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___ __Our Lady of Palestine
Pray for Us
Patroness of the Equestrian Order
of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem
Virtues practiced by modern Knights and Dames are the same as they were in earlier centuries.
______________________________

Ranks in the Order of
the Holy Sepulchre

Ranks of Knights
- Knight (KHS)
- Knight Commander (KCHS)
- Knight Commander with Star (KC*HS)
- Knight Grand Cross (KGCHS)

Ranks of Dames
- Dame (DHS)
- Dame Commander (DCHS)
- Dame Commander with Star (DC*HS)
- Dame Grand Cross (DGCHS)

Knights and Dames of the Collar
The Collar is conferred on the most emminent persons, ecclesiastics or lay members, and to others in the most exceptional cases.

BECOMING A KNIGHT OR DAME

Nomination to become a knight or dame in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is reserved solely for practicing Catholics who have shown great devotion to the Church and who desire to progress in their personal sanctification through involvement with a religious community of ancient origins and world-wide dimensions, whose members are united in spirituality and who share in certain spiritual and charitable works.

The Order is not a fraternal organization. The purpose of joining the Order is not to become a member of a prestigious organization in order to boast of one’s status or acquire personal benefits and advantages. Membership in the Order constitutes belonging to one of the oldest, internationally recognized Orders of Chivalry in the world whose origins date back nearly a thousand years. It is a Knighthood, the highest Papal award which can be conferred on clergy and laity alike. Joining the Order means making a life-time commitment to be a witness to the faith, to the practice of Christian life, and to carry forward charitable works for the spiritual and material support of the Christian communities of the Holy Land.

Becoming a member also actively participating in the life of our Diocese of Covington, both in spiritual and liturgical practices and in supporting the works of our Bishop and his priests. Once invested into the Order, all Knights and Dames are obligated to participate in this life by attending the Lieutenancy's annual investitures and in participating in the section's many liturgical activities as much as one's schedule permits.

(Photo by Ken Snow)

The Nomination Process

Lay Individuals wishing entrance into the Order may only be nominated by a knight or dame of the Order. Suitable candidates are faithful Catholics who --
• Are distinguished by a deep, living, practical faith and commit to being a witness to the Faith.
• Are of unblemished and exceptional moral character, leading an exemplary Christian life with no irregularities in their marriage and should receive the Sacraments regularly.
• Enjoy a prominent reputation and have considerable prestige in their social and professional lives.
• Have served and contributed to their parishes and the wider Catholic Church in all senses.
• Are known for their charitable and civic works in the community.
• Commit to true charity to Christian communities in the Holy Land and take continuing interest in the specific aims of the Order.
• Are baptized Catholics in good standing with the Church.
• Have attained the age of 25.

Once an individual is nominated, their pastor is contacted and a letter of recommendation is requested, attesting to their qualities and work in the parish. An individual must receive this recommendation before the nomination process can continue. The nomination and letter are reviewed and the Section Presidents or their designee, who then meet with the nominee. If the nominee's attributes meet the requirements of the Order and he/she is approved, a candidacy period of formation begins, which can last up to a year.


(Photo by Laura Keener)

This period of formation may involve readings and education about the Order, its mission and activities, its history and spirituality. It also may involve attending masses, liturgies and Days of Reflection, which are one-day retreats held twice a year during Lent and Advent.

Meanwhile, the candidate's application package is assembled, consisting of sacramental records and other paperwork required by Rome. If the candidate completes the formation period successfully, his or her completed application will be forwarded on to the Lieutenancy for further evaluation. If approved there, it is forwarded to Rome, where it is reviewed by the Applications Committee and the Cardinal Grand Master. Approved candidates are notified in June. The next few months are busy preparing for Investiture, an exciting time that usually takes place in September each year.

Nomination of Deacon and Priest Candidates

Only bishops may nominate deacons, priests, and other bishops for membership into the Order. A letter from a bishop nominating a priest, deacon or other bishop is directed to the Lieutenant. Upon receipt of the letter, the Lieutenant will notify the Section President of the clerical nomination, and the Section then proceeds to assemble the nominee's application package.


Clergy are invested by Cardinal Blase Cupich in 2022. Most Rev. Sir John Iffert, KC*HS, Bishop of Covington, is at far right. (Photo by Ken Snow)

Financial Obligations

A candidate nominated for the Order (lay and clergy) makes an initial contribution of $1,000 (called the Honorarium). This is a one-time, tax-deductible contribution to the Order, the funds of which are used to support the Church and Christians in the Holy Land.

At ceremonial events of the Order, members are expected to wear liturgical attire. For Knights this consists of a white cloak bearing a large red Cross of Jerusalem, a black beret with the insignia of rank of the Knight and white gloves. For Dames, liturgical attire consists of a black cape bearing a large red Cross of Jerusalem, a mantilla and gloves. Members provide their own liturgical attire. Priests and bishops wear a mozetta of white bearing a large red Cross of Jerusalem on the left shoulder.

Once formally invested, a member is expected to make an annual contribution of $750. All annual contributions are tax-deductible and non-refundable inasmuch as they go directly to support the Church and Christians in the Holy Land.

The Jerusalem Cross Annales 2022-23 is now available.

-------S __Newsletter of the North Central ____________Lieutenancy



2024 PILGRIMAGE TO THE
HOLY LAND

The 2024 North Central Lieutenancy Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is now in the planning phase. For information on how you can be a part of this amazing journey to the land of Jesus, go to the North Central Lieutenancy's Pilgrimage Page.