December 2015 Voice of the Spirit #6

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

www.kofcohio.org

DECEMBER 2015

Monthly Publication of the Ohio State Council

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” - Luke 2:14

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Here We Go Ohio!

Robert F. Collins, Jr, State Deputy A little about membership…

Here we go Ohio!

Congratulations to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, State Warden Larry Droesch, Diocesan Membership Director Richard Chunnic, Diocesan Coordinator Sam Robinson, and District Deputy #83 Robert Young for the institution of West Union Council #16348 at Holy Trinity Parish. We also welcome Pastor Rev. Fr. Jason E. Bedel as Chaplain.

We are Rockin’ the Membership Boat here in Ohio and as State Deputy I have to congratulate all of you throughout Ohio on your efforts. I received a check several weeks ago from the Supreme Council Membership Department in the amount of $2,100.00 for Ohio’s earnings in the Summer World Sports Membership Championship. With this check Inspector Membership and I will be bringing on some new incentives at the Council, District, and Diocesan levels to earn more cash for membership intake.

We continue to do a fantastic job with membership intake in November. We finished the month with an intake of 203 members for a 9.02% intake. We placed 7th for the month in Division 1 but in a very close race. We were only 0.31% out of 3rd place, about 7 or 8 members.

This finish though earned us a $700.00 bonus in the Winter Sports Supreme Council Membership Contest. To date we stand at 41% of our Supreme Council membership requirements. We rank 21st of

the 74 K of C Jurisdictions worldwide and we rank 3rd among the Division 1 State Councils.

At the Midyear State Deputy Meeting in San Antonio I had a personal interview with the Supreme Council President of Membership Brother Lou Barbour. Brother Lou could not thank me enough on behalf of the Supreme Council for all the work in membership being accomplished throughout Ohio.

Needless to say it was extremely Grand Knights and Membership Directors please make membership the foremost “Growth in new priority in every one of your councils throughout this great membership brings state of Ohio. We have begun to show an increase in the new Brother Knights, number of councils recruiting and bringing in new members. new ideas, and new To date about 55% of the Council's around the state are carrying the load in new energy into your membership. If the State of Ohio is to improve our councils.” membership status and grow as a jurisdiction we need the gratifying to sit with a Supreme other 45% or roughly 180 Council representative and councils to step up and begin accept his gratitude on behalf of recruiting. all our hard working members. I don’t believe there was a We are again looking for some prouder State Deputy there than opportunities again in December. me; and it showed.

There are still a lot of prospective members from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson Parish Drives that need to be by a unanimous vote of approval contacted. Inspector Membership from the State Deputies has some incentives in gathered in San Antonio December for Councils and approved the Supreme Per Brother Knights that bring in new Capita Star Council Incentive members. Watch us on Facebook Plan for another year. Achieve or get signed up for our social Star Council status at your media blitz for an unpublished council and be exempt from midmonth membership Supreme Per Capita payments incentive. for one year.

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Look for a special twist on a membership incentive around the 10th of this month. I have been working with Inspector Membership to lay out a special plan during the Christmas Season.

attire when they come to take any of the degrees. A candidate in t-shirts and shorts is just not an acceptable dress for a candidate making a degree. They should be dressed at the very minimum some type of Dockers or dress pants and a polo shirt or dress shirt.

Frenzy Sweepstakes programs.

Supreme Council Icon Program…

The Holy Family Icon Program Growth in new membership Books brings new Brother Knights, new are ideas, and new energy into your Again more Squires printed. councils. Please get on track with Congratulations...

We are your councils membership Congratulations to our State waiting program and sign up a new Squire Circle. They stand second on member today. If you haven’t in the Order with a percentage Supreme brought in a new member this net gain of 12.72%. They are Council year please take a moment and 10th stateside with a 55 member to issue ask yourself why. intake and a net intake of 50 the new members. program booklets to the four Congratulations to the October Districts that will begin the Icon Membership Contest winners and Tour through Ohio. Hopefully the all who brought in a new four icons will circulate through member that month. Contest the State of Ohio soon. winners should be listed in State Membership Director Nick Look further in this issue of the Gresko’s column.

