2nd-degree-exem.-by-bro.-Ernie-updated.pptx

script for the formation degree

1. ACTIVITIES IN THE ANTECHAMBER (The W. shall call the roll of the candidates and place them in line. He shall then inspect each candidate’s membership card of the first degree. He shall instruct candidates to turn off cellphones and pagers.) W. -- Candidates, as your names are called, you will answer and assume your position in line as directed by my aides. This position you shall remain maintain. (The W. calls the names. The aides place the candidates in single file .)

2. W. -- Candidates, I shall now inspect your current First Degree membership card. Those not in possession of a current card are asked to leave, or to have your F. S. vouch as to your standing in Order (W. inspect membership cards.)

3. W. – Candidates, you will wait here until I return to lead you to the council chamber ( W. returns to council chamber.)

4. ACTIVITIES IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER D.D. -- ( X One rap of gavel) Brothers, we are about to open this Council in the Second Degree. All persons not having received the honors of membership in the Second Degree shall please retire from the chamber. The doors shall now be closed and the guards assume their stations .

5. D.D. – Worthy W., do you vouch that all present are in possession of a current membership card? (D.D. waits for W. to approach prepared table and salute .)

6. W. – Worthy D. D. (salutes), I vouch that all present are in possession of a current membership card . (Salutes D. D. and returns to his stations)

7. D.D. – Brothers, let us invoke the Divine blessing by repeating aloud the Lord’s Prayer. ( X X X X Four raps. Chaplain so prays.) ( At conclusion, D. D. gives X X X Three raps and then announces and leads the Pledge of Allegiance or some other suitable display of loyalty .)

8. D.D. – Brothers, we shall now sing the Opening Ode. ( At conclusion. X One rap.)

9. D.D – Brothers, we shall now proceed to the exemplification of the Second Degree of our Order. Before doing so, I would like to introduce my staff. (D. D. then introduces the Chaplain, G. K., Chan., W., F. S. and others .)

10. D.D – Worthy F. S., how many candidates await the honor of the Second Degree?

11. F. S. – (Arises in his place) Worthy D. D (salutes), there are ________ candidates awaiting advancement into the Second Degree . (He present to the D. D. a list of all candidates .)

12. D.D . – Worthy W., have you verified that each candidate on this list is a duly qualified member of the First Degree? (He hands the list of the W., who proceeds to the prepared table, salutes D. D. and check the list.)

13. W. – Worthy D. D., I have previously verified the membership of each on the list and vouch as to their good standing in the First Degree .

14. D. D. – Worthy W., you will now conduct the candidates to the presence of the worthy Chan . ( The W. salutes D. D. and retires to the antechamber. While the W. is doing so, the D. D. instruct the Crossbearer as to his duties, per Diagram “A”.)

15. D. D. – Let me admonish each knight here present that during the conferring of this degree his conduct should be such as to cause these candidates to be edified by the beauty and dignity of the lessons to be exemplified.

16. D.D. - - After the entry of the candidates no Brother will be allowed to enter or leave this council chamber during the working of the degree unless he has asked and obtained the permission of the D. D. which should be done privately.

17. D.D.- - The I. G. shall strictly enforce this command. There will be no smoking during the ceremonial. All cellphones and pagers must be turned off. The soundman will be in readiness. We now await the arrival of the W. and candidates .

18. IN ANTECHAMBER (Upon the W.’s return to the antechamber to summon the candidates for the Second Degree, he shall have his aides see that the candidates are placed in single file for the procession as follows: W., Banner Bearer, two Gs . Of H. (either side of banner, one G. of H. carries a Rosary and the other the Compass) and the candidates, with an aide leading them and one following them.) W. – Candidates, forward march. (Candidates are led to inner door of council chamber.) (When the W. is ready with the candidates, he raps for admission.)

19. IN CHAMBER I. G. – Who comes there? W. – The W. leading candidates desirous of entering on the second stage of their journey to full Knighthood in our Order. I. G. -- W orthy D. D . (salutes from inner door.) D.D. – Worthy I. G. (returns salute).

20. I. G. – The W. of this Council, leading candidates desirous of entering the second stage of their journey to full Knighthood in our Order, seeks admission .

