Ranks and Honors

Units, Ranks, and Honors of the Youth Crusade

1st Degree Members

Junior Squire: Any young people who make the consecration of the Sacred Heart Crusade are called Squires.

2nd Degree Members

Junior Knight/Lady: This is the second rank of the Youth Crusade. To progress from Squire to Knight or Lady, one must undergo the initiation ceremony.

Junior Major: The honor can be given by the Junior Officer in recognition of outstanding service.

Junior Captain: Elected by a unit's Junior Officer, this role shall serve the Officer as the next in command and prepare themselves in their leadership abilities.

2nd Degree Members

Junior Officer: The Junior Officer rank is chosen by the unit leader for a youth who exemplifies what it means to be a Youth Crusader. They can be given suitable responsibilities in the unit and should act as a guide to others.

All honors can be bestowed by Unit Leaders of the Youth Crusade. Honors can be given at any time, but they are ordinally given on or near the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart. 

Knight/Lady of Justice (Black Cross) – A recognition of outstanding leadership.

Knight/Lady of Grace (Blue Cross) – A Knight who has volunteered above and beyond selflessly. 

Paladin (White Cross) – The second highest honor, a Paladin is recognized for their heroic virtues, contribution to the Youth Crusade, or contribution to evangelization.

Knight/Lady of the Grand Cross (Red Cross) – The highest honor, given rarely to the utmost pinnacle of service and excellence.

These are the Christian saints we hold up as examples for our members to imitate:

Our Lady of Fatima, St. Carlo Acutis, St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Maria Goretti, St. José Sánchez del Río, St. Joan of Arc, St. Tarcisius, St. Philomena, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, St. Bernadette, St. Jacinta Marto, St. Francisco Marto