March 24, 2010

Chalice club honors Knights

By Julie Filby

The Knights of Columbus have a special memorial program to honor fourth-degree Sir Knights, the highest rank in the Catholic men’s fraternal organization.

When a fourth-degree Sir Knight passes away, a chalice with his name engraved on it is presented to his family. The family is encouraged to give the chalice to a priest of their choice.

“That way each time Mass is celebrated by the priest, the Sir Knight is remembered,” said Bruce Tawson, public relations chairman for the Colorado State Knights of Columbus and past faithful navigator for the Father Raphael McCarthy Assembly 2294 in Centennial.

According to J.R. White, faithful navigator of the Mother Theresa Assembly 2551 in Lakewood, each assembly raises funds or collects donations from members to put towards the chalices. The chalices, which range from $180 to $250, also have the fourth-degree emblem on them.

“The family might give it to a newly ordained priest,” White said. “Or they might give it to a priest in a poor country that needs it.”

Along with the chalice, the family is presented with a proclamation or a resolution of condolence.

Generally every dues-paying member of a fourth-degree group, called an assembly, automatically participates in the chalice program.

Of the 1.7 million Knights, it is estimated there are 292,000 fourth-degree Knights. Every rank in the Knights order is associated with a virtue—the virtue tied to the fourth degree is patriotism. Knights of the fourth degree aim to glorify God through service to community and nation by being responsible citizens and protecting and honoring symbols of national pride.

The memorial chalice program is believed to have originated more than 60 years ago at an assembly meeting in the Diocese of Jefferson City.

To donate to a chalice club contact the Knights of Columbus assembly in your area, specifying that the funds are to be dedicated to the chalice club.