21. D.D. – Worthy I. G., open and admit the W. and the candidates. ( Entrance Music) (The D. D. gives X X X Three raps) (The lights are lowered, and the procession enters to “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The Chan. Proceeds to prepared table.) (The W. halts the candidates, arranged in a semicircle, in front of the Chan. Banner Bearer proceeds to his position per Diagram “A”.) (When all are in places, the music fades and the D. D. gives X One rap.)

22. W. – Candidates remain standing. Worthy Chan. (salutes) , in the name of Christopher Columbus, I present to you these candidates, who are desirous of entering upon the second stage of their journey to full knighthood under your wise guidance. ( Gs . Of H., bearing credentials, flank W.)

23. Chan . -- The candidates must first produce their credentials.

24. W. -- Worthy Chan., on behalf of these candidates I present to you this Rosary and Compass, duly received by them during the first stage of their journey as a token of their worthiness for advancement to this degree. ( He takes from the bearers the Rosary and Compass, gives them to the Chan, who places them on the pillow on the prepared table.)

25. Chan. – Worthy W., from your observation of their conduct thus far, do you believe that these candidates are sincere and earnest in their desire to proceed on their journey, and that they will persevere to the end?

26. W. – Worthy Chan., I do so believe. ( W. and Gs of H. salutes and return to their stations. Aides remain standing with candidates .)

27. Chan. – Worthy candidates, we bid you a hearty welcome. The emblems of the first stage of your journey, which you present us, are the proof that you have not only listened to words of wisdom, but that you have also profited by them.

28. Chan. – They show that the officers of your Council are assured that you have properly sought to prepare yourselves for the burden that you would assume.

29. Ever remember the pledge you have taken of secrecy with regard to our ceremonials, and your promise of devotion to Mary and her Rosary. Constantly keep before you, as your guiding rule in life, the pursuit of the high ideal of Charity, the first principle of our Order. Upon you, my brother Knights, I call. (D. D. gives X X X Three raps) (All rise .)

30. Chan. – Do you, remembering them, renew these pledges, and promise to persevere in the practice of Charity? The Council – We do.

31. Chan. – ( Turning to the candidates) and you, candidates do you also renew these pledges and promise to persevere in the practice of Charity? Candidates – I do (D. D. X One rap.) W. – Candidates, remain standing.

32. Chan. – Worthy candidates since you have proven yourselves fitted and trained for the honors you seek I shall now dwell with you on the power of unity, the second principle of our order. I trust to impress upon you the might and strength that men possess when united in the pursuit of a common purpose, and to show you the conditions under which such union can exist among us. Worthy W., distribute the fibers to the candidates .

33. ( Music during distribution of fibers. The W. here distributes the fibers to the candidates and Chan.) Chan. – Candidates, break the fiber you have received. (Chan. Demonstrates. All do so.)

34. Chan. – Now, break the cable. ( The W. selects numerous sets of two candidates each and hands them the cable. The cable should be 1” to 1 ½” in diameter and long enough so that two men can grasp it firmly.)

35. W. – Worthy Chan., the candidates have exemplified the strength of Unity. ( W. hands cable to Chan. and salutes.) (Music fades out.)

36. W. – Candidates , be seated .

37. Chan . – Worthy candidates, what physical demonstration could be simpler or more forceful than this illustration of unity? The fiber, so easily broken, when bound with others, (demonstrates strength of cable) resist every effort. As are the fibers to the cable so are you, worthy sirs, to this, our Order.

38. Chan.- - The strength and durability of the cable depend on the quality of the fibers and their perfect union in the cable. Even though united in the strands of the cable, imperfect or worthless fibers prove a source of weakness, hence all are not welcome to our ranks.

39. Chan.- - Our charity, indeed, should be universal, but it is neither prudent nor wise that our Order should open its door to all. Place high the standard required to be reached by those who seek admission into our ranks. Propose none who come not up to that standard, and measure every applicant by it.

40. Chan.- - When applicants are voted on by your council, support the decision of the Admissions Committee, but exercise your own best judgment. Fearlessly use your right of rejection, but wrong no man.

