Please read this important message issued by the Knights of Columbus on March 16:
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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:
1. Pray. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
Supreme Knight
