Worthy Sir Knights –
I am pleased to inform you that another virtual Patriotic Exemplification (our 7th) of the Knights of Columbus is scheduled for November 15th, this time a Sunday afternoon beginning at 3:00 PM (Zoom meeting opens 30 minutes prior).
This exemplification will be a joint meeting with our Brothers from Nebraska. Last year the Iowa District hosted in Council Bluffs. This year is Nebraska's turn but in a twist, we all know too well this will be a Zoom meeting. Regardless, as brother Knights, we will join in unity to honor those men and women who have served our country and those that paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. This is a unique opportunity to introduce a new group of brother Knights to the principle of Patriotism through the lens of the newly beatified Fr Michael McGivney.
These virtual online exemplifications have proven successful as they are convenient as well as an effective way to teach brother Knights the principles of Catholic Citizenship and our order’s commitment to faith-filled patriotism. Now more than ever we need informed Catholic citizens who understand the importance of religion & civic virtue to the health of our republic.
Please make a special invitation to your pastor and your Deacon brother(s) to consider becoming a Sir Knight of Columbus via the virtual exemplification. The offer of half-off the virtual cost of $50 continues for our priests and deacons will remain in effect. Yes, the charge for priests and deacons for virtual exemplifications will be $25. I expect the assembly to pick up the cost for these brothers as I am not going to bill them. The cost per non-ordained candidate remains at $50 (compared to the on-site normal charge of $70).
While these exemplifications are meant for candidates, the lessons taught are valuable for all of us to hear again. Not only am I counting on you as assembly leaders to invite men to take this next (easy) step on their Knight's journey; I also challenge you to invite assembly leadership or any interested Sir Knights to refresh themselves on our Catholic heritage in this land. Please send me an email so that I can register you as an observer for the Zoom meeting.
So, make some phone calls to brother Knights, especially the Grand Knights of councils assigned to your assembly. Let them know about this opportunity. Remember to include the numerous new Knights that achieve their third degree via an on-line exemplification. We still need completed Form 4's (please ensure to include the candidate’s email and phone number) and payment to be sent in – US Post or email. I ask that we receive your information 48 hours prior to the exemplification to allow us to get the registration completed properly.
Stay Strong, Be Brave and Viva Christo Rey!
Hope to see you on-line.
Michael P. Gaspers Master of the Fourth Degree - Iowa District
Attached you will find two documents: a Form 4 (in case you don’t have a paper copy already) and instructions for Faithful Navigators to use to get these documents filled out and sent to our District Secretary. Once the District Secretary receives a completed Form 4 and registration payment, the candidate will get directions on the online registration and viewing process.
Here is some additional information.
The online exemplification will be conducted live by the Nebraska 4th degree team. As such it will be almost as if you were there.
Candidates and observers will be guided through the process by the Nebraska District Master and members of our district staff. Current Sir Knights are welcome to observe but also need to register with the District Secretary or the District Master. A person MUST be registered to watch the ceremony.
Candidates unfortunately won’t get the benefit of the face-to-face knighting. Navigators are expected to do that later as social distancing restrictions are eased.
The regular new member certificate and documents, social baldric and lapel pin will be sent to Navigators after the candidate participates in the online exemplification. Navigators will then contact the new members to pass along these items.
The registration fee is $50 instead of the typical $70 fee. The $50 fee covers the district’s cost to purchase the baldric, lapel pin, produce and send the new member documents, pay a registration fee to Supreme for each candidate, and to offset the video production cost.
Since this is a video presentation, candidates are encouraged to use a PC or Mac computer. Tablets and iPads will work but their smaller screen sizes will reduce the impact of the presentation. Smartphone screens are too small to be effective and should not be used.
Candidates will not be visible during this online ceremony.
Make checks payable to “Iowa District Master”. They should be sent to District Secretary, Jim Bates, 15102 Brookview Dr, Urbandale, 50323-2567; alternately you can register with Richard Lowery PSD, Nebraska District Master, 5011 Woodhaven Dr., Lincoln, NE 68516