2014-07 JulAug

July-August, 2014

State Deputy

It IS possible to achieve our goals

By Ken Girt State Deputy

My Brother Knights and Ladies, In my first column for the July, 2013, Buckeye Bulletin, I explained my vision for the Ohio State Council for my two years as State Deputy.

I wanted to increase the number of Star Councils and to make our Supreme Council quota of 57 awards.

To help in that vision, we created our “Light of Ohio” State Program Contest that was fashioned after the Star Council award criteria. The purpose of the state program was to encourage all councils to participate and be part of Fr. McGivney’s vision for the Knights of Columbus. And if a council can achieve the maximum points for our state program contest, they will be a few members short of achieving Star Council. I even provided monthly updates for councils so that they knew where they stood in their quest for Star Council.

This was my vision, but unfortunately we failed.

We ended the 2013-2014 fraternal year with the worst intake of membership since we started keeping the numbers in 1979. We closed the year with only 1,813 new members. Our two state retention directors were able to keep the suspensions and withdrawals to a low number of 838. And many councils did make their membership and insurance Continued on Page 2

‘We have to turn things around’

State Deputy laments Ohio’s membership effort

State Deputy Ken Girt places the District Deputy jewel on DD-1 Thomas Wuebker (top left); Girt and State Chaplain, after both took their oaths of office (top right); District Deputies take their oath of office during the Sunday Mass of the District Deputies’ Meeting.

Ohio has had five years of negative growth and is in danger of falling below 58,000 members. Membership recruitment during the 2013-2014 fraternal year was the lowest intake of new members since 1979.

A disappointed State Deputy Ken Girt took those facts to District Deputies at the Summer District Deputies Meeting held June 28-29 in Columbus and then to Ohio council representatives at the six Diocesan Tour Programs in July.

He also stated the fact that 104 Ohio councils did not bring in a single new member during the last fraternal year.

“I’m not proud of that,” he said repeatedly. “We have to turn things around.

I need your help. I need everybody’s help.

We need to get our members to recruit.”

The State Deputy called upon District Deputies to work closely with their councils to improve the situation. And Continued on Page 5

We do love you!

God doesn’t call us to be successful; he calls us to be faithful

By Rev. William B. Kraynak State Chaplain

In 1985, when I had been an ordained priest for four years, I had an opportunity to attend the “Worldwide Retreat for Priests” which took place in Rome in the

Paul VI Audience Hall in Vatican City.

St. John Paul II was to open the retreat with a prayer service and have the closing Mass.

The speakers were from all over the world, and I was going to attend with

a friend of mine from seminary days.

About 5,000 priests from all over the world gathered in the audience hall for the five-day retreat. The music was beautiful, inspiring and uplifting. Praying with so Continued on Page 2

Why do we recruit members?

By Ken Gardner, State Membership Director As the State Membership Director for the past three years, I have written many stories for the Buckeye Bulletin on why we should recruit new members for the Order, and more importantly, for our own councils. I always feel that I cannot completely get my point across on how important it is that we are constantly looking for good Catholic men to join us.

I know that being a Knight can change a man’s life; I know it did for me! I believe that most members in Ohio would agree with this. But recruiting new members is difficult; there is a lot of work involved. You have to leave your comfort zone to ask someone to join. You need to be well versed in the purpose of the K of C and be able to answer questions with confidence. And once you have a signed Form 100, you need to Continued on Page 6

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Page 2__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_______________________________________________________ July-August, 2014

Pennies for Heaven program should reach $1 million total donations in 2015 The following was submitted by Immediate Past State Deputy Dave Helmstetter, chairman of the 2014-2015 Pennies for Heaven Campaign.

The Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus Pennies for Heaven campaign will reach a historical level in 2015. This program which supports Ohio seminarians will exceed $1 million in total donations since 2002.

This shows the dedication and support

by Ohio Knights for our seminarians. I truly anticipate the 2014-15 campaign to be the best in the history of Ohio.

The recently concluded 2013-2014 campaign marked the third straight year that Ohio’s overall total exceeded $100,000, and it was the second-highest total in state council history. Overall, Ohio Knights last fraternal year raised $103, 287.07 to support seminarians in Ohio’s six dioceses. Collections in each of the six Ohio dioceses were: Cleveland, $12,123.66; Cincinnati, $17,292.24; Columbus, $ 5 1 , 3 7 5 . 3 4 ; Steubenville, $4,674.86; Toledo, $12,131.61; Youngstown, $5,483.07, and the Ohio State Council, $206.29.

State Chaplain Fr. Kraynak’s message Continued from Page 1

many other priests was moving and encouraging but there was something that just didn’t sit well with me. Every speaker seemed to preach about the same gripes. They sounded like …

Father, you don’t pray enough. Father, you don’t work enough. Father, you don’t study enough. Father, you don’t teach enough. Father you don’t read or preach or make pastoral visits or fast or hear confessions or go to confession or spend your hours before the Blessed Sacrament and are not available enough to everyone.

Well, you get the idea. I felt like it was my turn in the barrel and everyone had a hammer to beat on the sides so after three days I had a headache and was going deaf. I was depressed, disgusted, frustrated.

Day four came along and suddenly there on the stage, gleaming in the light, was a little old nun wrapped in her white habit. It was Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India. She walked up to the microphone and with a very clear and strong voice said. “Fathers, I love you and thank you for being priests and for dedicating your life to God.” My ears suddenly opened and my heart immediately responded, “Please tell me more!”

Isn’t that what we all want to hear ….. that no matter if we make our goals, or achieve the expectations we have set for ourselves or that others have set for us, we are still loved and appreciated by someone. But too often those expressions of love and appreciation are hard to hear or understand.

I spend a good deal of time away from my parish, and when I’m gone I know that I’m missed. On a recent weekend when I had been away only one Sunday, there were several members of the parish who came up to me after Mass and told me how they missed me ….. that I make a difference in their life during the week because of the Mass I said on Sunday, and the way I greeted them before and after Masses. In other words, they were saying, “I love you and missed you.”