“Voice of the Spirit” for the Congratulations as well to St. schedule and when the icon will Some thoughts on degree Henry Circle #3773, Norwalk come to your district. Please take work…and its working!

Circle #4552, and Marysville full advantage of this prayerful Please continue to schedule Circle #5710 who have all opportunity within your council frequent degrees. Our brought in 12 new members this and parishes. requirement is one Admission year.

(1st) Degree per District per State Council Financials… month, statewide. I see the Our Fall Fundraiser the State Secretary Brother Kevin results of these frequent degrees Football Frenzy Miller has just issued several already paying off in our Sweepstakes… weeks of the Football Frenzy membership numbers. Every The Football Frenzy Sweepstakes Sweepstakes weekly winners District Deputy is required to has taken the last of revenue checks. The State Council usually schedule and conduct an from around the state. Our gets our information on Tuesday Admissions (1st) Degree in his returns of sweepstakes tickets and the checks are normally district every month. are promising. Final sales results written and mailed out on will be available by the District Wednesday.

Please list all of the degrees on Deputy Midyear Meeting. Thank the State Website. The degree you to all who took the time to State Advocate Brother Mark posting page should be either purchase a ticket or to sell Siracusa has a cutoff date of overflowing with scheduled tickets at your council. I would December 1, 2015 for the end of degrees. There should be a like to pass along a special the 2015 Measure Up Campaign minimum of 80 degrees per “Thank You” to Past State and the 2015 Matching Funds month posted on the State Deputy Gary Eckstein for Campaign. On behalf of all the Website. If you schedule them continuing to chair the event State Officers I would like to they will come. If you post them year after year. thank everyone for their efforts others can see them and they in the Measure Up Campaign and will come too.

Look for some interesting Matching Funds Campaigns. Due proposals from State Fund to your efforts I believe we Please continue to remind your Raising Chairman Gary Eckstein showed an increase in donations candidates about the proper and myself for future Football this year.

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to be working A little about the Statewide well. I have Retreat… attended Please reserve the weekend of meeting in all February 5th and 6th, 2016 for but the the Ohio State Council State Columbus Retreat. A link to an electronic and Reservation Form will be listed in Steubenville this issue and hopefully on the Diocese. Meetings have been State Website. The event costs, very well attended. There has rooming and rooming availability been excellent dialogue and should be available on the debate among myself, other electronic Reservation Form.

State Officers, State Directors Please send your personal or and the Brother Knights in council check to State Warden attendance. These meeting are a Larry Droesch at his home great place to learn about the address for payment to attend working of your State Council, this activity. Please make every the State Website, State General effort attend this 24 hour day Program, Church Drives, and with your Brother Knights in membership recruiting. All some fraternity, meditation, and meetings start at 7:00 p.m. prayer.  Thursday, December 10, District Garfield Council #4130 Deputy  Wednesday, December 16, Midyear Greater Columbus Area Meeting…  Thursday, December 17, The District Kenton Council #1597 Deputy  Tuesday, January 12, Midyear Marietta Council #478 Meeting will  Thursday, January 14, Mingo be weekend Junction #4361 of January  Tuesday, January 19, St. 8, 9, and Mary’s Chardon Council 10, 2016 at the Columbus Hilton #15942 at Easton. Supreme Council Membership and Programming Special Lapel Pin… Consultant Joe Ramirez will lead I have been working with Vice the day of training on Saturday Supreme Master Donald Hall to afternoon. produce a special lapel pin for any 4th Degree member who Every District Deputy is required brings in a new member and get to attend this weekend him through his first 3 degrees. conference. Please plan to attend Our 4th Degree Sir Knights are and clear your calendar for this always looking for ways to all-important weekend. District increase not only their Deputies will receive a personal membership but the State invitation with requirements he Councils as well. I, Vice Supreme will need for that weekend. Plan Master Hall, and State Social to provide information Media Chairman Jim Maslach are concerning required forms, working out the final details of membership, programming, and this pin. Look for more on this in degree work that day. upcoming issues of the “Voice” or from your District Masters “Town Hall” Meetings… sometime after the first of the The “Town Hall” meetings seem year.

