After reviving the association, the Catholic Knights began to assist priests in different churches as ushers, Eucharist ministers, readers, commentators and volunteers at fundraising festivals, always in coordination with other parish groups.

For the personal growth of its members, they organize seminars, workshops and spiritual retreats. This preparation has helped some of them to become ordained deacons. About 10 years ago, the association designed a uniform composed of a blue blazer, gray pants and red ties that distinguish them at church or archdiocesan events.

Being part of this association for 15 years has helped Efraín Infante, a member of the St. John the Apostle Church chapter, to be a more committed Catholic, he said.

“Since the moment I joined its ranks, my religious and social life found an atmosphere where people are a lot more than friends, they are brothers,” said Infante, a 75-year-old Cuban exile. “Besides, we are always called, even for simple duties like moving chairs and tables for events.”

One of the many challenges of the Knights’ mission is to interest younger men to join and eventually succeed the older members. They do it by promoting the organization and supporting youth groups at the Archdiocese.

“It’s very difficult to attract the young due to cultural reasons,” said Frank Díaz, 61, former president of the association’s directorate and a member for 26 years. “People run away from commitment.”

Besides the parish service tasks, the Knights also have fun, organizing dinner balls and picnics. They also get some benefits: Their funeral expenses — and their wives’ — are paid by the association. A few years ago, the group purchased several lots at the Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.

“We don’t like publicizing this when recruiting members, so that people don’t come to us to die,” Díaz joked. “That is not the purpose of the group; the purpose is to be of service.”