered consecutively.

Provide the 2nd Degree and 3rd Degree Wardens with a list of CANDIDATES at the conclusion of a degree’s candidate registration. In the event of a combined 2nd and 3rd Degree, exclude 2nd degree members from the 2nd Degree list given to the 2nd Degree Warden but include them on the list given to the 3rd Degree Warden.

NO MEMBER–especially HOST COUNCIL MEMBERS is to leave the chamber during the degree. If you cannot stay for the entire degree – DO NOT ENTER.

Most combined degrees have a ceremonial Knighting that is completed after a mass but in any event, members should be reminded that NO photographs may be taken in the chamber when the official Knighting takes place.

ANY questions concerning the 2nd Degree MUST BE discussed with the 2nd Degree Team Staff Coordinator.

ANY questions concerning the 3rd Degree MUST BE discussed with the Conferring Officer.

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ATTACHMENT C

Colorado State Ceremonials Agreement for Hosting Combined Major Degrees ________________________________ Council Name & Number Location (City) 1. Our council is in complete agreement that, as the host council, we are able to charge each candidate’s council a Registration Fee of no more than $20.00 for pre-registration and $27.00 if the registration is less than five (5) business days before the degree date. A Registration Fee of no more than $10 will be charged if the host council is not having a banquet. Five dollars ($5.00) of the Registration Fee will be paid to the State Council to offset the cost of the 3rd Degree Medallion. The candidate will not be charged any other expenses except for a cash bar. 2. We understand that the maximum we may charge a guest for a banquet is $20.00 for pre-registration and $27.00 if the registration is less than five (5) business days before the degree date. We understand that the registration fee will be $10.00 if the host council is not having a banquet. 3. We understand that the maximum we may charge for any drink, excluding call or specialty drinks, is $2.00. 4. We are in agreement with all other items, including indicated or amended start times, stated in the Major Degree Guidelines which are on the Colorado State Official Website for the fraternal year of 2017-2018. __________________________ ______________________________ Signature of Host Grand Knight Signature of Host District Deputy _________________________ ______________________________ Date Date Return Completed Form to: James D. Caffrey, IPSD Ceremonials Director 4380 S. Estes Street Littleton, Co 80123 Phone: 303-257-7664

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PROTOCOLS

ATTACHMENT D PROTOCOL (Extracted from the GK Handbook) Protocol is a basic common courtesy. Special rules have been established pertaining to proper conduct in handling certain situations. Where there is no specific rule governing a situation, you will not go wrong by employing common courtesy. A guest at your council should be treated with great respect. Anticipate and attend to the needs of your special guest and always show thanks and appreciation for their presence. Invitations Guests should be sent proper invitations in writing that is at least six (6) weeks before the event. A proper invitation to guests should be sent via US Postal Service rather than e-mail. The invitation should contain the following:

Invitation should be sent in the name of and signed by the Grand Knight although replies may be directed to a chairman or committee member;

Invitation should provide the guest with the timing, agenda, dress and any other special expectations. It is embarrassing for a guest to appear to find out that he is the only one at the head table not in a tuxedo or the only one wearing one;

The District Deputy, as a special representative of the Supreme Knight and State Deputy should be invited to all council functions. It should be understood that his schedule may not permit him to attend all functions, in which case he would so notify you prior to the function. Invitations should be extended to the District Deputy for each function and not be a blanket invitation to all hosted events. If tickets are being used for a function, they should be forwarded, suitably marked, along with the invitation; and

A State Officer or a District Deputy should not be expected to attend merely because he has been given a blanket invitation and then receives the council publication announcing the event.

Guest Accommodation

All guests should be greeted by the Grand Knight. Courtesy would indicate that the Grand Knight be assisted by someone who would take care of the guests’ hats and/or coats, someone to introduce them to others in attendance and someone to stay with them. Guests, including the District Deputy should not be left talking to themselves. They may not know many at the host council and therefore should not be left alone for any period of time. Various people in attendance should be made aware of the guest or dignitary’s presence so that they may converse and keep company with them during their visit.

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Speakers Whoever is setting up the program should decide in advance those that he wishes to speak and notify them that that they would be expected to speak. In setting up the program, do not ask an invited guest to speak unless he has been forewarned. Many times a Grand Knight, committee chairman or a Master of Ceremonies will approach a guest just before or even during a program and ask if they want to speak. This gives the impression that they would prefer he did not speak but if he wanted to do so, they would permit it. This does not preclude that a State Officer or District Deputy speak as they should always be given an opportunity to speak whenever they appear at a function or meeting. If several are present at the same function, it may be necessary to call on the senior ranking officer only to speak though all should be recognized and accorded the proper respect. Banquets A State Officer, District Deputy, priest or special guest should be accorded due recognition of the office or position he holds. He should always be seated in a place of honor that is commensurate with his position. A District Deputy should always advise the Grand Knight when he will be attending a function. He should never appear unexpected. At a program or banquet, the invocation, by a priest if one is present, is always the first order of business followed by the Pledge of Allegiance or by playing of the National Anthem. During the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem, all in attendance, including the head table or guests, stand facing the flag, with their hand over their heart and those in civil or military uniform should salute. Head Tables The use of a Head Table will be left to the discretion of the council hosting the event. Should a Head Table be utilized, seating is usually arranged by the highest ranking official from the middle out to either end. Guests are introduced from the right toward the middle and then from the left toward the middle, excluding speaking members at the head table. The wives of all those seated at the head table should also be included in the dais. At a speaking program, guests are introduced from the lowest rank up to the speaker of the occasion. In the event multiple State Officers or ranking persons attend a function, not all of them have to be seated at a Head Table. Those not seated at the head table will be dispersed at tables designated for them. Placards should be made up that denotes the dignitary and seat location. In the event that a head table is not being utilized for honored guests, the hosting council will make arrangements for seating at assigned tables near the podium for ease of those guests who may be asked to speak.

