Where Charity Runs into Fraternity
Kevin Daudlin
State Deputy
“Where Charity Runs into Fraternity”
The Knights of Columbus first and foremost
principle is Charity. Fraternity did not become
one of our virtues until much later. Why?
Fr. McGivney knew that the two terms were
synonymous and that in order for us to be Fraternal
we had to be Charitable first. Is this still true today?
As the old adage goes “charity begins at home.”
As an organization in general we are extremely
charitable. In Ontario alone last year we donated
approximately 8 million dollars and expended over
3.5 million hours to volunteer service. Looking at
these numbers I would have to say or think we are
doing a fantastic job; but are we?
Charity isn’t always about how much money we
donated or the time we spent raising that money.
When was the last time any of us called a member
we had not seen in a while to invite him to a meeting
or a function? When was the last time we heard of
a neighbouring council struggling, that we called to
lend a helping hand or advice? When was the last
time we offered encouragement to another member
rather than complain because he was going against
the norm for the council or trying to make a change
that he felt would benefit the membership?
When was the last time we volunteered for a
committee, project or executive position without
being asked?
All of us fall into the same trap including me. We
get into a routine and move in a straight line. It is
never easier to take the road less travelled and most
of us are tempted to take the path of least resistance.
This is also evident when we are
looking at prospective members.
When inviting men and their
families to be a part of our family
are we doing it just to make quota
or because we genuinely want to
make a difference in their lives?
It is human nature to want to be of service to others.
As Knights we have to give our members and future
members the opportunity to be charitable. This is
because charity belongs to the moment. It is what
makes everything real today. And it is this interesting
and universal connection between fraternalism and
charity that deserves some thought in our current
context of Knighthood. The terms are largely
synonymous. In fact, looking out after our
brot