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Are You Degree Officer Material?

Terry Fruge', Communications Director

Ceremonials are vital when it comes to making council quotas and goals. Setting regular dates for the exemplification of the degree and for team practice is important for the best presentation.

It is just as important for a degree team to recruit new members as it is for a council to recruit new members for the order.

As leaders in the Knights, we need to step up to understudy a role that may have particularly impressed us as you observed a veteran team perform their charge. Some are longer than others, and some are only a few paragraphs.
What is takes to become a First Degree Team Member is a commitment to live life according to the ceremonials. From the beginning, the degree has taught the candidate a lesson that was specifically focused on a man’s duty to God and his family. Our ceremonials are important because they cross all national and economic boundaries. These principles are Catholic duties that guide a member for a lifetime. Thus the presenter must also be of a caliber to live the lesson that is taught.
Ceremonialists often comment that work as a degree officer is extremely fulfilling. Memorization is a tall order for some. Team depth is especially important to help the Order move forward at a more rapid pace. Teams and team members must be well versed in not just one role, but several, so that a complete team is ready and able to admit candidates to the council.

A well memorized and inspiring delivery will motivate a new member to become active in his council. It helps him to see the dedication of the members that have worked to memorize a talk and have it seem to come from the individual rather than from a piece of paper. This is the true test. Anyone can read words aloud, but the man who lives the virtues expressed as a true member and a gallant Knight.

Degree members come from the membership and are often some of the more busy brothers we have. They learn how to arrange their calendars around scheduled degrees.

The degree officers should have the ability to deliver in a professional and eloquent manner. The words are very important, but how it is delivered will always leave an impression on the recipient. Council officers need to keep their eyes open for members who show aptitude for becoming a certified degree officer. Not all will be able to make the cut, as the standards are high.

Practice and rehearsal is important. The professional presentation and depth in each role is key to the long-term growth and success of your council.


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