Emblem of the Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus
Fr. Abram J. Ryan Assembly 1087 · Fourth Degree

The Chalice Program

When a Sir Knight of our assembly dies, we present a chalice or ciborium in his memory, so that he is remembered at the altar every time it is used. Tell us where you would like yours to go.
Sir Knights: record my wishes ›
Has a Sir Knight in your family passed away? Let us know ›

The programA memorial that is used at every Mass

For every Sir Knight who passes away, Assembly 1087 gives a sacred vessel — a chalice for the Precious Blood or a ciborium for the Hosts — to a Catholic priest, church or mission. It is engraved in his memory and goes into service at the altar.

It is paid for by the chalice assessment that comes with your annual assembly dues, so there is nothing extra to pay and nothing to buy. What we need from you is simpler: where you would like it to go.

“…a chalice or other religious memorial … to a church or Priest as selected by the deceased member’s family or the Assembly.” Assembly 1087 By-Laws, Article X

Why it mattersYour family will be the ones choosing

Under our by-laws the choice is made by your family, or by the assembly, in the days after your death. That is a hard week to be asked which priest or parish you would have wanted. A placement form on file means they do not have to guess.

Your wishes are knownThe form tells your family and the assembly exactly what you would have chosen, so the choice can honour it.
Your family is sparedNo one has to work it out at the funeral home. We already know who to call.
Our records are thinMany forms were never returned or have been lost over the years. Please fill one in now, even if you did once before.

What to doThree steps, about five minutes

  1. Sign in and fill in the placement form It is in the members area. Choose chalice or ciborium, and the priest, church or mission you have in mind. It takes about five minutes on a phone or computer.
  2. Tell your Lady or your family The form is the record, but they are the ones who will be asked. Let them know what you chose, and if you can, let the priest or parish know too.
  3. Send us a new one when things change A priest is reassigned, you move parish, you change your mind. A new form replaces the old one. There is no limit.
The same form asks whether you would like the Fourth Degree Color Corps at your funeral, and whether we may contact your family to carry out your wishes.

FormsFill in online

Every Sir Knight

Chalice / Ciborium Placement Request

Records where you would like your memorial vessel to go, plus Color Corps and family-contact wishes. Members only: sign in, and your details are filled in for you.

Sign in & fill in
Joining or updating your record

Form 4 · Fourth Degree Membership Document

The Supreme form for new members, restorations, transfers, honorary status and changes to your details. Fill it in on screen and download the completed PDF, ready to print and sign.

Fill in online Download blank PDF
Not comfortable online? Call 214-629-8101 and we will fill in the form with you over the phone.

For familiesWhen a Sir Knight passes away

If your husband, father or loved one was a Fourth Degree Knight, please let us know. His brother Knights would like to honor him: an honor guard at the funeral, if the family wishes, and the memorial chalice or ciborium in his name.

Let the assembly know

Or call 214-629-8101, especially if the funeral is in the next day or two.

QuestionsGood to know

Chalice or ciborium — what is the difference?

A chalice is the cup that holds the Precious Blood at Mass. A ciborium is the covered vessel that holds the consecrated Hosts. Either is a fitting memorial; choose whichever means more to you, or whichever the parish needs.

Does my form decide where it goes?

It records your wishes. The by-laws leave the final choice to your family or the assembly, and the form is how they know what you wanted. In practice that is what we follow.

Does the priest or parish need to agree?

No, but it helps to let them know. The form asks whether they are aware, so we know whether to introduce ourselves.

I filled one in years ago. Do I need to do it again?

Please do. Many older forms were never returned or cannot be found, and a new form always replaces an old one.

What happens to the information I give?

It is kept by the assembly’s records officer and used only for this program. It is not shared outside the assembly.

When do I use Form 4 instead?

Form 4 is the Supreme Council’s Fourth Degree membership document. It is for joining the Fourth Degree, restoring or transferring your membership, honorary status, and correcting your details on Supreme’s records. It has nothing to do with the chalice. After you sign it, your council’s Financial Secretary certifies it.