WWW.KOFCOHIO.ORG The State Website is up and running for the first two General Program grading periods. Yes we have had some web issues but to my knowledge they are minimal.

All problems to my knowledge have been worked out with Webmaster Brother Gilliland on a person to person basis.

Remember our website is only 150 days old or so and it’s just getting up on its feet.

With this said and confident in the working of the Website thus far Brother Gilliland working on the ability for District Deputies to view all of their respective councils programming. Brother Gilliland is also working on the State Chaplain’s Page, the State Deputy’s Page, links to video productions on the Supreme Website, State Council Website tutorials, and better information to our Membership Inquiry Page.

Please be patient with us. If you have any issues please address them to me and I'll get with you and Brother Bob to get them resolved.

In closing…

May God continue to Bless you during this Christmas Season as you continue to the work you do in Jesus name. Dedicate everything you do for Him to the honor and glory of God and see what changes it will make in your life. Have a Blessed Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years from all of us at the Ohio State Council.

Bob Collins State Deputy

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Reflections from State Chaplain Father Edward Janoch, State Chaplain

 A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew Matthew 2:13-18 When the Magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: “A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

These words from sacred scripture ring true today just as they did in the First Century.

There are still children who are fleeing their homelands because some ruler seeks their deaths.

The Christians from the Middle East who have been in the Holy Land for almost as long as when this Gospel was written, are now homeless and persecuted for the crime of being followers of the “Child who fled to Egypt.”

Syrian and Iraqi Christians are being wiped out and seek shelter from other nations for protection. This is not as easy as it was for the Holy Family to flee to Egypt. Today politics plays a role in who can or cannot enter into a country. With the threat from those who are persecuting the Christians in the Middle East are also persecuting those nations who are helping them. On November 13, 2015, in Paris, France, over 130 people

were killed for being “infidels.”

Radical Muslim Terrorists took it upon themselves, with the support of ISIS, to terrorize their victims, and sent shock waves of fear throughout the world.

Sadly, the Christian Refugees are caught in the middle of this dilemma. They are fleeing their counties because they are being persecuted and now many nations are closing their support for these refugees because of the fear that hidden within these persecuted people are also terrorists who are disguising themselves to be Christian refugees. In our own State of Ohio, it was reported that 72 refugees entered our State in 2015. Now our Governor has joined over half the Governors in the United States to cease taking in anymore refugees until they can be guaranteed that these refugees are not terrorists in disguise.

How are we to react to this dilemma? I believe that our Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson can help us Knights to understand and to act in this deceive moment in world history. The following is an excerpt of Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s remarks on the Order’s Christian Refugee Relief Fund.

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Iraqi and Syrian Christians, as well as other religious minorities, continue to face violent persecution and the very real prospect of extinction.

Thousands have fled their homelands to escape forced conversion or martyrdom.

Our Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Relief Fund donated $2.2 million to help these families in Iraq. Our donation paid for the construction of new homes on property owned by the Chaldeanrite Archdiocese of Erbil.

The houses were built mostly for Iraqi Christians who were driven from their homes in Mosul and the surrounding area — many of whom have been unable to find room even in emergency shelters.

We also gave $150,000 to provide emergency medical care for refugees in Erbil this summer. Our Christian Refugee Relief Fund has also sent $200,000 in general aid to the Melkite-rite Archeparchy of Aleppo, Syria. And more recently, an additional $150,000 was donated after the diocesan facilities were bombed.

FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP — AID TO CHRISTIANS Eighty-nine years ago, Supreme Knight Flaherty addressed the Supreme Convention in Philadelphia with these words:

silence. We shall not give it that sanction.

He also said, “We are bidden to hold our peace, but we shall not hold our peace.”

In 1926, Supreme Knight Flaherty was speaking of the persecution of Catholics in Mexico.

But who among us, hearing those words today, does not think of the religious cleansing — or, as Pope Francis recently said in his address to the World Meeting of Popular Movements, the “genocide” — of Christians in the Middle East? What is their only crime? To believe in the one

Middle East?"

The world remains largely silent.

These refugees’ cries for help remain largely unheard.

Thankfully, the Kurdistan Regional Government and the nations of Jordan and Lebanon have offered safe haven for many, and we are grateful. But neither the United States government nor the United Nations are doing enough.

The blood of these martyrs cries out to heaven for justice. And the blood of these martyrs cries out to you and to me for help.

As with Mexico in 1926, the Knights of Columbus will come to their aid.

Through our Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Relief Fund, we have already delivered more than $3 million to assist our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria.

Our dollars provide housing and medical care, but we can and must continue to do more.

who 2,000 years ago taught us to love our neighbor.

Today, I announce that the Knights of Columbus will In Iraq alone, the Christian redouble our efforts to bring aid population has fallen by at least to these victims in the Middle two-thirds, from 1.5 million to East. We will begin a new less than 400,000. Many of these education campaign to expose Christians have fled to the city of the crimes against humanity that Erbil. are being committed.

In Syria, almost 10 percent of the population is Christian.

There, too, violence against Christians has caused a refugee We behold our brothers suffering crisis. Thousands have fled for for their faith, in one of the most their lives to escape forced violent and unjust persecutions conversion and martyrdom. of modern times. … It is a sorry hour for our civilization when a Just days ago, a headline in The persecution of this sort … can be New York Times asked, "Is This conducted under sanction of the End of Christianity in the

It is time for a season of truth about what is happening to Christians and other minorities.

It is a time for action.

We can do something, even if it is just a small token or a simple gesture by participating in the Order’s Solidarity Cross Program.

For $10.00 we will be supporting 6

the Order’s efforts in raising funds for the persecuted Christians who are remaining in the Middle East. It may be a simple gesture, but the Child who fled into Egypt, Jesus Christ, came to save the world from sin and death and we his followers are now being asked to save those who are in the greatest

need. Do not let the terrorists win by living in fear, but win by living in faith with Jesus Christ.

These refugees are now in need of experiencing the “coming of Christ” into their lives by the support we can give them in this Season of Watching and Waiting for the Lord. Let us not turn this effort into a political quagmire,

Saint of the Month

Lady, he found out his uncle was dying. Hurrying to get a priest, Juan missed his meeting with the Lady. The Lady, however, met him on his path and told him that his uncle had been cured.

St. Juan Diego, December 9th Juan Diego was born in 1474 in the calpulli or ward of Tlayacac in Cuauhtitlan, which was established in 1168 by Nahua tribesmen and conquered by the Aztec lord Axayacatl in 1467; and was located 14 miles north of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City).

On December 9, 1531, a native Mexican named Juan Diego rose before dawn to walk fifteen miles to daily Mass in what is now Mexico City. Juan lived a simple life as a weaver, farmer, and laborer. That morning, as Juan passed Tepeyac Hill, he heard music and saw a glowing cloud encircled by a rainbow. A woman's voice called him to the top of the hill. There he saw a beautiful young woman dressed like an Aztec princess. She said she was the Virgin Mary and asked Juan to tell the bishop to build a church on that site. She said, "I vividly desire that a church be built on this site, so that in it I can be present and give my love, compassion, help, and defense, for I am your most devoted mother . . . to hear your laments and to remedy all your miseries, pains, and sufferings."

but to do what Jesus would do: bringing comfort and joy to those who are finding it hard to have comfort and joy in this Advent and Christmas Season.