Persons introduced from the audience for recognition, should be ranked from the top down as opposed to speakers who appear from the lowest up. The following priority list should apply for speaking programs and seating arrangements: a. Clergy b. Knights of Columbus (in ranking order) c. Civic dignitaries and other fraternities, ie Lions, Elks, Moose, etc.

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When more than one priest is present and a speaker does not wish to mention each by name, he should say “Rev Monsignori” and/or “Rev Fathers”. Never use “Reverend Clergy” unless clergymen of different faiths are present. A posting of colors should occur at the banquet and all present should recite the Pledge of Allegiance or have the playing of the national anthem. During the Pledge of Allegiance or national anthem all in attendance, including the head table or guests, stand facing the flag, with their hand over their heart. Those present in civil or military uniform should salute.

Order of Procession Protocol occurs in coordination with the State Deputy, District Deputies, Grand Knights, District Master and District Marshals. Following proper protocol ensures that well established procedures and precedents are followed, dignitaries recognized as appropriate and property is utilized and displayed in the proper manner. During various functions, the State Warden is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the proper order of dignitaries for any processionals. Generally, the suggested order of procession into the church for Mass for a 3rd Degree function would be as follows: District Deputy District Deputy District Deputy State Ladies Auxiliary State Ladies Auxiliary State Ladies Auxiliary General Agent Northern General Agent Southern Ken Huard (Melanie) District Master Roger Muller (Margaret) Immediate Past State Deputy Jim Caffrey (Patricia) State Warden Marc Solome State Advocate Butch Enderle (Glenda) State Treasurer Jon Herskovits (Colleen) State Secretary Chris Foley (Kathy) Supreme Representative State Deputy Jay Doherty (Cindy)

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Banquet Seating Head Table

5 5 3 3 1 1 POD MC MC 2 4 4

AUDIENCE

MC Master of Ceremonies & Spouse (May be the Host DD or GK) 1 State Deputy 1 State Deputy Spouse 2 Priest 3 Host DD and spouse 4 Host GK and spouse 5 Class Honoree and spouse

MC always to the right of the podium

A male should occupy the outside seat on each end

Try to limit Head Table to no more than 12

Seating is from highest rank down alternating each side (see chart above)

When there is a head table, introduce the Head Table last from lowest to highest rank

Introduce the dignitaries in the audience first, highest to lowest rank

When there is no Head Table, introduce lowest to highest rank

If no Head Table, place State Officers at different tables and reserve their seats (see separate

chart)

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Banquet Seating with rounds

Table 5 Table 3 Table 1 Table 2 Table 4

SW ST SD SS SA SW Spouse ST Spouse SD Spouse SS Spouse SA Spouse MC Guest 3rd Honoree 2nd Honoree IPSD MC Spouse Guest Spouse Honoree Spouse Honoree Spouse IPSD Spouse Guest Guest Host DD Host GK Guest Guest Spouse Guest Spouse Host DD Spouse Host GK Guest Guest Spouse Guest Guest Priest Guest Guest Guest Spouse Guest Spouse Guest Guest Spouse Guest Spouse

This is one example plan. There are many alternatives with this plan-discuss final proposal with

the State Warden to ensure proper protocol. Try to limit seating to round tables to no more than 8 unless larger round tables. Seating is from highest rank with best visibility to podium/stage. Introduce dignitaries from audience first with highest to lowest rank. When there is no Head Table, introduce from lowest rank to highest rank. Place State Officers at different tables and reserve their seats when no Head Table.

3 2

5

1

4

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GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE DEGREE DRESS FOR ALL EXEMPLIFICATION ATTENDEES

The solemnity and appearance of each exemplification plays an important role in the overall exemplification and it should be shown that respect. Accordingly, an appropriate dress code is put in place to be reflective of the importance to the candidate and those members in attendance as well as to degree team members. The leadership throughout the state and including sponsors of candidates, as well as every individual member should be an example in which they approach and dignify degree exemplifications to candidates.

The dress for the Initiation (1st), Formation (2nd) and Knighthood (3rd) degrees is important. We need to set an example with our degree team members and those members in attendance and show the candidates a manner of dress that is reflective of our pride in the Order and solemnity of our Ceremonials. We as leaders need to “lead by example”. The following are guidelines that will be provided by Grand Knights or his representative and sponsors to those council members who will be in attendance of an exemplification and to the candidates for all degree exemplifications of our Order. These dress code guidelines will also pertain to Degree Team members.

a. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degrees, both combined and stand-alone exemplifications a. Each council member in attendance, including observers, team members and candidates should be dressed in clean pants/slacks, buttoned down or polo shirt and shoes.

b. All present should avoid the wearing of jeans, tank tops, tee shirts, flip flops, sandals or running shoes. Exceptions can be made as it pertains to a candidate, member or team member’s work schedule, weather considerations or a medical condition that may require the wearing of certain types of clothing or footwear.

c. Members, team members and candidates should be neatly groomed. It is important that the appropriate respect be given to the importance of our degrees. Remember we are not just reciting words and performing actions to present a degree.