KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Hierarchy
At Knights of Columbus functions, dignitaries in attendance are addressed
and introduced
in strict order of rank from highest to lowest. The first words of any
speech are usually some variation of "Reverend Father, Worthy State Deputy,
... Brother Knights, Lovely Ladies, and Beautiful Children," according to
who are actually present. This is known as "The Litany" and is usually
presented in its complete form only once by the toastmaster or master of
ceremonies, with other speakers abbreviating it to varying extents to save
time and repetition.
Order of Precedence
- Hierarchy
- Clergy
- State Deputy
- Vice Supreme Master
- State Officers
- Masters of the Fourth Degree
- Immediate Past State Deputy
- Past State Deputies (by seniority)
- Former Masters
- Executive Staff
- District Deputies
- Supreme Council Insurance Directors or Field Agents
- State Directors
- Chapter Presidents
- State Chairmen
- Wardens to the State Deputy
- District Wardens
- District Marshals
- Grand Knights
- Faithful Navigators
- Past Chapter Presidents
- Past Grand Knights
- Past Faithful Navigators
- Chapter Officers
- Council Officers
- Assembly Officers
Parade Formation
When walking in a parade formation (either two or four abreast) the higher
ranking person always precedes a lower ranking person. Usually ladies
walk alongside their men. When Past State Deputies or past Grand Knights
are in parade formation, the Immediate Past Officer takes precedence. The
others follow in order of seniority with the most senior one being first.
Procession Formation
When walking in a procession formation (always two abreast) the lowest
ranking person always precedes a higher ranking person, with the
highest ranking person being last in line.
When Past State Deputies or past Grand Knights
are in procession formation, the one with the least seniority precedes the
others in line, with the one exception that the Immediate Past State Deputy
or Immediate Past Grand Knight will be the last in the line of Past State
Deputies or Past Grand Knights, with the most senior one preceding him.
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