I knew that I loved them and was looking forward to being back with them as soon as possible, but I didn’t know that they loved me. I know that is something that you may not hear very often from your pastor. But it is true that priests do love the people to whom they minister. They must, or they would not have become priests.

Priests may not seem to be enjoying their job all the time but they are still not willing to give it up for anything. I’m a priest because I love to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone I can. To do that I need to love them. I may not like what they do or say, but I need to love them. Hate the sin but love the sinner. We are all sinners and are all trying to support one another in our struggles with this world that we can achieve the goal that God has set for us.

Our goal is to be happy with God in heaven. But now we are to be doing, not achieving, God’s will.

Mother Teresa once said, “God doesn’t call us to be successful, he calls us to be faithful.” Faithful to our calling that we received in the sacrament of Baptism to evangelize the world for the Kingdom of God. Faithful to our calling as members of the Knights of Columbus of the state of Ohio to be “The Light of the world in Ohio.”

We as Knights let the light of Christ’s love shine in our world by bringing love to those around us. We do this by supporting life in a culture of death, by welcoming new members to our community of love, by giving of our time and talent in service to the church and the community. We let others know that they are loved and appreciated just because they accepted their call from God and are living a life of grace.

Clearly, the most successful councils or assemblies have the support of their pastors. The Columbus Diocese is a great example. Diocese Chairman Ed Olenhouse works with councils to solicit the support of their pastors and encourage collections at the various parishes in Columbus. The No.1 council in the State of Ohio, St. Brendan Council 11208, Hilliard, raised more than $9,000 using this formula.

Since 2002, the Columbus Diocese has surpassed $300,000 in contributions to this program. Over the last two years, Columbus has exceeded $50,000 in each campaign, the most ever.

Ed Olenhouse receives an award at the State Convention for leading the Columbus Diocese in raising more than $50,000 for Pennies for Heaven.

State Deputy Ken Girt’s message Continued from Page 1

quota. We sincerely thank them for their efforts, and will recognize a number of them for winning the Star Council Award. But for some reason, we just could not bring in enough new members in Ohio to keep up with the members we lost to suspension, withdrawals, transfers and deaths. We have failed for the fifth year in a row to recruit members to replace the ones we lost. The only quota that we achieved this past fraternal year was in new council development. Our thanks and congratulations to our six new councils!

But last fraternal year is now history. It is now time to prepare for the 2014-2015 fraternal year, and focus on the new challenges and objectives.

I do believe we have a great group of Grand Knights and District Deputies, and dedicated directors, chairman and staff. I think it IS possible to achieve all our Supreme Council goals and objectives for the coming year -- and I ask for your help.

We need to grow the Order in Ohio. There are many Catholic men in our churches and communities who would make excellent members for our councils. Some are waiting to be asked.

The challenge for Ohio is clear! Let’s bring in new members. Let’s provide the needed charitable service to our parishes, families, youths and our communities.

Let’s promote the fraternal benefits to our members so that they can protect their families in time of need. And let’s all stand by and support our “one nation, under God”. Let’s stand with all our Brother Knights of Columbus so that others will see our good deeds and know that we praise our Father in Heaven!

Be the Light! Vivat Jesus!

The Buckeye Bulletin

State Chaplain

State Deputy

State Secretary

Fr. William Kraynak 409 W. Main Street Ravenna, OH 44266 (330) 296-9193 wkraynak@youngstowndiocese.org

Ken Girt 6433 Lutz Ave. N.W. Massillon, OH 44646-9341 (330) 837-6670 girtken@sssnet.com

Robert Collins Jr. 10181 Tracy Trail Parma, OH 44130-5310 (216) 410-7174 rfcollinsjr@gmail.com

Kevin Miller 1101 Arbor Oaks Lane Galloway, OH 43119-8507 (614) 853-2642 km8007@columbus.rr.com

Robert Byers 565 Indian Run Rd. Marietta, OH 45750-6693 (740) 373-7154 robert_byers@hotmail.com

Mark Siracusa 1310 Markey Dr. Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 553-9552 cuzza@roadrunner.com

State Treasurer

State Advocate

State Warden

Immediate Past State Deputy Chief of Staff Buckeye Bulletin Editor

Dave Helmstetter Jack Campbell Harding Christ

5421 County Road 33A 1630 34h St. NE 32649 Surrey Lane

St. Marys, OH 45885-9658 Canton, OH 44714 Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642

Tel: (419) 394-1180 Tel: (330) 453-0872 Tel: (440) 933-8986

dhelmstetter@bright.net Email: cootzbabe@att.net Email: harding.c@oh.rr.com The Buckeye Bulletin is published by the Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus and mailed via Third Class NonProfit Postage, Permit No. 229, at Cleveland, Ohio. Any member of the Ohio State Council in good standing may subscribe free of charge.

Editorial Content Forward all editorial content to Harding Christ, Editor, 32649 Surrey Lane, Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642.

Subscription Status Address Change Forward all requests for new subscriptions, changes of address or cancellation to Harding Christ. New subscriptions must include the full 9-digit Zip Code.

July-August, 2014________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 3

Criteria for Star Council status

The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and service program activities. To be eligible, a council must qualify for the Father McGivney, Founder’s and Columbian awards. To qualify for these awards, a council must have submitted its Survey of Fraternal Activity (Form 1728) and its Service Program Personnel Report (Form 365). Other eligibility requirements are: • Columbian Award: Complete and submit the Columbian Award application (SP7) found in the Council Report Forms Booklet or at www.kofc.org/forms. Councils must conduct and report at least four major programs in each of the Service Program categories: church, community, council, family, culture of life and youth.

Completed applications must reach the Supreme Council office by June 30. In addition to meeting the traditional Columbian Award requirements – conducting at least four programs in each category – each of the six Columbian Award categories also has at least one featured program. By meeting all requirements for a featured program activity in a particular category, a council fulfills all requirements for that category. The six categories and the featured programs for each are:

Church – Refund Supports Vocation Program (RSVP).

