HONOR GUARDS & ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON ASSEMBLY
Any Third Degree member in good standing, is eligible for membership in the Fourth Degree. The primary purpose of the Fourth Degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and a love of and loyalty to the Knights’ respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups (called “assemblies”). Certain members of the Fourth Degree serve as honor guards at civic and religious functions, an activity that has brought worldwide recognition to the Knights of Columbus.
The St. Elizabeth Ann Assembly #2410, under the leadership of a Faithful Navigator, was chartered by the Supreme Council on February 7, 1996 for Holy Rosary Council #4483 members. Since that time other councils have been established in the vicinity and their Sir Knights are also members of Seton Assembly. However, a few Sir Knights who have transferred into a local council maintain their membership in the Assembly from which they transferred.
The 4th degree Assembly of Sir Knights provide the Honor Guards for various events such as confirmations, first masses by newly ordained priests, first communion masses, Rest In His Arms services, funeral services for Sir Knights, parades . . . to name a few.
“What is the protocol for having a local Honor Guard from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Assembly”
If you are a member of a Council and the Assembly, you can participate in these Honor Guard functions. When a Brother Sir Knight dies the family may request an Honor Guard for the services. This usually means the wake, but can extend to the church and cemetery services.
The Faithful Navigator is the hub around which the process turns. Initially the request should be made to the Faithful Navigator. He will then contact the appropriate Council Commander who will be in charge at the event. The FN will then notify the Scribe who will send an email to the other members of the Assembly and invite them to participate . . . should they choose to do so, the participants will then call the Commander in charge and let him know their intention to participate.
The Faithful Navigator, or his designate, would be in charge for “district level” events such as “Special Olympics Opening Ceremony” or Honor Guard requests from the District Master (Paul Isherwood).