A Blessed Christmas and a Holy New Year to all Knights in the Great State of Ohio. Vivat Jesus!

She then told Juan to climb to the top of the hill where they first met. Juan was shocked to find flowers growing in the frozen soil. He gathered them in his cloak and took them at once to the bishop.

Juan told the bishop what had happened and opened his cloak.

The flowers that fell to the ground were Castilian roses (which were not grown in Mexico). But the bishop's eyes were on the glowing image of the Lady imprinted inside Juan's cloak.

nourished by catechesis and pictured him (who said to the Blessed Virgin Mary: "I am a nobody, I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf") as a model of humility for all of us.

In His Footsteps: Juan walked fifteen miles to attend Mass every day. Participate in Mass one day this week that is not a Soon after, a church was built on Sunday Mass. If this is the site where our Lady impossible, take a long walk appeared, and millions converted outside and notice the miracles to Christianity. Our Lady of of God's love during that walk.

Guadalupe was declared the You may not see roses in the patroness of the Americas. snow or hear music, but there is plenty to praise God for!

He died on May 30, 1548, at the age of 74.

Prayer: Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a Juan Diego deeply loved the Holy bishop and the crowds to bring Eucharist, and by special Mary's message to Mexico. Pray permission of the Bishop he for us that when we are faced received Holy Communion three with obstacles to our faith we times a week, a highly unusual may show that same courage The bishop was kind but occurrence in those times. and commitment. Amen. skeptical. He asked Juan to bring proof of the Lady's identity.

Pope St. John Paul II praised From: catholic.org Before Juan could go back to the Juan Diego for his simple faith 7

The Twelve Days of Christmas The time between Christmas Eve and Epiphany [traditionally January 6th] The true love in the song refers to God, and the beloved who receives the gifts refers to every baptized person.

The Partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The other symbols mean the following: 2-Turtle Doves = the Old and New Testaments and/or the two Natures of Jesus Christ 3-French Hens = The Trinity and/or Faith, Hope, and Charity; the Theological Virtues 4-Calling Birds = the four Gospels and/or the four Evangelists

Holy Family Icon Larry Droesch, State Warden Brother Knights, I am excited to announce that the Holy Family Traveling Icon Prayer Program is officially starting December 12, 2015. It will run through May 19, 2017. The 2 year Prayer Program will start in Districts 57, 61, 39, and 71.

It involves creating, planning, and holding a K of C sponsored Prayer Service honoring the Holy Family and using the Icon, Prayer Books, and Cards. All District Deputies will have the Icons for 20 up-to 30 days to move around within their Districts and then send or deliver the Icon, Prayer Books and cards to the next DD on the traveling schedule. Sorry to say we got the prayer books about 3 months late, so we had to readjust the schedule.

I ask that every council and district please follow the enclosed/attached Traveling schedule to prepare for when your area will receive it. This also includes the guidelines that must be followed so every District in Ohio has the opportunity to have the Icon within the 2 year period.

Thanks for your patience with getting this Prayer Program started and running. Feel free to call, text, or email me with questions"

5-Golden Rings = the first five books of ASSIGNED DATE the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch,” ON OR BEFORE which gives the history of man’s fall from 12-Dec 2015 grace.

10-Jan 2016 6-Geese a-Laying = the six days of 1-Feb Creation 1-Mar 1-Apr 7-Swans a-Swimming = the seven gifts 1-May of the Holy Spirit and/or the seven 1-Jun Sacraments 1-Jul 8-Maids a-Milking = the eight Beatitudes 1-Aug 29-Aug 9-Ladies Dancing = the nine fruits of the 16-Sep Holy Spirit 9-Oct 31-Oct 10-Lords a-Leaping = the Ten 21-Nov Commandments 16-Dec 11-Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful 20-Jan 2017 Apostles 17-Feb 10-Mar 12-Drummers Drumming = the twelve 7-Apr points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed 1-May **