Community – Two featured programs: Habitat for Humanity and the Global Wheelchair Mission.

Council – Special Olympics.

Family – Food for Families program.

Culture of Life – The Ultrasound Initiative or a local, regional or national March for Life.

Youth – Participating in the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program.

• Father McGivney Award: Achieve membership quota. Councils that attain Star Council status and achieve 200% of their net gain goal will receive Double Star Council Award. A council also must conduct or participate in at least four First Degrees during the fraternal year.

• Founder’s Award: Achieve insurance membership quota..

Patrick Iacovone, a K of C voluneteer, dies

Patrick Iacovone wasn’t one who sought high profile assignments with the Knights of Columbus. He would rather serve as a behind-the-scenes worker.

Brother Iacovone, who lived in the Dayton area, passed away on June 12. He was 94.

He grew up in the New York City area and was a lifetime New York Yankee fan. He moved to Ohio in the late 1930’s to work at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II in the European Theatre. After the war he was re-employed at WPAFB, retiring after 40 years of service. He organized an ushers’ program at the University of Dayton football field and UD Arena.

With the K of C, he served on the staff of several State Deputies, including Clarence Potts (1989-1991), Al Hickey (1999-2001) and Dave Helmstetter (2011-2013).

He also was a member of the Cincinnati Convention Committee.

Brother Iacovone is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rhea; 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Super Cash Bonanza chairman says thanks

Ohio State Council Membership as of June 30, 2014 Diocese

Cincinnati Cleveland Columbus Steubenville Toledo Youngstown TOTALS

Year to Date Gain

Year to Date Loss

452 314 281 81 411 211

382 341 461 87 341 201

163 145 199 25 219 87

219 196 262 62 122 114

48.5% 62.4% 93.2% 76.5% 29.7% 54.0%

233 118 19 19 289 97

1,750

1,813

838

975

55.7%

775

Quota

Net

Percent of Quota

Needed

State Deputy laments Ohio’s membership effort Continued from Page 1

he called upon Grand Knights and individual members to concentrate on recruitment, emphasizing that councils should schedule at least one First Degree every month and use the “Power of One – 1 new member per council per month”.

Girt and State Membership Director Ken Gardner outlined a number of financial incentives that are being made available to councils, District Deputies and members as rewards for increasing membership.

And Gardner revealed another startling fact concerning membership recruitment in 2013-2014: out of Ohio’s 58,000 membership, only approximately 800 Knights – 1.5% -- recruited a new member. He did report some positive statistics: thirty-six councils recruited 12 members for the fraternal year, reaching the goal of I member … per council … per month; Tiffin Council 608 led Ohio with 43 members, and Lancaster Council 15447 had the greatest percentage of quota at 350%.

Girt also voiced disappointment in the projected number of Star Councils in Ohio this past fraternal year. He had set a goal of 57 Star Councils for the year, but projections have that number closer to 35. In the 2012-2013 fraternal year, Ohio had 43 Star Councils.

J.P. McCusker, a Virginia Past State Deputy and current Supreme Membership and Program Consultant, was at the weekend meeting and had some ideas.

“Remember the Power of 1 – 1 member per council per month,” he said, adding that “The Knights of Columbus has the will and determination to turn this around.”

Final Supreme membership figures (as of June 30) showed that in 2013-2014 Ohio Knights recruited 1,813 new members. But suspensions, deaths and transfers reduced that figure to a net of minus 382 members for the year. As of June 30, total Ohio membership stood at 58,165. Fifty-seven councils reached their Supreme quota for net gain. Thirty-six councils recruited 12 members for the year, reaching the goal of “1 member per council per month”. Tiffin Council 608 led Ohio with 43 new members while Lancaster Council 15447 had the greatest percent of quota at 350%. *

*

*

At Mass on Sunday morning, the Ohio State Council officers were sworn in.

Following that the District Deputies took their oath of office and were presented their jewel by State Deputy Girt.

More than $500 was collected during the Mass. It was given to the family of the late Marvin Vetter, who had served as Squires Director, to help defray the cost of medical care.

I would like to thank all of the 328 Ohio councils that participated in the 2014 Million Dollar Baby Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign.

Rebates of more than $550,000 was earned by individual councils. Rebate checks are in the process of being sent to those councils.

Partnering certainly increased the bottom line for the councils. Please start thinking about possible groups that you may partner with next year.

A special thanks to all of my fellow State Officers and Past State Deputies for their faith in me and the program. I would also like to thank Past State Deputy Gary Eckstein and Brother Knight John Scales for their help.

-- State Treasurer Kevin “Big Daddy” Miller, Charity Campaign chairman Did you know?

When we talk about membership and other endeavors, we often refer to “goals” and “quotas”.

State Deputy Ken Girt explained the difference between the two words: “A goal is something we strive for,” he said. “A quota is something we are expected to attain.”

State Deputy Ken Girt makes a point during one of the six diocesan Tour Programs conducted in July. State officers, directors and staff traveled to each diocese to inform local council representatives about membership, insurance and the general program.

Page 4__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_______________________________________________________ July-August, 2014

State General Program Director

General program has a many good ideas for activities councils can do

By Jeff Kiliany

State General Program Director

The “Light of Ohio” State General Program is designed to aid you in your quest to achieve the Supreme Star Council award. It is based on councils doing four Service Activities in each of the six Program Areas, completing Administrative Requirements, and achieving Membership Quotas -- just as in the Supreme Star Council Award criteria.

The basic reporting guidelines are basically the same as in the previous State General Programs. The program began July 1 and will run until April 15, 2015 with five reporting periods (July-August, September-October, November-December, JanuaryFebruary, and March-April 15). Councils are asked to submit a maximum of two reports in each program area per reporting period.

Reports should be submitted online through the State Website at www.kofcohio.org.

Reports should be submitted in the report period in which they occurred, but will be accepted 1 period after. We encourage councils to do activities all year long, not just during the Program year between July and April 15. Therefore, any activity done by a ouncil after April 15 may be submitted during the March-April 15 reporting period.

