BASILICA MINORE del STO.
NIÑO DE CEBU
Knights of Santo Niño
MATER ET CAPUT EXSTITIT OMNIUM ECCLESIARUM INSULARUM
PHILIPPINARIUM
AUGUSTINIAN FRIARS
PREAMBLE
We, the Knights of Santo Niño, imploring the aid of the Holy
Child; preserving an Organization that embodies our ideals and
aspirations; promoting common good; inspiring young individuals
to serve the Mother Church; and securing to ourselves through the
guidance of the Augustinian Community, the blessings from God
Almighty under the regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality
and peace, hereby lay down and promulgate these By-Laws.
Chapter 1: Title, Objectives and Commandments
Article I.
The Title
KSN – This means Knights of Santo Niño; an organization that
religiously serves the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
A.) NATURE OF THE KSN
It is a religious organization composed of young people who
voluntarily render their services to the Basilica Minore del
Santo Niño de Cebu in particular and the devotees in general.
This is the very same group who is also called the Altar
Severs.
The members rigidly undergo different phases of training for
the intention of becoming full-fledged members. This
organization is led by the Senior Members who have been
proven worthy for such position and with the blessing of the
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu Rector and the
organization’s Spiritual Director.
B.) HISTORY OF THE KSN
The KSN started with a small group of ten (10) young boys,
who voluntarily submitted themselves to the service of the
Holy Child Jesus by assisting at the altar during masses. With
the support of their facilitator, the guidance of their Spiritual
Director and the cooperation and motivation of every member,
the KSN Organization was recognized on December 16, 1988.
As members, these altar servers were “KNIGHTS” for they
were expected to become the strong defenders of idealism and
of the Mother Church. They were to perform their duties,
abiding by its By-Laws, and becoming the living examples of
true Christian discipleship. Every Knight should preserve his
dignity, virtues and fellow Knights. Through its zealous
pioneering members, with the aid of the Omnipotent God,
more and more young boys have come to serve the church and
become the Knights of Santo Niño.
 Chapter 2: Organizational Structure and Logo
C.) KSN Motto
Article IV.
L – Love for Christ
S – Service to Men
D – Discipline at all Times. Organizational Structure and Functions:

D.) Organizational Goal A.) ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Evangelize young People on the gospel… “LIVE LIFE

FOR CHRIST.” RECTOR

Article II.
Spiritual Director
Objectives:
Sacristan Mayor
To actualize the teachings of Christ in the life of the Organization.
To strengthen more the personal and spiritual life of the members.
To educate the young people in the true nature of personhood. Adviser/ Affiliates
To assist the parents in cultivating the minds of the members. Alumni

Article III. Execom

Senior
Commandments of the KSN: Liturgist President
Character must shine. Junior-A
Grades must be on top. Vice-President Secretary
Substitution is my ambition. Junior
Service to humanity is our work; service to God is our joy. Treasurer
Not to miss an appointment is nice; we must be on time. Chair in Chair in
Humility is the primary virtue of everyone. Service Foods Aspirant
Auditor
Clerical
Chair in Ways P.R.O.
& Means
Observer
B.) ROLES AND FUNCTIONS

 President – the over-all in-charge of the organization in Article V.

addressing concerns on spiritual, moral, mental and social
aspects; Responsible in handling the organization’s Logo and its meaning:
activities and related affairs; Coordinates with parents and Cross
benefactors in monitoring the organization’s provisions Cross
A) LOGO EMBLEM
and contributions.
 Vice-President – assumes the responsibilities of the
President when the latter is not available; Takes charge of Flame
the officers in lower ranks. He is the head of the
committees. Arrow
 Chair on service – supervises the orderliness
and regulations in terms of service.
Heart Book
 Chair on foods – takes charge of the foods or
other meal provisions for the organization.
 Chair on ways & means – takes charge of the Anno 1988
affairs or events that the organization is
involved; Prepares a spontaneous and trouble-
B) THE LOGO OF THE KSN IS COMPOSED OF:
free plan for the organization’s welfare.
 Secretary – keeps secure the organization’s records and  Augustinian Zeal (drawing)
files; Responsible in updating the members and its 1. Heart – the heart of a true Knight. Patterned from the
affiliations on any affair the organization might have. Sacred Heart of Jesus who is
 Treasurer – keeps the KSN Funds; Maintains his abounding in love and knows no limit in loving his
capacity and trustworthiness; should be readily accessible brother Knights and people around.
whenever needed.
 Auditor – audits the financial reports of the treasurer. 2. Flame – the flame in a Knight’s heart. The ever-burning
 P.R.O. – the Public Relations Officer. Takes charge on flame of passion to serve the Holy Child and the yearning
the appropriate communications and good exposure to to be always at His reach.
promote the organization. 3. Arrow – the arrow that pierces the heart shows the path that
 Liturgist – makes programs that cultivate each member’s would lead to a Knight’s salvation. It is through following
knowledge on the liturgy. the footsteps of Jesus that the Knights uphold their
commitment to defend their ideals of holiness.

