Duties and

Responsibilities of

Council Officers and

DirectorsUnderstanding the meaning of theOrder’s emblems,your Jewel of Officeand your role as a council fraternal leader

To build a strong foundation for success and to position yourcouncil to last for generations, it is important that all councilleaders work as a team and understand their individual dutiesand responsibilities. It is also important that this knowledgebe passed to future leaders, so they will be prepared to oneday assume these rolls.

Every member of your council is committed to its success.When you are charged with a task, ask other membersto assist you with any work related to their skills andinterests. Afterward, follow up on a regular basis to checkon progress and to see if any assistance is needed. Sharingyour responsibilities shows your trust and helps keepothers engaged.

Below are the descriptions of the emblems and jewels of ourOrder, as well as the responsibilities of those who bear them.Should your council wish to add additional responsibilitiesto a particular office, consult and consider amending yourcouncil's bylaws regarding each officer and director’s duties.More information on fraternal leader responsibilities canbe found by accessing the Knights of Columbus FraternalTraining Portal, located in the Officers Online section ofour website, kofc.org.

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EmblemsEmblem of OrderThe emblem of the Order dates from the second SupremeCouncil meeting, held May 12, 1883. It was designed bythen-Supreme Knight James T. Mullen.

The emblem is composed of a shield mounted upon theFormée Cross. The shield is associated with medievalknights. The Formée Cross is a traditional artistic designof the Cross of Christ and represents the Catholic spiritof the Order.

Mounted on the shield is a vertically standing fasces withan anchor and short sword crossed behind it. The fascesdates from the Roman Empire and is symbolic of authority,which must exist in any tightly bonded and efficientlyoperating organization. The anchor is the mariner’s symbol,symbolic of Columbus, patron of the Order. The short swordwas the weapon of the knight when engaged upon errandsof mercy. Together with the shield and the letters K of C,these symbols express Catholic knighthood in organized,merciful action.

The colors of red, white and blue in the background of theshield and the foreground of the Formée Cross are colorsthat represent noble aspects of the Order. Red is symbolic ofstout-hearted courage, of pulsing activity and a full measureof devotion. Blue is symbolic of hope, of calm tranquilityunder God and of confidence in the protection of one’scountry. White is symbolic of nobility of purpose, of purityof aim and of crucible-tried ideals to be carried out.

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There are also ecclesiastical symbolism for the colors red,white and blue. Red is symbolic of Christ’s redemptiveblood, shed upon Calvary, and of the martyrs’ blood,shed in defense of faith. Red is the symbol of faith, beliefin Christ, redemption and knowledge of the love of JesusChrist. White is symbolic of the Eucharistic host, pledgeof God’s Eucharistic presence among men, the infinite loveGod has for man and the overwhelming affection whichGod has for each individual. White is symbolic of Christ-likecharity. Blue is symbolic of Our Lady’s mantle, in which shewrapped her beloved Son, through whom came salvation toa sinful world. Blue is the symbol of hope.

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Emblem of the Patriotic DegreeThe emblem of the Patriotic Degree is composed of the dove,the Isabella Cross and the globe. The dove, symbolic of theHoly Spirit and peace, is shown hovering over the globe.Both are mounted on the Isabella Cross, which is associatedwith Queen Isabel of Spain, promoter of the voyage ofChristopher Columbus. The Cross itself is a symbol ofGod’s love, represented in the sacrifice of his own Son tosave the world. The symbols on the emblem typify theunion of the three divine persons in one Godhead —the most Blessed Trinity.

The Globe — God the Father, Creator of the universe.

The Cross — God the Son, Redeemer of mankind.

The Dove — God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of humanity.

The colors of the emblem are composed of red, white andblue, symbolic of the flag of the country in which our Orderoriginated. They are also used to stress Patriotism.

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®

Council OfficersUnless otherwise noted, the followingpositions are elected annually by yourcouncil’s membership.

Chaplain

r A priest chosen annually by thegrand knight, deputy grand knight andboard of trustees

r Acts as spiritual advisor to the brother Knightsand families of a council

r Provides his message to members at thebeginning of the meeting as outlined in theMethod of Conducting Council Meetings (#10318)or whenever it best suits his schedule

r The chaplain should attend meetings of the council— including officers’ meetings — whenever hisschedule allows, as his advice is frequently needed

Additional information on the role of the chaplain iscontained in the Chaplain’s Handbook (#945).

The jewel of the council chaplain is a silver Isabella Cross,overlaid with a descending dove, suspended from a ribbonof black. This style of Cross is associated with Queen Isabelof Spain, promoter of the voyage of Christopher Columbus.A Cross is a symbol of hope through atonement, remindingChristians of God's love in sacrificing his own son forhumanity. The dove, emblem of the Holy Spirit, representsthe gift of the Word of God. The ribbon of black representsstrength and authority.