41. Chan.- - Let no selfish or petty motivates control your action. Do not admit into our number anyone who fails in the test of practical Catholicity. Reject all whose lives are a reproach to Catholics or a scandal to the community.

42. Chan.- - Not on numbers alone do we rely, but on the spirit of a common purpose and the boundless powers of united action. Your fibers being strong and trustworthy, then and only then can you, in confidence, weave your cable .

43. Chan.- - In the year of Our Lord 1882, Fr. Michael J. McGivney, a young parish priest, found himself in the midst of a living nightmare. Awake or asleep, he was plagued by the plight of his people who were discriminated against because of ancestry or religion;

44. Chan.- - tempted from all sides to turn from their Faith; and tormented by the poverty which was almost certain destiny of families whose breadwinner was snatched, untimely, by the hovering Angel of Death .

45. Chan.- - But out of this nightmare a dream emerged, and the young priest reacted as if inspired. Calling together a handful of men to the basement of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, he shared his dream with them .

46. Chan.- - As of one mind, this small but daring band rallied around their shepherd, Father Michael J. McGivney, and his dream the Knights of Columbus – became a reality.

47. Chan.- - Bound in unity, they reacted together against bigotry. Bound in unity, they stood firm in the Faith of their fathers, encouraged by mutual support. Bound in unity, they chased the wolf of poverty from the doors of their brothers’ widows and children .

48. Chan.- - Yes , gentlemen, the dream became reality. Yet the reality that is our Order is still imbued with the dream, the vision, of Father McGivney, For today, inspired by his courage and example, it is our Order is still

49. Chan.- - Imbued with the dream, the vision, of Father McGivney. For today, inspired by his courage and example, it is our hallowed task to keep the dream alive and, like him, to share with others its promise for the future .

50. Chan.- - Each one of you, a strong fiber in the cable of Columbianism , must give of himself that our brotherhood shall ever endure.

51. Chan.- - There are many examples which prove this truth. Turn back the pages of history and our hearts thrill as we read the stories of how the gallant few, united in a righteous cause, have in end vanquished the opposing hosts. The might of unity is shown every army that has trod the glorious path of victory,

52. Chan.- - and in every nation that has handed down to the generations the institutions which guarantee liberty and peace. Above all , the Catholic Church is the greatest example the world has ever known of the might of unity.

53. Chan.- - When her Divine Founder, on His last night on earth, prayed for His disciples, His principal prayer was that they be one. Strong I that unity, they, the poor fishermen of Galilee, went forth and conquered the world of Rome, great in its might and culture.

54. Chan.- - Let us take warning by the story of how near to failure came the great voyage of Christopher Columbus. He tells us how his men rose against him, and how the eternal God gave him the strength and courage necessary to defeat their divided counsels, and to enable him to accomplish his mighty enterprise .

55. Chan.- - Profit by these examples and pay heed to the warning. Dissension and disloyalty spell defeat. Unity and obedience herald the triumph of tomorrow. Listen now, to the Worthy D. D. as he tells you how you can win the victory. Worthy W., proceed ( Chan. retires, W. proceeds to the prepared tables.)

56. W . – Worthy D. D. (salutes), the candidates have been instructed as to the strength and power of Unity, and are now ready for your charge. – (D. D. X X X Three raps.) (All stand.) D.D. – Worthy Crossbearer – carry the Cross into our midst!

57. ( Music Cue for Cross entrance.) (The Crossbearer brings Cross forward per D. D.’s previous instructions and as shown on Diagram “A”. He comes to a halt facing the prepared table.) (The D. D. selects a member to act as the Cyrenean , helping the Crossbearer hold the Cross while standing, facing the prepared table, with the foot of the cross on the floor, at a 45° angle, forming an anchor with the candidates) (D. D. gives X One rap.) (All be seated.) (Music fades out.)

58. D.D. – Worthy candidates, to us as to the knights of old, Knighthood means loyal service in defense of Church and States, and constant practice of the virtue of Unity.

59. D.D. – Today , even as in the ages past, both Church and State have need of true and loyal sons. The Church of God needs your active support, enabling her to carry out her sublime mission.

60. D.D. – She calls upon you to devote your efforts to her cause. She needs the force and strength of the example of your lives, loyal to her teachings and obedient to her commands .