ICON 1 ICON 2 DD # DD # 57 61 58 59 65 60 64 67 3 62 1 66 2 68 5 63 4 69 6 70 7 48 8 49 17 50 13 45 9 47 11 44 10 43 12 41 15 38 14 40

ICON 3 ICON 4 DD # DD # 39 71 42 28 46 27 37 26 72 75 73 29 32 74 30 79 31 82 18 78 21 81 36 80 19 77 25 76 24 51 23 52 22 53 34 54 20 55 33 56 8

Membership Nick Gresko, State Membership Director

It is time to look and see where your council is at and possibly readjust your goals for the 2nd half of the year. At the end of December your council should be at 50% of Membership and 50% of Insurance goals set by Supreme if not higher. If you are at 50% or higher on both of these goals then you need to look at how your council is going to achieve 100% or higher on both of these by June 30, 2016. If your council is below 50% of both or one of these goals what is your council going to do to get to 100% by June 30, 2015? It is time now to evaluate where your council is and what needs to be done.

As Grand Knight your number 1 goal should be to get Star Council. This shows that your council is growing and doing great programming.

Furthermore, it shows that your leadership as Grand Knight has been successful. If I can be of any help meeting your membership goal please contact me and I will help. There was

50% of Membership & 50% of Insurance Call On ME! a council over a month ago that the Grand Knight called me and this council has not recruited a member in over 2 ½ years and they asked for help. I walked the Grand Knight and council Membership Director as to how to do a successful Parish Membership Drive. Believe it or not they did this and the council was rewarded with 10 new members. Call on me I will be

4 MORES: MORE Knights bring MORE hands & hearts, to raise MORE funds and to evangelize, doing GOD’S good works helping MORE people in need!

Membership in Ohio For five straight months we have been positive with membership recruitment.

Brother Knights what do you have planned for the next two months to keep this trend up?

Inspector Membership is expecting huge numbers the next few months!!! Inspector also wants to thank all of the Brother Knights and Councils for their hard work when it comes to membership for the first five months!!!

Form 450 and Form 450C is like GOLD!!!

District Deputies please make sure within 3-7 days of holding a degree in your District the Form 450 is turned in. Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries the Form 450C should be sent in within 3-7 days of doing a degree.

This is extremely important because this allows us to track if Supreme actually processed your Form 100’s! If you took the time to bring in a new member the State Membership Team wants to make sure you get credit for your hard work and effort.

Form 100’s Within 3-10 days of a degree any Form 100’s should be emailed to the Supreme Council at membership@kofc.org or to membershiprecords@kofc.org Supreme is able to process the Form 100 much quicker this way and you have a receipt that they were sent in your sent mail. Plus this saves your council the cost of a stamp every time new members are brought in.

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glad to help. If you need help with Insurance please call your General Agent if you do not have a Field Agent. If you need help with this please call me and I can also help. It is my goal to get 100 Star Councils or more.

The time is now to start thinking about this and making a plan.

Please do not wait until the last minute because it is easy to run out of time and end up short of Star Council. I will be waiting on your calls and or emails.

Good Luck in achieving Star Council!!!

Inspector Membership

Encourage all able council members to be the Retention Bill Wirtz (West) / Mike Team and put them into action.

Jordon (East) As always, it’s about the love and respect we have for each The holidays are a very holy time other. of the year for many of us, magical for the young and young Please allow the infant Jesus, at heart, but even stressful for and our Through Him, With others. So, it is especially Him, and In Him program, critical that we reach out to all guide our hearts and our actions. our members during this season.

Embrace the Retention Activities They are, after all, our family.

Program, get creative with your We need to ensure their wellefforts to reach out to all our being and also let them know current members, and share they are loved and in our your successes by reporting. thoughts and prayers.

Retention

When reaching out during this season consider taking this opportunity to offer some of our Brothers transportation to our meetings and church services.