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Grand Knight

r Presides over all council meetings

r Appoints program and membershipdirectors

r Appoints committees as needed

r Countersigns orders for paymentand checks

r Ensures the submission of all paperwork requiredby the Supreme and State Councils

r Maintains working relationships with thecouncil’s chaplain, district deputy, field agentand general agent; as well as with other localservice organizations (e.g. Habitat forHumanity, food pantries/soup kitchens)

r Has a working knowledge of the Knights ofColumbus website, Officers Online and MemberManagement

r Responsible for council’s Admission Degree Teamand the scheduling of frequent Admission (FirstDegree) Ceremonials

Additional information to assist the grand knight in theperformance of his duties can be found in the Grand Knight’sGuide (#5085), the Knights of Columbus Leadership Resources(#5093) and the Method of Conducting Council Meetings(#10318). Further details are also available on the Knightsof Columbus Fraternal Training Portal.

The jewel of office for the grand knight is an anchor suspended

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from a ribbon of purple. The anchor issymbolic of Christopher Columbus, themariner, who is the patron of our Order. Theanchor, for centuries, was also a variant formof the Cross and symbolizes Christian hope.The ribbon of purple symbolizes authorityand justice.

Deputy Grand Knight

r Assists the grand knight with operation of thecouncil

r Presides at council meetings in the absence ofthe grand knight

r Is recommended to serve on the council’s retentioncommittee

r Has a working knowledge of the Knights ofColumbus website, Officers Online and MemberManagement

r Performs other such duties as the grand knightmay direct

The deputy grand knight should be familiar with theMethod of Conducting Council Meetings (#10318).

The deputy grand knight’s jewel of office is a compasssuspended from a ribbon of purple. A compass is theconstant guide and companion to the mariner, and was aninvaluable tool used by Columbus to guide him to the shoresof the New World. The Knights of Columbus “compass ofvirtue” has 32 flame-like rays; each ray represents a virtuethat people can aspire to emulate in their daily lives. The

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ribbon of purple signifies authority andjustice.

Chancellor

r Assists the grand knight anddeputy grand knight with theirduties, as assigned

r Is entrusted with strengthening themembers’ interest in council activities

r Is recommended to serve as the chairman of theAdmission Committee

r Performs other such duties as the grand knightmay direct

It is recommend for the chancellor to be familiar with theOrder’s qualifications for membership, the MembershipDocument (#100) and the Member/Prospect InterestSurvey (#1842).

The jewel of the chancellor is the Isabella Cross, overlaidwith a skull and crossbones, suspended from a ribbon ofblack and white. The Cross represents atonement and thelove of God, who sent to us his only begotten Son. Theskull and crossbones are symbolic of man’s mortality andthe vigilance required to remain faithful at all times.Through the unity of the council, brothers help eachother remain steadfast in their faith. The ribbon ofblack and white signifies strength and goodness.

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Recorder

r Responsible for keeping andmaintaining a true and permanentrecord of all actions of the council,using a Recorder’s Minute Book(#1403)

r Maintains all correspondence ofthe council

r Reads the bills entered into the minutes fordiscussion

r Performs such other duties as the grand knightmay direct

The jewel of the recorder is crossed quills suspended froma ribbon of yellow and white. The quills represent writing,knowledge and communication, and are also symbolic of therecorder’s duty to write and preserve letters and documents(records). The ribbon of yellow and white represents intellectand goodness.

Financial Secretary

r Is appointed by the supreme knight for a three-yearterm upon the grand knight and trustees’recommendation

r Must complete and submit the Application forAppointment as Financial Secretary (#FS101) tothe Supreme Council

r Collects dues from members through the timelysending of billing notices and initiates retention

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measures by providing a list ofdelinquent members to the grandknight (to prevent members frombeing suspended for nonpaymentof dues)

r Ensures that the council’smembership records, includingemail addresses, are kept updatedand that new members sign the constitutional roll

r Receives honorary and honorary life membershipcards from the Supreme Council and providesthem to the grand knight for distribution

r Receives the “Surge . . . with Service” materialseach fraternal year from the Supreme Counciland distributes accordingly

r Files various reports and membership/insurancetransactions with the Supreme Council

r Has a working knowledge of the Knights ofColumbus website, Officers Online and theMember Management/Member BillingApplications

r Responsible for completing and submitting aForm W-9 for the council (U.S. only)

r Keeps the seal of the council and affixes it tomembership cards, resolutions and other officialdocuments

r Performs such other duties as the grand knightmay direct

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Additional information on the duties andresponsibilities of the financial secretarycan be found in the Knights of ColumbusLeadership Resources Book (#5093).

The jewel of the financial secretary is a keyand quill surrounded by a laurel wreath,suspended from a ribbon of yellow and white.The key is associated with guardianship, while

the quill is the symbol of a “scribe” — one who writes andkeeps track of various letters and documents. The laurelwreath acknowledges the special service of the financialsecretary to his council. The ribbon of yellow and whiterepresents intellect and goodness.