Just give the appropriate Program Director your council’s plans for doing this activity.

Councils that do any of the eight Supreme “Featured” programs and meet the minimum requirements for that program will get 100 points towards that program area

Community Activites

Why report Community programs?

By Larry Droesch

State Community Activities Director

We all know that each Grand Knight and Council Program Director can look in the General Program Book or on the Ohio State Council’s website to figure out what state activity to report and when to report it. So let’s ask the question, “Why should I report our council’s Community Activities?”

Should we report because we get a cash incentive? No. It is because the Community Activities are designed to put into practice the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism at your council and in your community.

Knights are all about these principles, so that is why we need to report the Community Activities. As a bonus, councils can strive to be the best in the Order, such as Marysville Council 5534, which did a “Wounded Warrior Project” that earned Best in Ohio and also was judged by Supreme as the Best Community Activities Program in the Order!

That is awesome!

So be excited as you report your activities, and be the Dynamo in Community Programs!

Public Relations/Buckeye Bulletin

and will “Max” that program area by doing only that one activity, instead of doing four activities in that program area. If the Supreme minimum requirements are not met, only 25 points will be awarded for the activity, and 3 additional activities will be required for a council to “Max” the Program Area.

When councils complete and submit a mandatory Administrative Program requirement, such as the Supreme form 185, (the report of Officers elected for the current year), you should also report it online under the “Administrative” section of Program Activities that your councils has completed that requirement. All mandatory Administrative requirements are listed on page 18 of the “Light of Ohio” State General Program handbook.

Look over your” Light of Ohio” General Program manual and review the program.

Nothing has changed. It is the same as last year’s program. There are a lot of good ideas for activities that your Council can do throughout this fraternal year. If you have not already done so, you should plan on getting together with your council officers, program directors, and key members and set up a rough activity plan for the fraternal year. The grid on page 26 is a good tool for you to use in your planning session. The state reporting directors will be happy to answer any questions and assist your Council in planning activities in their respective program areas.

Good luck in the new fraternal year and we look forward to reading about all of the activities that your councils are doing this year.

2014-2015 State Directors

Jeffrey Kiliany.................................................................. General Program Director Joseph Mackos.....................................................................District Deputy Director Kenneth Gardner..................................................................... Membership Director Donald Prall...................................................................... Church Activities Director Gary Anderson......................................................................Culture of Life Director Larry Droesch...........................................................Community Activities Director Michael Nau...................................................................... Council Activities Director Michael Saine.................................................................... Family Activities Director Robert Walsh....................................................................... Youth Activities Director Marty Schumacher........................................................................... Squires Director Paul Haig........................................................... Roundtable and Vocations Director Harding Christ................................................................... Public Relations Director William Wirtz............................................................ Council Development Director Nicholas Gresko............................................................. Retemntion Director – East James Klatte...................................................................... Retention Director – West Edward Ponder.........................................................................Ceremonials Director Jack Campbell....................................................... Administrative Services Director Robert Gilliland................................................................... Administrative Director

Church Activities

PR, Buckeye Bulletin can aid membership

Let’s start this fraternal year with a bang!

Editor, Buckeye Bulletin; State Public Relations Director

State Church Activities Director

By Harding Christ

Our Public Relations Activities Program can be a tool for your council’s membership recruitment. There are two activities, one dealing with communication with the members of your council, and the other dealing with communication with the people of your parishes and communities. What better way to recruit a new member than letting him know who we are and what we do. And by keeping our own members informed so they can better talk to a prospective recruit.

Also, the Buckeye Bulletin can be a tool for your council’s membership retention.

How about when a new member takes his First Degree you send his name and address to the Buckeye Bulletin for a subscription. Perhaps if he reads about the Knights of Columbus throughout Ohio, he will become a more active member in your council.

And regarding both Public Relations and the Buckeye Bulletin ….. Your councils do great things during the fraternal year. How about writing a story about one of them for possible publication in the Buckeye Bulletin. By doing so, you can gain publicity for your council and you also can claim credit for doing one of the Public Relations activities.

Any Knight in good standing can subscribe free of charge to the Buckeye Bulletin.

All we need is his name and address, including the full 9-digit zip code.

By Don Prall

I would like to start with “What a great job” the councils of the State of Ohio did last fraternal year on reporting Church Activities programs.

With that being said, we need to start this year off with a bang!

It’s not too early to order your coats from Supreme for “Keep the Kids Warm”.

If you look at activity #5, Catholic Charities, there are a few suggestions on things that you can do. How about collecting school supplies to be distributed at your Catholic Charities office? It is a great program to get your council active, but more importantly, to observe the joy on the children’s faces is priceless.

Did you know that every year Catholic Charities agencies, with additional help from Knights such as you, provide services to more than nine million people! We are calling you as Knights to expand upon and develop more programs to support the 100 years of service that Catholic Charities has cared for those in need.

Serving our community and connecting to our parish strengthens the identity of Knights of Columbus, Catholic men. Through a wide variety of council programs and services each of you has made a contribution by sharing our Catholic values, believing in the presence of God in our midst, sharing the message of Jesus so I am looking forward to another great year of bringing the “Light” to Ohio.

July-August, 2014________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 5

Family Activities

Councils excel in Food for Families program

By Michael Saine

State Family Activities Director

The generosity of the Ohio Knights knows no bounds. In its first year as a state program, Ohio Knights raised $37,513 for local food pantries and parishes through the Food for Families program. This money was not restricted and enabled the less fortunate to be served.

A staggering 80,015 pounds of food was directly donated. This food went to parishes, food pantries and even directly to individuals in need. Some councils, such as St. Patrick of Heatherdowns 14155 in Toledo, worked with a local grocery store to supply outdated or blemished food to a soup kitchen. St. Caspar Council 8829, Wauseon, was able through member donations, parish assistance and will-power to raise $5,948 for donation to an organization. Most impressive was the staggering 20,000 pounds – or 10 tons – of food by St. Joseph Council 11370, Maumee. Those Knights worked with a trucking firm to gather their donations.