They may also need to get out to do some shopping and access will be essential to them.

For questions and assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the Ohio State Council Retention Directors.

God Bless, Bill Wirtz and Mike Jordon

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Mission Winners November Mission Debriefing The 10 Proposers that won $50 for November are as follows: 1. Rev. Jason E. Bedel Council 16348 Arch Diocese of Cincinnati 2. Jeffrey M. Stegbauer Council 16164 Arch Diocese of Cincinnati 3. James F. Mumaw Council 4424 Arch Diocese of Cincinnati 4. George W. Perz Council 3269 Cleveland Diocese 5. Brent P. Grantham Council 15942 Cleveland Diocese 6. Sean P. Fitzgerald Council 12939 Columbus Diocese 7. Erol J. Hosdil Council 11828 Steubenville Diocese 8. Gary Lizotte Council 11828 Steubenville Diocese 9. Robert C. Stipe Council 4891 Toledo Diocese 10.Gregory D. Frank Council 5582 Youngstown Diocese

DD winners for bringing in a minimum of 5 new members in their District win $2 per new member- #3 $10, #5 $18, #8 $14, #12 $12, #18 $22, #19 $14, #20 $16, #25 $10, #31 $12, #35 $12, #45 $12 and #50 $10 DD winners for any non recruiting council in his district that brought a new member in gets $10 per non recruiting council- DD #2, DD #4, DD #5, DD #6, DD #9, DD #11, DD #14, DD #17, DD #18, DD #20, DD #22, DD #25, DD #28, DD #29, DD #35, DD #39, DD #41, DD #43, DD #52, DD #60, DD #63, DD #68, DD #74, DD #78 and DD #80 The Following DD’s won $20.00- DD #15 and DD #69 12 Councils that brought in 3 or more new members in November get $75 each-1362, 2158, 2886, 4243, 4847, 4891, 11445, 11801, 13874, 14416, 14551, and 16137 Diocesan Membership Director Incentive for hitting their Diocesan Membership Goal for the month win $30 + for every .5% over you get an extra $10 Cleveland Diocesan Membership Director Jerry Nowesnick $30

December Membership Mission #6

something that is so fantastic that you never would have thought. No, it is not a new plant or that special electronic gizmo you want. It is a Knights of Columbus membership!

someone reach their potential in the eyes of Christ.

Your mission for December is to the right - click, if you so choose to accept. Inspector We have reached the midpoint Membership will be watching and of the fraternal year. You have Where else can you give making sure that we all do the accepted the missions to-date someone a gift that is truly the best to "Keep Christ in and have all responded. Ohio "Experience of a Lifetime?" Look Christmas" this season. has had a great increase in at all of the good that comes members since July. from being a member of the Knights of Columbus - growth in Christmas is upon us. As we faith, fellowship and service - all get ready to go shopping for things that can make someone a those gifts this season, let us better son, husband, father, not forget one the best gifts that friend and so on. One never you could give. It is a gift that - knows where a priceless gift as if nurtured - it can grow into membership can lead. Help 11

General Programs Bob Walsh, General Program Director With half of the general program almost over, now would be the time to review your council programming to see how many more activities are needed to max out the “Through Him, With Him, In Him” Program.

Remember that you need 1085 points in the nine reporting areas. 200 points in the Church, Council, Community, Family, Culture of Life, and Youth categories. 200 points for Membership, 120 Retention, and 165 for Administration. The number of Councils reporting in each activity has gone up in the second reporting period, but there are still a number of Councils that have not turned in any reports. This is one way the State can gauge how the Councils are doing.

The Family of the Month is a wonderful program to recognize the Families in your Council for all the work they do, Supreme also recognizes these hard working families, but for them to do this councils have to turn in your honorees monthly. In October, no Council turned in any honorees, let’s show Supreme that Ohio has families that deserve this honor.

Church

heart of the Gospel” (Misericordiae Vultus).