Treasurer

r Handles council funds

r Receives money from the financial secretary anddeposits it in the proper council accounts

r Maintains all of the council’s checking and savingsaccounts

r Is responsible for paying all council expenses,including assessments from the Supreme Council

r Performs other such duties as the grand knightmay direct

The jewel of the treasurer is crossed keys suspended from aribbon of blue. The keys symbolize the guardianship of thefunds of the council. The ribbon of blue represents truthand loyalty.

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Lecturer

r Is appointed annually by the grandknight

r Is responsible for providing suitableeducational and entertainmentprograms under the “Good of theOrder” section of council meetings

r Stays abreast of developments within the council’scharitable, membership and social programs

r Performs other such duties as the grand knightmay direct

The lecturer jewel is a lyre and laurel branch suspendedfrom a ribbon of blue and white. The lyre with the laurelbranch are traditionally symbolic of music, literature andthe arts. The ribbon of blue and white represents purity andfaithfulness.

Advocate

r Acts as parliamentarian for thecouncil

r Has a working knowledge ofMethod of Conducting CouncilMeetings (#10318)

r Knows the council’s bylaws andthe Order’s Charter, Constitutionand Laws (#30)

r Has access to Officers Online andOfficers Desk Reference

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r Seeks legal assistance from the state advocate asneeded

r Performs other such duties as the grand knightmay direct

The jewel of the advocate is a scroll and sword, surroundedby a laurel wreath, suspended from a ribbon of gold. Theopened scroll represents legal literature and signifies thepower of knowledge, and the sword represents its defenseand enforcement. Thus, it is the advocate’s role to not onlyknow the laws of the council, but to also follow them strictly.The ribbon of gold represents faith, constancy and wisdom.

Warden

r Supervises and maintains all councilproperty

r Arranges the council chambers formeetings and degreeexemplifications

r Oversees inside and outside guards

r Performs other such duties as thegrand knight may direct

The jewel of office of the warden is an axe bound with afasces, surrounded by a laurel wreath, suspended from aribbon of red and black. The fasces was a traditional symbolcarried by the protectors or guards of the Roman magistratesas a symbol of authority and protection. The ribbon of redand black represents strength and fidelity to duty.

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Inside/Outside Guards

r Attend the doors of the councilchamber, checking for currentmembership cards and allowingentrance

r Perform other such duties as thegrand knight may direct

The jewel of the council guards is crossed axes and ashield, marked with a key, suspended from a ribbon ofwhite. The shield and axe are symbolic of protection, andkey is emblematic of guardianship. The ribbon of whiterepresents purity and diligence to duty.

Board of Trustees

r Consists of the grand knight and three othermembers, who are elected by the council’smembership for terms of three years, twoyears and one year

r At each regular election, theposition of each trustee will bevoted upon, with the current three-and two-year trustee potentiallymoving on to become the two-and one-year trustee, respectively

r Supervises all financial proceduresof the council and conducts thesemiannual audits

r Ensures that proper protocol andprocedures are followed by the council for

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the payment of monies — however, cannotoverride the vote of the council’s membership

The trustee jewel of office is composed ofan axe and fasces overlaid with an anchor,positioned over crossed swords, surroundedwith a laurel wreath and suspended from aribbon of green. The fasces is an axe boundwith rods. The swords symbolize justice and

honor. The laurel wreath symbolizes special service. Thetrustees are generally past grand knights, and this is thereason for the anchor over the fasces. The ribbon of greensymbolizes loyalty in love.

DirectorsProgram Director

r Is appointed annually by the grand knight

r Collaborates with the grand knight and councilleaders in setting the calendar of council programsfor the year

r Assists and oversees each service program directoras they implement the council’s programs andactivities. Service program directors represent the“Surge . . . with Service” program categories of:l Churchl Communityl Councill Culture of Lifel Familyl Youth

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r Keeps accurate records of council programs for theAnnual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) andthe Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)

r Keeps council’s public relations chairman informedof all programs and activities for promotion to theparish and local media

Activities Directors

r Directors of each service program area (Church,Community, Council, Culture of Life, Family andYouth) are appointed annually by the grand knighton the recommendation of the program director

r Are responsible for recommending and overseeingthe various activities chairmen, which areappointed by the grand knight

r Keep accurate records of their related programsfor reporting on the Annual Survey of FraternalActivity (#1728) and the Columbia AwardApplication (#SP-7)

r The youth activities director must also pass abackground check and adhere to all policies andprocedures under the Knights of Columbus SafeEnvironment Program. Additional informationon this program is available on the Knights ofColumbus website at kofc.org/safe

Membership Director

r Appointed annually by the grand knight

r Collaborates with the grand knight and

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council leaders on council membership goals forthe year

r Partners with the chaplain, field agent and districtdeputy to ensure that every eligible Catholic isinvited to join your council

r Responsible for recommending and overseeing theAdmission Committee, retention committee, andinsurance promotion committee chairmen

r Plans and coordinates the council’s schedule ofrecruitment programs

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