Grand Knight Handbook

70
MEETINGS — A state officer, district deputy, priest or special
guest should be accorded due recognition of the office
or position he holds. He should always be seated in a
place of honor commensurate with his position.
If a state officer, district deputy, priest or special guest
should arrive while the meeting is in progress, the grand
knight shall rap the gavel three times, for all to stand. The
grand knight will then instruct the warden to escort the
special guest to the head table.
A district deputy should always advise the grand knight
when he will be attending a meeting or function. He should
never appear unexpected even at a regular meeting.
At a meeting, a program or a banquet, the invocation — by
a priest if one is present — is always the first order of business
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance in the United
States or by playing of the national anthem. During the
Pledge of Allegiance or national anthem, all in attendance,
including the head table or guests, stand facing the flag,
with their hand over their heart, those in civil or military uniform
salute.
PROTOCOL BOOKLET — The Supreme Council’s
“Protocol’’ booklet (#1612) includes additional rules of etiquette
for the councils. The booklet is available at no
charge from the Supply Department.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
The qualifications for membership in the Knights of
Columbus are set down in Section 101 of the Laws of the
Order. They are as follows: “Only practical Catholics in
union with the Holy See shall be eligible to and entitled to
continue membership in the Order. An applicant for membership
shall not be less than 18 years of age on his last
birthday.’’
There are no other requirements. Nothing is said about the
candidate’s profession, education, national background,
REFERENCE