4. Book – the opened book signifies the knowledge on God

that every Knight possesses which he should freely share
to others for the salvation of souls.
 5. Cross – every Knight has his cross to bear in life. Inspired
by the ever glorious model, Jesus Christ, the cross
symbolizes the sacrifices and self-offerings lovingly
shown by every Knight to his fellow brothers for the
welfare of the organization in sanctifying their service.
6. Anno 1988 – is the year of the foundation of the
organization.
7. Knights of Santo Niño – (the font style shall be Roman
SCD) the name given to the mighty Knight youths who
are serving the Holy Child Jesus.
Chapter 3: Membership
Article VI
Membership Requirements:
A) Applicants
1. Educational Level:
a. Elementary – applicant must be 9 to 13 years of age
and a student of Colegio del Sto. Niño.
b. High School – applicant must be 13 to 15 years of age.
The organization will not accept out-of-school youths and
those affiliated with gangs, fraternities or other prohibited
groups. This is to preserve the member’s good moral
character and his well-being.
2. Residence- applicant should be a parishioner within the
parishes of Cebu City and Mandaue City.
3. Interview - applicant shall undergo a series of interviews
with the following persons in authority:
President or Vice President – his approval of the
applicant’s letter of application shall be endorsed to the
Sacristan Mayor for the interview and recommendation to
the Spiritual Director or directly to the Rector in case the
Spiritual Director is unavailable.
Committee on Admission – composed by the Vice-President, the
Secretary & the Liturgist.
4. Application Requirements
a.) Parents’ Approval / Consent
b.) Applicant’s letter of intention / application
letter is duly signed by him with black &
white 2x2 picture
c.) An average grade of 80% without failing
grades
d.) Personal Data Information as provided for
by the organization only / Bio Data
e.) Baptismal Certificate (Photocopy)
f.) Certificate of Good Moral Character from
the Parish. It is applicable only to those who
had previous affiliations with other parishes.
(optional)
5. Gender / Masculinity
The applicant must be a male. He should prove himself to
be a “Man of Heart and Spirit“. Homosexuality is strictly
prohibited in the group.
6. On By-Laws Orientation
Once the applicant is accepted for observation, he shall be
introduced to the By-Laws of the KSN and other
appropriate orientations that the organization deems it
necessary.
7. On Religion / Belief
Only those who are baptized in the Roman Catholic
Church are given the chance to become members.
Note: After the 3-week-observation, the applicant must be evaluated.
Article VII. based on the present valid sticker officially issued by the
organization. The organization shall not be held liable to any
untoward circumstances that result from the illegal use of this ID.
Old and Active Members
D. Handshaking – A brotherhood handshaking of every full-fledged
A. Limitation on the Basis of Age & Educational Status –
member of the KSN is an expression of a Knight’s love, respect and
membership will automatically cease if the Knight reaches the age of
concern to his fellow Knight. It is a sign of Peace and Fraternity
22. A Certificate of Service will be awarded to him within a month
within the organization, patterned from that of the hand gesture of Sr.
so as to recognize and give credit to his zealous devotion and service.
Santo Niño. It includes the KSN members, KSN alumni, former full-
He then becomes a part of the KSN alumni upon receiving the said
fledged members, affiliates and Spiritual Director.
certificate.