61. D.D. – Not only does the Church, but even more urgently does the State need you, as the strong champions of the great principles upon which all lawful authority and government are founded.

62. D.D. – Thus do Church and State seek true and loyal men, who shall prove to be their valiant and intelligent defenders. Be then such men!

63. D.D . – To be ready and effective, you must possess both unity in purpose and unity in action. Unity of purpose comes to us through obedience and loyalty to our chosen officers.

64. D.D. – This means discipline, without which there can be no unity. Unity of action comes to us through our acceptance of a common standard and an infallible guide.

65. D.D. – Our standard is the Cross, this very Cross before you, which is typical of that Sacred Cross which bore our Lord and Master, whose teachings we reverently accept as the principles to which we pledge our lives.

66. D.D. – Our God-appointed and unerring guide is the Holy Catholic Church. Let us raise on high that standard the Cross, and follow that guide, the Church, in our every word and deed.

67. D.D. – Then , as we march forward into combat, let us cry out with our Fathers, the Crusaders of old: “God wills it! God wills it !”

68. I now call upon all present to take with me the pledge of Unity. I shall first recite it, so that you may know what you are required to promise :

69. “I promise, / upon my honor as a Catholic gentleman, / that I will obey the Laws, Rules and Ceremonials of this Order, / and will so conduct my life / as not to bring scandal on the Church or the Order. / I further promise / that I will ever abide in unity / with the officers and members of this Order / and of my Council. /

70. I further promise / by this Cross, / loyalty and obedience to the Catholic Church, /to our Supreme Pontiff, / our Bishops and Priests. / these promises I regard / as binding upon me in conscience / until death.” You will now repeat this pledge after me .

71. D.D . – ( X X X Three raps.) W. – Candidates and members arises and raise you right hands.

72. “I promise, / upon my honor as a Catholic gentleman, / that I will obey the Laws, Rules and Ceremonials of this Order, / and will so conduct my life / as not to bring scandal on the Church or the Order. / I further promise / that I will ever abide in unity / with the officers and members of this Order / and of my Council. /

73. I further promise / by this Cross, / loyalty and obedience to the Catholic Church, /to our Supreme Pontiff, / our Bishops and Priests. / these promises I regard / as binding upon me in conscience / until death.” (At conclusion, D. D. gives X One rap.)

74. W. – Candidates, lower your right hands, and remain standing. Worthy G. K., (salutes) the candidates are ready for your charge .

75. G.K. – (D. D. may take the part of the G. K.) Worthy candidates, (holds the Anchor upright) , the emblem of this degree is the Anchor, the universal symbol of hope, and we have chosen it because in unity, under God, lies the hope that this Order shall accomplish its high aims.

76. G.K. – As you stand here, you form part of an anchor, made up of the greatest of all symbols, the rainbow, (holds Anchor upside-down), God’s sign to Noah that He would never send the flood again; and the Cross, (returns the Anchor to the upright position) , the covenant given by Jesus through His death and resurrection. These are the signs of God’s two covenants with man, the one promising temporal, the other eternal happiness.

77. G.K. – So , ever rallying around the standard of the Cross, may you live in perfect unity. I shall now invest you with this Anchor, trusting that you may be inspired with the same hope in unity that is cherished by every true Knight .

78. (Music cue for investing music.) (G. K. proceeds, with the W. at his side, to touch each candidates on the right shoulder with the Anchor, whispering the word “Unity” to each as he does so.) (When completed, D. D. gives X One rap.) W. – Candidates be seated.

79. G.K. – In time you will come to know more of what we are. When Catholics were a despised and persecuted minority in this country, we Knights of Columbus banded together and marched in the streets publicly proclaiming our Faith.

80. G.K. – At a time when doors were closed and jobs were scarce, we joined hands to help one another so that the Truth might survive.

81. G.K. – At a time when Catholics in growing numbers rely only upon their own conscience, we speak out for the authority of the Pope, the Bishops and Priests.

82. G.K. – At times when people by the millions are convinced that legalized abortion is civilized and humane, we cry out that it is a sin and a crime against life .