These councils reported volunteering 5,814 hours of service. Councils received rebates totaling $11,400 from Supreme, to be used as the councils see fit. Many actually re-donated their proceeds back to the charity they were assisting.

All councils are eligible to participate in this program. Supreme will rebate up to $500 per council. Supreme does not update the State Council on this program Please remember to enter your endeavors on the state website to receive full credit in the Family Activities Program. Further information can be found at kofc.org/foodforfamilies, or by contacting Family Activities Director Michael Saine at (419) 699-9222.

Our 2014-2015 focus is on Ultrasound Initiative

Council Activities

State Culture of Life Director

Remember to report your activities

By Michael Nau

State Council Activities Director

The 2013-2014 fraternal year is history and I’m looking forward to the new year.

Last year was my first year as a State Director and it was an eye-opening experience, just reading about all the great things that councils and Brother Knights do.

By now, councils have new officers and are planning activities to make their councils better and to get and keep Brother Knights involved. Remember that when you do these activities to take the time to report them. Let everyone know the great thing that you do and what better way to recruit new members by showing them what great things you do for the Church and your community.

I’m Grand Knight in my council. For years we would do activities and not take the time to fill out the reports. But now I see the importance of reporting. I make it a point to have a small team get together at the end of each reporting period and fill out the reports on the activities that where done the past two months. Believe it or not, it’s not that hard and it doesn’t take much time.

The Supreme “Feature” program for Council Activities is the Special Olympics. If you do that, you will max the Program. If you don’t achieve the 200 man-hours and the $2,000 donation you will still get the 25 points.

When you have that Blood Mobile drive report it. Honor your Past Grand Knight and report it. Send get-well cards to members and families. And report them.

Thanks for all you do to make the Knights in Ohio a shining light in the darkness.

Keep up the great work and remember to take the time to submit the reports.

State Youth Activities

Councils must order their Soccer Challenge Kits

Pictured are (left to right) Gary Anderson, State Culture of Life Director; Steubenville Diocese Bishop Jeffrey Monforton; Mike Kuklica, Grand Knight and Respect Life Coordinator of Council 1641; Michael Nau, Council 2565 Grand Knight and State Council Activities Director; and Andrea Woodmansee, Executive Director of Open Arms Pregnancy Center.

Culture of Life Activities

By Gary Anderson

In 2009, Supreme Council launched one of the most important campaigns in the Order’s history: the Ultrasound Initiative. Since that time, 436 ultrasound machines have been provided by the Knights of Columbus to worthy pregnancy care centers, primarily in the United States.

Ohio councils have placed 20 ultrasound machines statewide!

The 20th machine was recently presented to the Open Arms Pregnancy Center in Cambridge (Steubenville Diocese), along with an additional $10,000 check to cover training and operating expenses. It was facilitated by three councils -- Cambridge 1641, Caldwell 2565 and Barnesville 5250. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of the machine featured Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton.

Congratulations to the Steubenville Diocese team, led by Ron Ginnetti. Kudos also to the team from the Greater Columbus Chapter for recently attaining its fundraising goal that will soon allow them to present Ohio’s 21st machine to the Pregnancy Decision Health Centers of Columbus.

Wonderful accomplishments, indeed! But more machines are needed now. When one considers that close to 90% of pregnant women considering an abortion will have a change of heart and deliver their precious babies after having seen a sonogram of their children in utero, we can’t afford to wait. Every passing day means lives saved by care centers with machines, and lives lost by those without machines.

For that reason, the main focus of the 2014-2015 State Culture of Life Activities Program will center on the Ultrasound Initiative and the resulting myriad of innocent lives to be saved. The time is now to get on board with the Ultrasound Initiative.

For more information, see pages 79-80 of the General Program Handbook, or contact: Gary Anderson, State Culture of Life Director; Tel: 614-402-3842; Email: garyanderson5656@yahoo.com.

By Bob Walsh

State Youth Activities Director

It’s time to order the Soccer Challenge Kits from Supreme Please remember that 9-year-olds are eligible to participate. With the addition of the 9-year-olds, participation levels may increase. Remember to account for this when ordering supplies.

Supreme has published winners in the Drug and Alcohol Poster Contest and the Essay Contest, but unfortunately we have no winners from Ohio. But thanks to all those who participated! The posters and essays created by Ohioans were thoughtful and colorful.

It is also time to start thinking about your council’s plan to sponsor the Essay and Poster Contest this fraternal year. Check with the schools in your area and try to get the kids involved. You’ll be amazed at the response when you bring this opportunity to the classroom.

Columbian Squires elect officers

Ohio’s Columbian Squires held their state convention on the weekend of June 27-29, at which time they elected new state officers. They are – with State Squires Director Marty Schumacher (left) – Luke Miller, Immediate Past Chief Squire; Kyle Knight, State Deputy Chief Squire; Christian Miller, State Bursar Squire; SpencerMerriss, State Chief Squire; Lawrence Akainyah, State Notary Squire. In front is Seth Hinerman, State Marshal Squire. Ten circles attended the state convention.

Page 6__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_______________________________________________________ July-August, 2014

Fourth Degree

K of C VAVS volunteers needed more than ever

By Don Hall

Vice Supreme Master, Hennepin Province

As has been widely and continuously reported, veterans are facing unacceptable, systemic problems in attempting to gain access to VA healthcare.

According to Col. Chuck Galina, the Assistant for Military and Veterans Affairs National VAVS Representative, who met with VAVS Director Sabrina Clark, reported that all VAVS Chiefs, Specialists and staff are working diligently to maintain their vital support to our veterans.

Through our Knights of Columbus. we have a direct beneficial impact on veterans with our regularly scheduled (RS) volunteers spread across five VA Medical Centers in Ohio. Many of our own Knights and many of their family members are themselves veterans, and many of them depend on the VA Healthcare system. The K of C provides support to our veterans through our volunteers and our hours of service, as well as our participation on the VAVS National Advisory Board.

