What does that mean, “Discover the Catholic Difference?” Is it just a marketing slogan or is there real meaning behind it?

Let’s look at that at several levels.  Our Catholicity as an organization forms all that we do. Our Order was founded on the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity; as a Catholic business we also have core values of Integrity, Professionalism, Excellence and Respect.  In all our dealings we try to embody those values in the field and at our Supreme Office. 

Money from insurance premiums and annuity deposits is managed by our investment department colleagues, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors.  They manage that money, now amounting to more than $24 billion, using sound investment strategies in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines.  We will not invest in companies that engage in abortions, producing abortifacient drugs, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning or pornography. Our Asset Advisors prove that a business can operate on these principles and still produce a healthy profit. That’s a Catholic Difference!

Our charitable contributions of more than $185 million last year went to a wide variety of organizations.  Many were Catholic, but some were not.  We give money to support worthy causes and we do that, not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.  That’s what our faith calls us to do; Sirach 40:17 tells us that acts of kindness and charity last for an eternity.  We are supporting victims of genocide in Syria and other places in the Middle East.  We have placed more than 1000 ultrasound machines in all 50 states and saved more the 1 million lives. We financially and spiritually support seminarians, disaster victims, Special Olympians and many others.  All this from the profits of our insurance program and investments and the contributions of members.  That’s a Catholic Difference!

And speaking of the insurance program, let’s talk about the “Discover the Catholic Difference” there.  Here are a few examples:  First, our products are designed with our members’ needs in mind.  For example, I’m not aware of any other company that offers a Spousal Waiver of Premium benefit…and there is no additional premium for that! Second, we have never raised our Long-Term Care Insurance premiums, something very few, if any, insurance companies can say.  Third, we offer Disability Income Insurance to blue collar workers as well as white and grey collar workers. We recognize that it’s not just the affluent that need that coverage. Fourth, we still meet with brother knights and their families in their homes if they prefer; it might be more convenient for them.  Fifth, young children; we want to make sure a member has the opportunity to protect their insurability with life insurance that has a guaranteed purchase option.  Sixth, our fixed-rate annuity has a minimum guarantee for life, meaning a member will always make money on his money.  Seventh, our Supreme Office is currently developing new products to meet even more needs of our members…so stay tuned!  Now that’s the Catholic Difference!

If you’d like to find out about more Catholic differences that could make a difference in your life, let me know.  I’ll be around after the meeting and I’d appreciate the chance to meet with you.

Vivat Jesus!

David O'Donnell
Fraternal Benefits Advisor
david.odonnell@kofc.org
​717-713-0141