83. G.K. – At a time when it is the easy and popular thing to be against the establishment that rules our government, we broadcast our love for our country and for the system that guarantees its continuing .

84. G.K . – At a times when men prefer to walk alone and uninvolved, we lock our arms and proclaim that we are a proud brotherhood in the Holy, Catholic Church .

85. G.K. – It is easier not to be a Knight. It is easier not to take up another Cross. But we Knights are sinners and we have been carrying one Cross or another for years. You are not yet the Apostles of Christ that you should be. Neither are we. But there is work to be done in the name of Christ .

86. G.K. – Do you have the heart and vision to join us in a symbol? The symbol is large enough to hold a crucified man, but not so large that a man cannot carry it. Will you join us? W. – Candidates answer: Yes or no. ( Pause as candidates answer.) ( D. D. gives X X X X Four raps.)

87. W. – Candidates, kneel. ( At this point, the Crossbearer takes the Cross and places it in the stand in front of the prepared table. The Crossbearer and Cyrenean return to their places .) (Lights are lowered even further, and accent light is put on Cross.) (Recorded voice is to be played, or else background music with the G. K. delivering the following in a clear, dramatic voice.)

88. G.K . – My brothers, behold this symbol of man’s redemption– it is the Cross– through which your destiny was made sacred. It is the symbol of the light of Divine Intelligence over the darkness of the world .

89. G.K. – It is the Cross. . . That soaked up the Blood of the God-man Who was crucified for your sins and mine.

90. G.K. – It is the Cross of courage, charity, and brotherly love. . . There has never in all the history of the world been another like it.

91. G.K. – It is the Cross for which our Holy Mother Church was crimsoned with the precious blood of her martyrs. . . The millions of them . . .men, women, and children who knew a love that surpassed all understanding . . .

92. G.K. – A love that made it a joy for them to take up Christ’s Cross on their own shoulders and declare to all world, “I am Christ’s Brother . . . I bear His Name . . . I shall bear His Cross !”

93. G.K. – To be a Knight is to take up the Cross of Christ . . . To stand before an unbelieving world and declare: “My shoulders are broad enough, my mind clear enough, my heart humble enough

94. G.K. – to know I am a sinner who is called to be another Christ among men. It is my destiny . . . And whatever the sacrifice, it is my glory.”

95. G.K. – You wish to be Knights of Columbus! The men who are already Knights have been the Simons of Cyrene in our time. If you wish to join them, then you must give us a sign, a sign that you know whose Cross it is that we bear—a sign that you are willing to take upon your own shoulders, and now .

96. G.K. – Candidates. Is your sign the Cross of the Crucified Christ? W. – Candidates, answer yes or no, loudly and clearly. ( Candidates answer: “Yes, it is.”) (Lights come up to previous brightness. Accent light on cross is turned off. D. D. gives X X X Three raps. All stand .)

97. W. – Candidates, arise .

98. G. K. – (In front of Cross and holds up the Anchor) Worthy candidates, you have been invested with this Anchor, the emblem of this degree and the eternal symbol of hope! Now, you have promised to take up the Cross of Christ. You declared that your shoulders were broad enough to bear the Cross of Christ. This cross, accompanied Christ on his journey to Calvary. (Gesturing to the wooden ceremonial cross.)

99. G. K. – It is my distinct pleasure to present to you, your crucifix to accompany you on your journey, to remind you of Christ’s sacrifice “upon the Cross for us,” that binds unity of spirit, and provides forgiveness, atonement of sin, and salvation for mankind. (G.K. holds up Carolingian Crucifix.) ( Music cue-begin music softly for crucifix presentation .)

100. G . K. – Your crucifix; is a replica of the one hanging in St. Mary’s Church and serves an additional link for you to our founder. The top of the cross features Christ the King. The right arm of the cross depicts the Sorrowful Mother while the left arm features St. John the Evangelist.

101. G. K. – Beneath the foot support of the cross are reliefs of Saints Peter and Paul. May it ever serve as a reminder of your promise to take up your cross and follow Christ! As I come before you, I ask that you place your hands together as in prayer. (G.K. demonstrates with the W.)