Our mandate is quite simply our principles of Charity and Patriotism. We must not allow the bad publicity, the admitted systemic failures being addressed to negatively impact our support. Now is when we must double our efforts, increase our number of volunteers, our hours of service, and add our unique K of C programs.

The Knights of Columbus impact on any corrective action taken by the administration will come where it is most critical, with our love, care, and support of our Nation’s heroes right at the point we encounter them, in the medical centers.

I thank all our K of C volunteers for their continuing support. If we make it our mission to dramatically increase this level of support through recruitment of new volunteers, the retention of current volunteer force, increase our hours of service, and maximize our resolve to meet the Supreme’s Knight’s goal of presence in each of Ohio’s five Medical Centers and 29 community-based outpatient clinics, then we as Knights of Columbus will play an important role in improving healthcare for all our Veterans.

Ceremonials

Be professional in presenting degrees

By Ed Ponder

State Ceremonial Director

I recently observed a council using the new First Degree DVD distributed by Supreme to bring in a group of new members, unaware that I was the State Ceremonial Director.

I was impressed with how well the Degree was exemplified. They had read the directions and held a practice before putting on the Degree with candidates. The council officers were dressed in suits and had the ceremonial baldrics. They brought in six new members that night.

So my hat is off to these men who took the time to do it right.

The bottom line is: do not write off use of the DVD as an option when a certified team is not available. When the council reads the directions, practices with the DVD and dresses properly, the candidates will be properly introduced to the Order Reading the degree also can be a good tool for exemplifying new members. However, it is important that the readers rehearse their parts and the group putting on the degree runs through it several times before doing it with candidates. The majority of complaints that I hear about degrees are about councils doing a poor job reading the degree. I would much rather see a council use the DVD than do a poor job reading it. The second highest number of complaints is about the condition of the robes used in the Degree. If your robes are tattered or yellow with age, either replace them or go to the ceremonial baldric and suit. If the robe does not fit the person properly, this can also detract from the quality of the degree Always remember that the First Degree is the new member’s introduction to the Order. His opinion of your council and the Order will depend on how well the First Degree is presented. A certified team always is the preferred method to bring in a new member. But since a team is not always available, do not delay bringing in the new member.

The State needs more certified First Degree teams, Second Degree teams and Third Degree Conferring Officers and staff. If you have any questions, please contact me at sirearp@aol.com.

Annual Ohio K of C Campout held in Marietta

The 46th Annual Ohio Knights of Columbus Campout and Picnic was held July 2527 in Marietta, hosted by Marietta Council 478. Chairman was Tom Offenberger.

Lima Council wins basketball tournament

Lima Council 2661 won the 2014 Ohio Knights of Columbus Basketball Tournament, defeating Ottawa Council 1757 in the championship game. The tourney was held April 5-6 at the Worthington (Columbus Diocese) Community Center. Delphos Council 1362 won the consolation bracket by defeating St. John Council 4617. Adam Stolly, of Lima Council, was named Most Valuable Player.

Eight teams competed. Tournament chairman was Richard Siefker.

Why do we recruit members?

Continued from Page 1

get your candidate to a First Degree.

As someone who has personally signed up close to 125 new members, I can tell you it is not easy to turn a prospect into a Knight. But I can also tell you it is time and effort well spent. We often tell councils to recruit so that we can do more good works. We can change a man’s life by giving him a greater opportunity to serve others. But what if that new Knight is the one to be served? This is the lesson I would like to present to you in this story.

When St. Dominic-Delhi Council 15533 (Cincinnati Diocese) was being formed in June, 2012, at one of the recruitment drives a man named Paul walked up to our recruitment table at our parish and asked if a former member can rejoin. Paul had been a member while serving in the military, but had let his membership expire. Moving around during his career meant he didn’t have time for the K of C. We told Paul he would be welcomed into our new council, and he became our Charter Warden. Paul brought new ideas and helps out at many council activities.

In October, 2012, our council was recruiting again, this time as part of the October Blitz. We had a First Degree at our council scheduled for November. A young man named Kevin Weaver stopped by to talk to us. He had recently moved into the area and was looking to get involved in the parish and community.

Kevin joined at the November First Degree and became a regular attendee at meetings and events. He is always outgoing and friendly to everyone and is proud to be a Knight.

In December, 2013, Kevin suffered a major stroke at the age of 41. It left him in a coma. As soon as we found out about Kevin’s issue, the prayer chain started. Knights and family immediately spread the word to pray for his family. A Facebook page was started to update everyone on Kevin’s status.

Kevin’s health began to improve and he worked hard to regain his speech and movement. In January he spoke for the first time since the stroke, and began trying to walk again. A few setbacks in late January delayed his release from the hospital, but soon he was in rehab where he continued to get better every day.

At each St. Dominic-Delhi meeting, we were updated on Kevin’s progress. When the Grand Knight brought up the issue the family was having with the health insurance, Paul said “As Knights, we need to do something for our brother”. So began the WeaverStrong Benefit. Paul took the lead on a fundraiser for the Weaver family to help them with the expenses they were incurring. What started out as a small get-together at a local pub grew into a large event with a Basket Raffle, award of a HD TV, Split the Pots, food, drink, and Karaoke. Everyone in the council got behind this event in one way or another. We had hoped to have six to10 baskets for the Basket Raffle; we ended up with over 30. The major award prize was paid for completely. Food was donated.

Cash donations began to come in, by the time of the event these totaled over $1000.

The best news of all was that Kevin was released from the hospital in time to attend the event. On March 9, more than $3700. was raised to help the Weaver family. At the end of the event, Kevin told me “I am so glad I became a Knight”.

We were able to make a big difference for Kevin and his family because Paul stood up at a meeting and said “As Knights, we need to do something for our brother”. The moral of this story is that it is important that we recruit members like Paul. But it is just as important to recruit members like Kevin.

