In an article in the Knights of Columbus online newsletter Knightline, Vice President of Fraternal Operations Thomas McCaffrey assured readers that the organization is devoted to “maximizing its charitable impact” despite the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In office since January, McCaffrey began by reviewing the past year and previewing the one ahead.

“The 2019-2020 fraternal year proved to be an historic year for the order,” McCaffrey said. “The new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity has been one of the biggest successes. It has been well-received order-wide.”

VP of Fraternal Operations Thomas McCaffrey

McCaffrey explained that when the COVID-19 outbreak hit, his team was prepared to schedule events to facilitate the service of those in need.  

“It has never been easier to join the Knights of Columbus and attend an exemplification ceremony,” he said. “We are proud of that.”

Challenging as it was to move everything to a virtual space in a matter of weeks, the Knights took things in stride by streamlining the communications operations wherever possible. As much of the next year remains up in the air as far as the impact of the pandemic, the Knights will be working to improve virtual operations. 

McCaffrey says he is confident in the organization's ability to continue helping communities through charitable acts, but concedes that it will be a challenge to maintain the high level of brotherhood that was previously experienced. 

“It is hard for a fraternal organization to be its truest self in times of social distancing and virtual operations,” McCaffrey said. “Video conferencing and phone calls and text messages just aren’t the same as in-person gatherings. However, we must not lose heart, but step up our efforts to do charitable works and serve the Church and one another in creative and meaningful ways.”

McCaffrey said that the Knights' Leave No Neighbor Behind initiative is just one great model for maximizing charitable impact during these uncertain times.