Membership – Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy EOHSJ

The Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Joining the Order

Membership begins with a nomination by an existing member, submitted through the Section Representative. From there, a thorough review process ensures each candidate is aligned with the spiritual and moral principles of the Order:

Nomination reviewed by Section Representative, candidate’s pastor, and bishop
Letter of invitation extended by the Lieutenant
Dossier prepared and reviewed by the Lieutenant and Grand Prior
Final approval granted by the Grand Magisterium in Rome
Diploma issued and signed by the Grand Master and Secretary of State

All nominations remain strictly confidential until episcopal approval is obtained and an invitation is officially extended.

Your Call to Membership

Life in the Order and Promotions

Membership in the Order is a call to distinguished service rooted in faith. According to the Constitution, members are individuals devoted to their Catholic faith, who uphold high moral and ethical standards, actively participate in Church life at both local and regional levels, and are committed to the Order’s lay apostolate. They embrace an ecumenical spirit and show genuine concern for the people and sacred sites of the Holy Land. Each member pledges personal support to the cultural, charitable, and social mission of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the broader Church in the Holy Land.

To be a Knight or Dame is to serve. Members are called to live out three core virtues: self-renunciation, charity to the vulnerable, and a courageous commitment to justice and peace. Members witness through their actions by upholding the Order’s mission with faith, charity, and apostolic service, supporting the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, living Catholic values in all aspects of life, attending Mass regularly, especially on Feast Days, participating in Order ceremonies and annual meetings, making at least one pilgrimage to the Holy Land, supporting diocesan initiatives and attending the Ordinary’s annual dinner, giving sacrificially to sustain the Order’s charitable mission, and avoiding any conduct that could warrant disciplinary action.

Members are asked to make annual contributions in two areas: Annual Meeting and Investiture Expenses, and an Annual Charitable Contribution. This charitable gift should be sacrificial—a meaningful reflection of one’s ongoing commitment. While the amount may vary according to personal means, a minimum is set by Rome. Those unable to meet this minimum must request a written exemption. The generosity of some helps cover the limitations of others, ensuring the Order’s charitable projects continue without interruption. Annual financial statements are published so every member can see how their contributions directly benefit the Holy Land.

Life in the Order and Promotion

Recognition of Merit and Service

Knights and Dames uphold the Order’s mission by practicing charity, supporting the Church and Catholic missions in the Holy Land, fostering unity among Catholics worldwide, and promoting Catholic ethical principles in their daily lives. The Order calls Members to cultivate three core virtues: self-renunciation in a world of abundance, generous support for the vulnerable, and a courageous pursuit of justice and peace, living these values in action. At their Investiture, they undertake active involvement in the Order’s ceremonies, annual meetings, and spiritual duties, including pilgrimage and religious observances. Generous participation and support – time, talent, and treasure – for their parish and the Order’s charitable works are hallmarks of membership. Each member’s individual witness strengthens the bonds of faith and service across the Lieutenancy and around the globe in the Order.

According to the Order’s Constitution, Art. 38, § 2, “The promotion of a member of the Order to a higher rank constitutes a recognition of the seniority, commitment, participation and quality of service of the member in the rank to which they belong.” Promotion to the next rank within the Order is a meaningful recognition of members who serve as inspiring examples to others within their communities and within the Lieutenancy, embodying the Order’s values in all aspects of life.

According to the General Regulations. Art. 71, beginning in 2027, no promotion proposal can be considered unless the member has served at least five years at their current rank. Promotion is not automatic, based on seniority, but is earned through demonstrated service. Candidates do not propose themselves but rather are proposed by the leadership of the Lieutenancy and in each diocesan section and awarded only when merit clearly justifies the honor. Constitution, Art. 38; General Regulations, Art. 72. A proposal for advancement must be supported by evidence of the member’s service and commitment since admission or the last promotion.

Promotion in the Order is therefore a profound honor that reflects not only past achievements but also a continued commitment to living the mission and virtues of the Order in everyday life. It underscores the member’s role as a dedicated witness to faith, charity, and service within the parish, diocesan, and universal Church and the Holy Land.

Criteria For Promotion

A minimum of five years has passed since investiture or the last promotion. General Regulations, Art. 71.

The members may not nominate themselves. Rather the authority to promote resides with the Cardinal Grand Master on a proposal from the Lieutenant. Constitution, Art. 38; General Regulations, Art. 71, § 3 and Appendix 2. The Lieutenant consults the Council and Section leadership in assessing a candidate.

Candidates for promotion must provide “Evidence of Good Services” on a form provided for that purpose. Incomplete or insufficient information may lead to denial of promotion.

The member has demonstrated continued diligent support of the Order and service to the Church including:

The member has attended the last five Investiture meetings or has been excused for a serious reason.
The member has participated in the majority of section events over the past five years.
The member has made annual charitable contributions each year over the last five years.
The member is an active and contributing member of the Catholic Church, supporting their parish and diocese.
The member has been actively involved in the Order’s work, contributing time, talent, and treasure beyond mere seniority.

The member has not previously declined a promotion.

For promotion to Star and Grand Cross, a member has “continued to distinguish themselves by a high degree of participation, care, and charity toward the Holy Land and the life of the Order” and completed an eligible pilgrimage to the Holy Land. See General Regulations, Art. 72, §§ 4 and 5. Those who have received the Pilgrim Shell should notify the Lieutenancy office. In addition, the rank of Grand Cross is reserved to those 50 years of age or older. Gen. Reg. Art. 72, § 5.

If the promotee has married since their investiture or last promotion, a current certified Church marriage certificate is required.

Promotions

Earned through merit and dedicated service

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Promotion in Rank

Abbreviation	Title	Rank After Investiture
KHS / DHS	Knight / Dame	Initial Rank
KCHS / DCHS	Knight / Dame Commander	First Promotion
KCHS / DCHS	Knight / Dame Commander with Star	Second Promotion
KGCHS / DGCHS	Knight / Dame Grand Cross	Third Promotion

Promotion in Rank for Clergy

Abbreviation	Title	Rank / Clergy Position
KHS	Knight	Priests – after investiture
KCHS	Knight Commander	Priests at promotion
KC*HS	Knight Commander with Star	Archbishop / Bishop
KGCHS	Knight Grand Cross	Cardinals

Knight or Dame of the Collar

The Collar is conferred on the most eminent persons, ecclesiastic or lay, of the highest dignity, in the most exceptional cases. This rank is rarely conferred. It is held by right by the Cardinal Grand Master and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. “`