SHAMOKIN - Knights of Columbus Council 458, Shamokin, hosted an Exemplification of the Third Degree at Mother Cabrini social hall on May 6. Forty-nine candidates from councils in District 54 (Kulpmont, Mount Carmel, Shamokin and Elysburg) and from Allentown, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, Jim Thorpe, Saint Clair, Pottsville, Selinsgrove, Ashley, Plymouth, Wilkes-Barre and Lake Ariel received full honors in the order and were "knighted."
More than 30 observers, with dignitaries, were on hand to witness the ceremony, which was highlighted by presentations from conferring officer Sean Connelly, of Horsham, and Ben Kozlowski of the host council.
After the formal procedure, attendees gathered at Council 458 for a reception catered by the meal committee chaired by Joseph Candelora.
Privileges of Third Degree membership include the ability to serve as a local council officer and admission to state and Supreme Council business meetings.
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus. The order has made more than $1 billion in charitable contributions and performed more than 70 million man-hours of voluntary service in its support for the church and local communities, as well as for philanthropic efforts.
There are more than 1.8 million members in 14,000 councils. Membership is limited to "practical Catholic" men aged 18 or older. Men may contact the local council or any member of District 54 for more information or to apply for membership.
Host Grand Knight Andy Stefanowicz and District Deputy Dave Shinskie thanked the Rev. Martin Kobos, pastor of Mother Cabrini parish, for use of the facilities, the Council 458 degree committee for its hard work and preparation, registration chairpersons, Knights George Kroutch, Bernie Bolick and John Feudale, the Third Degree team and District 54 councils that assisted in this degree.