July-August, 2014________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 7

Former State Chaplain offers 10 membership recruitment tips

Fr. Dale Peterka was State Chaplain in 1987-1989, and now is Chaplain for the Greater Cincinnati Chapter. He offers the following 10 tips for membership recruiting.

1. Believe -- You can’t persuade someone to join something you yourself don’t believe in! When the person asks the obvious question, “What do you do?”, be ready! How you answer that question speaks volumes, what you say and how you say it.

2. Practical Catholic -- Ask only men who are active Catholics and would enjoy being in a society of Catholic men. The K of C will be of little interest to a guy who hasn’t been to church since Christmas.

3. Seek and Find -- Ask fathers, Ushers, Festival workers, Parish committee members. Men leaving church on Sunday after Mass is over.

4. Team effort -- If you are an eager and well-spoken salesman, you can sign up new members by the dozen! If that’s not you, work with two or three other Knights as a recruiting team. It’s harder to say “no” to three than to one.

5. Introduce yourself -- A name is a powerful thing. Someone who knows your name is closer to you than someone who doesn’t. When you introduce yourself to a prospective member, you have “broken the ice” and established a new friendship.

Be sure you already know his name when you introduce yourself!

6. Words -- Nobody wants to “join” the Knights of Columbus. Instead, invite your prospect to join you, a bunch of Catholic men who want to welcome a new member. Not “Join It” but “Join Us!” 7. Be ready -- When the prospect asks, “What do you guys do?”, don’t act surprised or begin stuttering! You know that question is coming. The short answer is “We are a Catholic men’s society. We work together, we play together, we pray together”. Follow up by naming the council activities you are most proud of. Choose your words well! Name your biggest project, the good that comes from it, and the fun involved. Don’t mention the small stuff. Nobody wants to join your council because “we pass the jug” at every meeting!

8. Welcome -- Once you have signed up a new member, treat him like a new friend.

Bring him to the meetings. Introduce him to the council during and after the meeting. Sign him up for projects you are involved in; that’s where he will meet people.

Call him after the meeting to answer his questions and encourage him.

9. Hard cases -- Divorced Catholics are not automatically out of the Church. A divorced Catholic man can still be a practical Catholic. He is still eligible for Knights of Columbus membership. See rule two above.

10. Financial help -- Money should never be a reason for not joining the Knights of Columbus. Offer to pay part of his dues if you find someone who is unable to pay the entire amount. Make the offer as soon as the objection is heard.

Lorain Knights help food pantry James Martin Council 637, Lorain (Cleveland Diocese) has provided a pallet cart for the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish Food Pantry in Lorain. The cart was needed by St. Frances volunteers to move containers in the pantry.

With St. Frances Pastor Fr. John Retar (cener) is (from left), Brother Knights Mark Jursinski, Larry Little and Antonio Freda.

Diocesan Top 5 Councils in Membership as of June 30, 2014

Cincinnati Diocese Council Location Net St. Margaret of York 13429 Loveland 22 Coldwater 1991 Coldwater 20 St. Leonard 10215 Centerville 14 (tie) Fort Recovery 3324 Ft. Recovery12 (tie) St. Columban 13813 Loveland 12 Columbus Diocese Council Location Net St. Thomas Aquinas 15824 Zanesville 25 Fr. Charles Griffin 15793 Chillicothe 22 Delaware 1056 Delaware 19 New Albany 10941 New Albany 18 Portsmouth 741 Portsmouth 17 Toledo Diocese Council Location Net Tiffin 608 Tiffin 32 Ottawa 1757 lOttawa 23 Blessed John XXIII 14502 Perrysburg 18 Msgr Lang 1039 Defiance 12 (tie) Mansfield 687 Mansfield 10 (tie) Holy Trinity 6373 B. Green 10

Cleveland Diocese Council Location St. Adelbert’s 15901 Berea St. Hilary14551 Akron St. Mary of the Falls 14416 Olm. Falls Geauga 3304 Chardon Fr. Ragan 3269 Avon Steubenville Diocese Council Location St. John of Beverly Beverly (tie) St. John Newman 11828 Steubenville (tie) St. Ambrose 15569 Belpre (tie) Immac. Heart Mary 472 Wintersville (tie) St. Louis IX 3335 Gallipolis Youngstown Diocese Council Location St. Edwards 15959 Youngstown Boardman 11915 Boardman (tie) Ashtabula 360 Ashtabula (tie) Msgr. Mears 3930 Austintown (tie) Poland 4471 Poland (tie) St/ Joseph 13977 Austintown

Net 16 15 14 12 11 Net 23 7 7 6 6 Net 17 16 12 12 9 9

Targeted Recruitment Drives

The 2013-14 fraternal year was one of the least productive for membership intake on record in the State of Ohio. While some councils did a great job recruiting, many other did not.

We have pushed for the past three years for members to go out and find the treasure of a new member. I am still convinced there are thousands of men in Ohio who would make great Knights. If every member in Ohio would put together a list of potential new members, I am certain they could come up with quite a few names. We all know neighbors, friends, fellow parishioners, and family members who are eligible Catholic men who would join us if we just ASK! But where do we start? There are dozens of men we come in contact with each month that we could ask to join. How do we put together a manageable list of men we could approach about joining the Knights? For the 2014-2015 fraternal year, the Ohio State Council will promote bi-monthly TARGETED RECRUITMENT DRIVES, emphasizing the recruitment of specific groups as follows: July/August- Family Members. Summer is the time for reunions, picnics and other family get-togethers. Use this time to tell a brother, cousin, uncle, etc. about the great things we do, especially with family, as Knights!

September/October- Community Servants. Every area has men dedicated to making the community a better place. Fireman, policeman, medical personnel, volunteers, and members of the military already know how good it feels to help others.

November/December: Those Who Assist the Parish. Every parish has dedicated Eucharistic Minister, Ushers, Lectors, and others who make our parish community vibrant. These are men of faith; help them become better Catholics as Knights!