102. G. K. – As I will come before you, open them to our Lord, and I will place your crucifix in your uplifted hands. I ask you to contemplate upon your crucifix which has been blessed by our Supreme Chaplain, Archbishop William E. Lori. ( G.K. with the assistance of the D.D. presents to each candidate his crucifix.) (Music cue-Music slowly fades out after presentation is completed.) (At conclusion, D.D. gives X rap )

103. G . K. – (In front of Cross addresses the D.D.) Worthy D. D., I have invested these candidates with the Anchor, the symbol of hope, the emblem of this degree. They have promised to take up the Cross of Christ and have been invested with their personal crucifix emblematic of their unity with Christ. I ask you to advance them further in our honored Order. (G. K. salutes D. D.)

104. D.D. – (Addresses candidates from in front of Cross) . Worthy candidates, please place your crucifix in your pocket. Remember well the lesson of this Formation Ceremonial and remember always, that your formation never ends. Unity of purpose and of action give strength to the humblest.

105. D.D. – In a righteous cause, loyal and obedient to our chosen officers, our union will bring assured success. Unite for our Order, for our Country, for our Holy Mother Church, and the dreams of yesterday shall be the realities of tomorrow .

106. D.D. – And now, worthy candidates, by the authority vested in me by the Supreme Council, I declare you members of the Knights of Columbus, Second Degree .

107. D.D – My Brother Knights, this phase of your journey draws to a close, and but one more intervenes before you shall reach the goal of your desires, full Knighthood in our honored Order. In the Admission Degree, you were introduced to our Order’s permanent watchword, “Tempus Fugit Memento Mori,” – “Time Flies, Remember Death .”

108. D.D – Since you have been taught the lesson of unity, I will now disclose your passport to Knighthood; which is a fraternal greeting used between Knights. A handshake is given, while the words “ Vivat Jesus” are exchanged.

109. D.D – The word mean: “May Jesus Live,” the motto of our former Supreme Chaplain, Bishop Charles P. Greco. I ask all here, to stand and turn to the man on his right and on his left, shake his hand, and greet him by saying, “ Vivat Jesus.” Each will respond “ Vivat Jesus”. (D. D. demonstrate to his right and to his left. At same time W’s aides begin with newly advanced members.) ( At the same time the Gs . hand out the Crucifix Prayer Cards and bag for the cross .)

110. D.D. – The F. S. will present you with the current membership card of the Second Degree which the Worthy W. will immediately inspect. (They proceed to do so.)

111. D. D. – Continue to form yourself in the knowledge of our Holy Religion and the laws and rules of the Order. Let it always be known that you are an informed Catholic, a true Knight united with your brothers in defense of our Faith.

112. D. D. – My Brother Knights, you have reached the end of the formation stage of your journey. At the earliest opportunity, present yourself for the conferral of the Knighthood Degree. Vivat Jesus! (Lights are turned up. The D.D. leads the officers and members in applauding the candidates. At this point, candidates are introduced to the members. At this time, the degree officers may be introduced. When completed the D.D. continues to close the ceremonial .

113. D.D. – ( X X X X Four raps. The Chaplain (if available) or D.D. closes with prayer on the prayer card.) O God of life and love, you so loved the world that you sent us your only Son to suffer, die, and rise for us and for our salvation.

114. D.D. – Fill us with the grace of Holy Spirit that we might open our hearts more widely to our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we daily encounter Christ crucified with a living faith and so come to know in our lives the depth and power of his love .

115. D.D. – In your goodness, allow us to experience the Cross as the Tree of Life as the source of a love that is stronger than sin and more powerful that death. Let us find in the Cross the strength to rise above our sins and to be confirmed in virtue so that we may live our vocations faithfully and accomplish our work with integrity.

116. D.D. – Unite us, Lord, in the fraternity of the Knights of Columbus in bearing witness to Christ serving the needs of others in charity and by keeping the commandments in the spirit of the Beatitudes.

117. D.D. – Form in us ever more clearly the image of your divine Son, crucified and risen, that you may see and love in us what you see and love in Christ. We make our prayer through the s ame Christ our Lord. Amen .

118. D.D . – ( X X X Three raps. All sing the Closing Ode. At conclusion D. D. continues .) I declare this exemplification of the Formation Degree officially closed. ( X One rap.)