A1. Alumni - the title given to those who receive the Certificate of
Service yet remain active and involved in some activities of the KSN. Chapter 4: Prohibitions
A2. Former Members – those members who are officially installed Article VIII.
and invested but voluntarily stop their services to the organization
without reaching the age limit.
Prohibited Attires, Acts and Behavior (These rules cover the members, former
members, alumni and to be observed inside the sacristy, sanctuary of the church
B. Returnees – those members who wished to be back in the service to
and in mass hours.)
the organization and in consideration with (Article 7A). They must
comply with the necessary documents like that of the new applicant
but with great knowledge on the age limit. The sincerity of their A. Prohibited Attires:
intention to join back the organization shall be well scrutinized by
undergoing the same series of interviews as required. A1. Wearing of slippers inside the Sacristy (either in the
Basilica or in any other parishes). Slippers (Spartan type “Y”)
are strictly prohibited especially during liturgical related
activities
.
9 A2. Wearing of shorts, sleeping pajamas, sleeveless, kamison /
sandos and worn out t-shirts are also strictly prohibited.
Take Note: Any application made by a returnee within the months of
A3. Untrimmed, colored and dirty fingernails and toenails,
October to January will not be entertained by the organization for
mustache or beards and colored, indecent, long and
whatever reasons. This is to give way for preparations of the
unbecoming haircuts are not allowed.
organization for the Misa de Gallo, Annual Fiesta Señor and other
related activities related therein.
A4. In serving at mass, the servers should see to it that their
garments are properly cleaned and well-pressed.
C. Identification Card – Valid Identification Card (I.D.) shall be issued
to all KSN members for identity purposes. Its validity will only be
B. Prohibited Acts and Behavior
B1. Unnecessary movements inside the altar or sanctuary of
the Church; namely, talking, whispering, slight sleeping,
improper yawning, shouting, texting, playing, quarreling,
farting, uncalled going in and out of the altar while celebration
is going on.
B2. Unnecessary movements inside the sacristy; namely,
playing, shouting, teasing, quarreling, fighting and bringing of
girlfriends (for active KSN members), gambling, playing
guitar and tampering of posted memos.
Negligence, failure and violations for this compliance will be
properly dealt with and subjected to some appropriate disciplinary
actions by the authority.
Anyone caught and proven with misconduct, plagiarism and forgery
will automatically subject the member to expulsion.
Chapter 5: Trainings
Article IX.
Observation
On the level of observers, there will be three (3) consecutive weeks of daily
observations.
First Week – observation will be during first mass of weekdays (6:00am)
Second Week – observation will be during the last mass of weekdays (5:30pm)
Third Week – observation will be both in the first and last mass of weekdays
(6:00am & 5:30pm)
The first four (4) days of observation shall be every 6:00am mass, while the
remaining three days of observation shall be every 5:30pm mass.
Absences will be accounted – three absences without a letter of valid reasons
shall result to the observer’s eviction / removal. It means that he does not qualify
for the next level. Only reasons involving school related activities and
uncontrollable health problems with proper notification from the school or
parents / guardian shall be considered excused or valid for the grade school
member. School uniforms are to be used during weekdays & the “barong”
during school days. School uniforms are to be used and “barong”, during non-
school days. Proper acolyte posture shall be practiced and upheld.
Article X.
Actual Training
A week of actual training will be conducted by the Liturgist. Schedules in
serving the mass will be assigned right after the training with thorough
consideration and discretion of the Liturgist.
Article XI.
Summer and Semestral Break Trainings
Training shall take place twice in a year; during Summer Vacation and
Semestral Break.
Summer Training covers within a period of three weeks.
Place of training should be within the premises of the Basilica Minore
del Santo Niño. An expressed permission from the Spiritual Director
and Rector should be sought if there is a need to have them outside the
Basilica Church.
A. Summer Training
1. Prescribed Uniforms: black pants, black socks, white t-shirt
and black shoes
2. Examinations: there will be examinations at the end of the
training that would cover the lectures, actual and oral.
3. Attendance: It is a must and part of the training and
evaluations.
4. Schedules
8:00-11:30am - Trainee should attend the 8:00am mass
1:00-4:30pm - Training period
4:30pm - Recreation time
 Passing Grades for each level: Article XV.

75% - 79% - Clerical Excuses:

80% - 84% - Aspirant
85% - 89% - Junior Considerations for tardiness or absences shall be coursed through the
90% - 94% - Junior A officers of the KSN or the Spiritual Director.
95% - 100% - Senior

Article XVI.
B. Semestral Break Training

It shall take place from the month of September to October. Disciplinary Measures:
Three absences in mass schedules without valid reasons are subject for
Chapter 6: Attendance, Excuses, Substitutions, expulsion / termination of membership.
Evaluation & Disciplinary Measures Other cases subject for Disciplinary measures:
* Proven guilty of stealing - expulsion
Article XII. * Fist fighting - 1-3 months suspension or as
the case may be
Attendance: * Using garments of other members without expressed permission
- 1-3 months suspension
It must always be the priority whether in the church services or other * Showing / action of dirty finger or foul words
important gatherings. - 1-3 months suspension
* Misconduct in the school, during outings / gatherings
- 1-3 months suspension
Article XIII. * After the 2 suspensions - expulsion
* For inconsistent service commitment
Substitution: - 1st return - Accepted
- 2nd return - Warning
One (1) absent in mass schedule can be offset by three (3) mass - 3rd return - Rejected
substitutions.

Article XIV.

