Principles of the Knights of Columbus
The
Order is dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and
Patriotism. A First Degree exemplification ceremony, by which a man
joins the Order, explicates the virtue of charity. He is then said to
be a First Degree Knight of Columbus. Subsequent degrees focus on
additional virtues. Upon reaching the Third Degree, a man is considered
a full member. Priests do not participate directly in Degree
exemplifications as laymen do, but rather take the degree by
observation.
The first ritual handbook was printed in 1885 but contained only sections teaching Unity and Charity. Supreme Knight Mullen, along with primary ritual author Daniel Colwell, believed that the initiation ceremony should be held in three sections "in accord with the 'Trinity of Virtues, Charity, Unity, and Brotherly love.'" The third section, expounding Fraternity, was officially adopted in 1891.