About Assembly #2454

Fourth Degree: Fostering Patriotism and Citizenship in the Knights of Columbus

The Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus in Ocean City, Maryland, area is the Pope John Paul Assembly #2454. Members of the Fourth Degree conduct programs that support and promote patriotism including participation in Veteran’s celebrations, fostering respect for the flag, as well as support for parish and community activities. Fourth Degree Knights provide a Color Guard wherever the Bishop of the Diocese appears at local parishes or when requested by our Pastors. They also provide Honor Guards for our deceased members family at Wakes and Funeral Masses.

After taking their third degree, knights are eligible to receive their fourth degree (4th Degree), the primary purpose of which is to foster the spirit of patriotism and to encourage active Catholic citizenship — consequently, the 4th Degree is often known as ‘The Patriotic Degree’. Fourth Degree members are referred to as ‘Sir Knight’. The requirements for joining the 4th Degree are that a brother Knight must: have been a third degree member in good standing for at least one year; be an exemplary Catholic; and be of sound citizenship of his country.

The 4th Degree members:

  • Promote and strengthen the patriotic spirit of the civic community;
  • Educate its members, and others, both in the teachings of Holy Mother Church, and the history
    of our nation; 
  • Promote by example the highest type of citizenship so necessary for the preservation of our democratic government;
  • Oppose dissemination and spread of doctrine dangerous to our form of government, and to the
    Divine law of faith and morality; 
  • Support by word and deed, the duly constituted authorities of local, state and national government,
  • And recognize excellence in public life.

It is not unusual to find 4th Degree Knights: participating visibly in Church events, such as Eucharistic processions and escorting the Church dignitaries, in the community; standing up for the unborn and the elderly at Pro-Life events; and commemorating the sacrifices of previous generations by participating in veterans’ celebration and veterans’ assistance programs.

Assembly #2454 meets on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus Hall. 

A message from the Faithful Navigator...

My name is Tom Herwig. Prior to accepting the Faithful Navigator position for the Pope John Paul II Assembly #2454 in Ocean City, Maryland, I was the Grand Knight of Council #9053 here in Ocean City. I was excited to join the Assembly Officer team as Faithful Navigator knowing that I had some things to learn and hoping that you, Sir Knights, would give me your thoughts and ideas for speakers, visits to military memorials and military sites and bases. As a member of Assembly #2454, a Knight joins the Patriotic Degree and stands by those who have fought to keep America free. Fourth Degree Knights are steadfast at keeping God in the civic arena by supporting laws that recognize the sanctity of life, and the defense and protection of religious liberty. We carry out our mission of Patriotism through veterans’ celebrations and ceremonies, fostering respect for the Flag, as well as, supporting our Parishes and community activities. Additionally, the public appearance of Fourth Degree Knights as a Color Corps at religious and civic functions is an important activity for each assembly. They add dignity and the pride of Church and country to any event. By these public demonstrations their loyalties bring credit to themselves and to the Knights of Columbus.​

Officers and Directors

Thomas Herwig

Faithful Navigator
2024-2025

POPE JOHN PAUL II ASSEMBLY #2454
OFFICERS 2024-2025
Faithful Friar, SK Father Lance Martin 410-289-0652
Faithful Navigator, SK Thomas Herwig 410-960-9019
Faithful Captain, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Faithful Pilot, SK Charles Bell 410-465-0445
Faithful Admiral, SK Joseph Kostelac, PGK, PFN 410-250-5665
Faithful Scribe, SK Thomas Pergola 302-541-4737
Faithful Purser, SK Richard Thomas 610-304-9773
Faithful Comptroller, SK Thomas Anderson 410-641-5752
Inner Sentinel, SK Richard Fox 443-966-2200
Outer Sentinel, SK Charles McCready 443-944-2931
POPE JOHN PAUL II ASSEMBLY #2454
OFFICERS 2024-2025
Faithful Friar, SK Father Lance Martin 410-289-0652
Faithful Navigator, SK Thomas Herwig 410-960-9019
Faithful Captain, SK Thomas Foglesong 240-353-0681
Faithful Pilot, SK Charles Bell 410-465-0445
Faithful Admiral, SK Joseph Kostelac, PGK, PFN 410-250-5665
Faithful Scribe, SK Thomas Pergola 302-541-4737
Faithful Purser, SK Richard Thomas 610-304-9773
Faithful Comptroller, SK Thomas Anderson 410-641-5752
Inner Sentinel, SK Richard Fox 443-966-2200
Outer Sentinel, SK Charles McCready 443-944-2931
TRUSTEES
3 Yr—SK Richard Hubbard 410-271-3299
2 Yr—SK Joseph Lazzari 410-980-7208
1 Yr—SK James Stone, PGK, PFN 302-436-7866

Communications

Assembly Meeting Minutes are now available on our website. By making these minutes available online, we enhance transparency and keep our community informed. We encourage community members to regularly check the Assembly Meeting Minutes section to stay engaged. 

Upcoming Events

Discover what’s happening in our community! Explore our Events page to discover more upcoming gatherings.

Rosary Hour

The Rosary Hour is back on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Read More →

Parish Dinner Oktoberfest

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Roland Murray Celebration

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Ways and Means

via Zoom
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Rosary Hour

The Rosary Hour is back on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Read More →

Rosary Hour

The Rosary Hour is back on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Read More →

Current Projects

Contact the Assembly #2454

For information concerning membership, call the Faithful Navigator, Pope John Paul II Assembly #2454,Tom Herwig , at the Columbus Hall, 410-524-7994.

Knights of Columbus: Empowering Catholic Men to Lead, Serve, and Make a Difference

The Knights of Columbus welcomes men from diverse backgrounds, celebrating role models who embody leadership and service. Our organization fosters a commitment to protecting and defending communities in today’s world. Together, we’re empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community. Join us today and become part of a brotherhood dedicated to making a positive difference in the world!

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