Evaluation:

Shall be done quarterly (every three months) to assess their

performances.
 Chapter 7: Merits and Demerits
Article XVII.
Merits
 Merits can be earned for a well done performance/action/deed intended
for the welfare of the organization may it be when serving at mass or
for an excellent academic performance or commendable substitution.
 One(1) substitution equals to 3 merits.
 Merits can be received at a maximum of 10 and a minimum of 3.
Demerits
 Demerits are given to penalize a knight who intentionally makes
harmful action against other members of the organization or for any act
of misbehavior may it be during mass or in public places.
 One(1) substitution offsets 3 demerits.
 Demerits given has maximum of 10 and minimum of 3.
 The Spiritual Director/Sacristan Mayor/Seniors and Advisers are given
the authority/discretion to reward merits or demerits.
Chapter 8: Promotion and Demotion
Article XIX.
Promotion
Special recommendation is given to a knight with an excellent
performance and good track records worthy to pass. This will be
deliberated and determined by the Committee composed of the
Spiritual Director, the Sacristan Mayor, the Advisers, the President, and
the Seniors.
Promotion shall be done after passing the training requirements and
examinations.
Promotion can be endorsed through giving of extraordinary merits
Demotion
Demotion is imposed when one commits grave and serious misconduct
considered detrimental to the organization’s welfare.
Chapter 9: Meeting and Funds
Article XXI.
Meetings
 Proper acolyte postures shall strictly be observed.
 A fine of Php 5.00 shall be imposed to late-comers during
meetings.
 Proper procedure of meeting shall strictly be observed.
 Regular monthly meeting is every second and last Saturday at
2 pm.
 In emergency cases, special or urgent meetings may be called
for.
 The prescribed uniform shall be used during meeting (black
pants, white t-shirt, and black shoes) both for KSN members
and officers.
Article XXII.
Funds
 Organizational fund should be deposited in a known bank
agreed by the officers and spiritual director.
 There should be a joint savings account with at least two
signatories.
 There will be a monthly fee of Php.10.00 per member for the
sinking fund
  For absences during meeting, only those who have letter with
valid reasons are excused; hospitalization and school related
matters or otherwise should be specified.
 Fines for the following occurrence:
Absent = Php 10.00
Late / Tardy = Php 5.00
Not wearing the prescribed uniforms= Php 10.00
Chapter 10: Serving, Sotana and Uniforms
Article XXIII
Serving
 When serving at mass, a Knight must be at all times
presentable, neat and clean and always at the right disposition
and observe the proper decorum.
 Servers should strictly observe proper mass participation. A
Knight must be always enthusiastic in serving at mass.
 A Knight must always be in a good mood. Anger should be
avoided.
 Solemnity should be fostered and observed.
 Altar paraphernalia must be in their proper places and handled
properly.
 Check all the altar paraphernalia before and after the mass.
 Servers should come fifteen (15) minutes before the assigned
mass schedule.
 Solemnity and perfection in serving at mass should be of high
value.
 Praying of the KSN Prayer before & after must be strictly
observed.
Article XXIV
Sotana, Uniform & Monitoring Notebook
 White Sotana is to be worn only by Knights who have undergone
investiture.
 White Sotana is to be used daily and during ordinary times with the
KSN Cross.
 Black Sotana is to be used only during special occasions.
 Barong, Sotana and Surplice should be properly kept. Taking care
of these garments is highly encouraged.
 The prescribed uniforms for observers are barong.
 In serving at mass, servers should make sure their garments are
clean and well-pressed.
 On special occasions, the Liturgist or the Sacristan Mayor has the
authority to decide matters concerning wearing the sotanas.
 Except for the Senior Knights & those who are 18 years of age and
above, all members must have their monitoring notebook.
 Monitoring notebook must be presented to the Sacristan Mayor or
any of the seniors.
Chapter 11: Parents & Guardian’s Association
Article XXV
Roles and Participation
 Active involvement during meetings, special occasions or
gatherings that require their presence.
 Support in doing follow-ups with their child’s schedule, grades and
performance in the organization.
 Support or respect the decisions and plans of the organization.
 Any complaints, suggestions or matter concerning the organization
shall be properly channeled first through the President of the KSN
before it reaches to the Sacristan Mayor or the Spiritual Director.
  In extreme circumstances, the Rector of the Basilica has the right
to intervene in any actions that are beyond the control of the
organization.
 Any violent actions / misdemeanors / harassment or threats done
by the parents or guardian towards the organization and its
members or any action that would jeopardize the system of the
organization are strongly condemned. If proven, the organization
thus, with all the rights and duties, may suspend or expel their son
from the organization.

Chapter 12: Affiliations

Article XXVI

Roles and Participation

These are people who become part of the organization’s success and
daily struggle. They are the benefactors, Spiritual Director, the wives of
alumni. As a whole, KSN has the right and duty to recognize all the
efforts / support to the welfare of the organization. Thus, they are to be
commended as the KSN Affiliates. The organization gladly welcomes
the affiliates who intend to join in any KSN happenings and gatherings
or do the brotherhood hand shakings of the KSN full-fledged members.