January/February- Retirees and Empty Nesters. What is the #1 answer you get when you ask a man to join the K of C? It probably is “I’m too busy”. These men often have more time to get involved after these life events. Give them something to do!

March/April- New Members of the Faith. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) graduates become members of our faith at the Easter Vigil. The men are looking for a good group of Catholic men to help them continue to build their faith.

May-June: Younger Members. High school graduates, 18-year-old Squires, and men with young families can inject new life into a council. Councils that hold youth and family programs can offer these men involvement with others.

We are asking all members in Ohio to recruit this fraternal year based on these bimonthly targeted groups. But don’t pass up the chance to recruit an usher in July or a retiree in November! While we want you to concentrate on these groups, never pass up the chance to bring in a new member. We will promote this program with additional information throughout the year. We will also be promoting monthly Class Honorees that go hand in hand with these bi-monthly targeted groups.

Every member who recruits ANY new knight during the 2014-15 fraternal year will be in a monthly drawing for $50.00. Each month we will draw seven $50.00 winners. Winners will be recognized in the Buckeye Bulletin and on the state website.

There are many treasures of a new member throughout Ohio; all we need to do is ASK!

Page 8__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_______________________________________________________ July-August, 2014

2014 Matching Funds Campaign, Shining a Light for Catholic Education, begins Sept. 1

By State Advocate Bob Byers, 2014 Matching Funds Chairman It’s just about time for our Ohio Knights of Columbus Matching Funds Campaign. It will begin on Sept. 1 and conclude on Nov. 15.

Just what is Matching Funds?

It is assisting in strengthening the Catholic education efforts in every Catholic school, in every religious program and in every RCIA program in the six Ohio dioceses.

Councils solicit funds during the campaign, and the first $25,000 is matched by the Knights’ Ohio Charity Foundation. Our theme this year is Shining a Light for Catholic Education.

Our goal this year is to reach $68,000, combined with a 90% participation of Ohio councils. I would hope that all councils across the state will contribute as generously as they have in past years.

There are several ways to fund a council’s donation: • Donate a portion of the council’s Super Cash Bonanza ticket rebate.

Host a council fundraiser.

“Pass the Hat” at council meetings.

Ask members to make a personal pledge.

Remember to appoint a Matching Funds chairman, and contribute early in the campaign so that your donation will be matched.

Donations should be sent to: Bob Byers, State Advocate, 565 Indian Run Rd., Marietta, OH 45750.

Special awards will be made at the Mid-Year District Deputies’ Meeting in January, 2015: • Highest donation overall by a council.

• Highest donation by a council in each diocese.

• Highest donation per member by a council in each diocese.

• Highest donation by a chapter, assembly or Squires circle.

• For District Deputies with a 100% participation in their district.

• • •

Knights of Columbus Insurance

We stand strong on ethical ground

By James Valent, F.I.C.F., General Agent State Insurance Liaison

Some people believe that ethics in business is a contradiction in terms.

They think that in order to be profitable, a company and its leaders must abandon morality and embrace the dark, greedy side that they see so often in the news and in movies..

At the Knights of Columbus, we know this isn’t true. A business can be both ethical and successful. We are.

As a Catholic organization, we understand the value and importance of our core beliefs and the original mission of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney. In fact, much of the strength and financial security we provide to members and their families can be attributed to our ethical, moral standards.

More than 96 percent of Knights who buy our life insurance keep it, year in and year out. The Order takes this commitment to our members very seriously. This means carefully planning when it comes time to invest. Our professional staff researches all transactions to insure that they fall in line with Catholic values. If a transaction makes them uncomfortable, they don’t make it.

“We exclude any company engaged in activity that conflicts with Catholic moral teaching: companies directly involved in abortion, contraception, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, for-profit health care that pays for any of these, or pornography,” said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson.

“There are many companies in the pharmaceutical and communications industries that would undoubtedly provide excellent returns for us, but which are not in our portfolio because they engage in research and development or programming in ways that violate the sanctity or dignity of human life.”

In the end, the Knights of Columbus investment strategy is motivated by morality, not money. Yet, each year we remain profitable, increase our assets and stay dedicated to this vision that will keep the Order financially sound for generations to come.

“Faithful Catholics have choices when buying life insurance,” said the Supreme Knight. “But they know that at the Knights of Columbus, their policy is supplied by an insurer that shares their moral and ethical values and is guided in all of its investment and sales practices by those values.”

Holy Cow Team Challenge set for Oct. 4

Our Lady of Carroll County Council 15401 and the Columbiana County Chapter are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Holy Cow Team Challenge and Square Dance on Oct. 4.

For further information, contact the council at 2086 Burrow Rd. SW, Carrollton, OH 44615.

Christmas ties for sale

The Ohio State Council is selling special Christmas season silk ties. They are available to councils and individuals in three colors – white, red and green, with the lettering, “Keep Christ in Christmas” printed on them.

Interested persons should contact Administrative Services Director Jack Campbell at 1630 34th St. NE, Canton, OH 44714; Tel: (330) 453-0872; Email: cootzbabe@ att.net.

Immaculate Conception traveling icon

The Immaculate Conception Icon was introduced at the 2013 Supreme Convention Four of them have been traveling around the Ohio jurisdiction. Following is the remainder of this fraternal year schedule of District Deputies who will receive the icon for their councils: Assigned Icon 1 Icon 2 Icon 3 Icon 4 Date DD # DD # DD # DD # Sep. 2 6 36 20 67 Oct. 7 2 37 31 28 Nov. 4 3 53 30 27 Dec. 9 4 52 32 24 Jan. 11 1 51 29 26 Feb. 10 55 50 33 25 Mar. 10 61 49 n/a 23 Apr. 14 62 48 n/a n/a May 19 54 n/a n/a n/a State K of C golf tourney cancelled Due to insufficient number of registrations, the Annual Ohio K of C State Golf Tournament has been cancelled, according to Chairman Lou Toth. It was to be contested on Aug. 1-2 at Hawthorne Golf Club in Lima.