Dear Brother Knight,
As the world confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, I
wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the actions and
responses taken by the Knights of Columbus.
The coronavirus disease is not the first pandemic
the Knights of Columbus has faced. In the late nineteenth century, and
again in 1918, the Knights remained strong and active despite such
situations. And together, we will do so again this time.
We know that this period will be difficult in
various ways for everyone, and we want to assure you that the Knights of
Columbus is fully committed to you and your family, and has taken the
steps necessary to continue our important work on your behalf – from
protecting the faith and financial stability of members’ families, to
helping members put their faith into action by providing important
charitable service within their communities.
Although to our knowledge, no staff at the Knights
of Columbus Supreme Council or Museum in New Haven or at the Saint John
Paul II National Shrine in Washington, D.C., have tested positive for
COVID-19, we have implemented remote operations for most staff, allowing
our business processes, customer service and fraternal support to
continue their important work uninterrupted, while simultaneously
protecting the health of our employees and reducing the risk of
community spread of this illness, which is often facilitated by having
large groups of people in close proximity to one another.
Furthermore, our sustainable investment strategy
means that our exposure to current stock market volatility is limited,
and we remain extremely strong financially. With that strength, and the
strength that comes from committed employees, we remain positioned and
ready to serve our brother Knights. Of course, our agents and our
customer service team also remain available to help you with any
insurance or related financial needs that you may have. As we implement
new systems to serve you and respond to a higher volume of inquiries
than usual during this period, it is possible that wait and turnaround
times may increase.
In addition to what we are doing at the Supreme
Council headquarters, many brother Knights have asked how they can help
in their own communities. We suggest the following:
- During this period, we urge every member and his family to pray the Supreme Council's novena based on the prayer of Pope Francis (printable or video prayer), as well as a prayer being promoted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
- Help keep yourself, your families and your communities safe by cancelling all “in person” Knights of Columbus meetings and activities at the local or state level until otherwise indicated. This disease spreads when groups of people gather, so it is important that we avoid activities that could spread this illness. Councils should pursue online and/or teleconferencing options for meetings, fundraising, etc. until the danger has passed. The Supreme Council will be providing additional information on such options shortly.
- Leave no Knight – or neighbor – behind. If members of your council – or community – are elderly or have underlying medical conditions, please ensure that they have enough food. If you or others in your council have food to spare, offer to drop something off on their doorstep or to shop online for them.
- Give blood. Many communities are facing blood shortages. Those not being recommended to isolate themselves due to illness, age or underlying conditions should consider giving blood. National blood drives were pioneered by the Knights of Columbus in the 1930s, and this lifesaving activity remains an important aspect of our charitable work today.
As we move through this pandemic together, you can
rest assured that the Knights of Columbus will be there for you. We will
provide regular updates in the days ahead, and we will remain joined
with you in prayer and in service to our neighbors in need.
May God bless you, and keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
Fraternally,
Carl Anderson