To live mercy, we must help our members to rediscover both the Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Corporal Works of Mercy:

Jeff Kiliany

Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis has given the Church and the world a great gift in his announcement of Jubilee Year of Mercy that will begin December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which is the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the second Vatican Council, and will continue through to the Solemnity of Christ the King in November of 2016.

Mercy is “the beating heart of the Gospel” Pope Francis writes: “It is absolutely essential for the Church and for the credibility of her message that she herself live and testify to mercy.”

Mercy, he says, is “the beating

The following report needs to be turned into Supreme in January, #1728 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity due by January 31st, also #1295 SemiAnnual Audit is due by February 15th, now would be great time to start working on them so that they are turned in on time.

These are also part of the Administration program.

Spiritual Works of Mercy Counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead.

Corporal Works of Mercy Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

There are many ways that our members can respond to the call to live mercy.

While reviewing your Council programming remember to review your Star Council programs and keep track of them.

On behalf of all the Directors and their families we wish all our Knights and their families a Blessed, Happy, and Healthy Christmas.

A few resources for ideas are listed below: Put Two Feet of Love in Action.

Use the “Two Feet of Love in Action” guide to consider how you can strengthen both charitable works and social justice at home and as part of your faith community.

Visit www.usccb.org/twofeet for more information.

Get Involved Locally. Explore the map at PovertyUSA.org to find local organizations that practice mercy by learning about and addressing poverty.

Or, contact your diocesan director for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

Engage Your Faith Community.

With your faith community, use 12

Pope Francis’ prayer for the Jubilee Year, and the resources mentioned below, to pray, reach out, learn, and act during the year. Visit WeAreSaltAndLight.org for stories of how communities of faith around the country are living mercy.

let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified.

You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches Participate in Action Alerts on them feel sought after, loved, issues of life and dignity from the and forgiven by God. U.S. Catholic bishops Send your Spirit and consecrate (cqrcengage.com/ every one of us with its catholicbishops). anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may I am most interested in hearing be a year of grace from the Lord, about how your Council is and your Church, with renewed promoting the “Year of Mercy” enthusiasm, may bring good and activities that your members news to the poor, are doing. Enter your activity proclaim liberty to captives and under Council Choice #6 or #7. the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind.

Pope Francis’ Prayer for the We ask this through the Jubilee Year of Mercy intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, You are the visible face of the you who live and reign with the invisible Father, Father and the Holy Spirit for of the God who manifests his ever and ever. power above all by forgiveness Amen. and mercy:

Excerpted from Pope Francis’ Prayer for the Jubilee Year of Mercy “Keep Christ in Christmas” Campaign Remember our Keep Christ in Christmas campaign. As Catholic families, we can take a proactive approach to the season by actively participating in a variety of campaigns. To earn credit for this step, your council needs to participate in one or more of the activities listed in the “Through Him, With Him, In Him” church Activities Program and report it under Activity #3.

HAVE A JOYOUS AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS: We, as Knights of Columbus, support the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign to remind people that Christmas is above all else, a holy day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. With this in mind, my wife Judy & I would like to wish you and your families, a very joyous and Blessed Christmas Season!

Family

Stewart Vetter We all have fond memories of December. Most of those memories involve family. December is a great month to plan family activities. Go caroling at a nursing home or to the shut-ins of your parish. Schedule a Christmas party for families. A church decorating party. A family New Year’s Eve party. Adopt a family in need and have several Brother Knights go shopping for them. The Christmas season is a great time to keep our Catholic families active.

During all the activity, planning, shopping, decorating, and running around, we often forget the reason for the season. We forget that our Savior humbling himself to become man is why we celebrate and revere this season. We forget that through the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph became a family too. Your council can plan activities that remind, not just our Brother Knights but, your entire parish that we need to keep Christ in Christmas. A rosary before the Nativity of the Holy Family. Pass out coloring pages of the Holy Family to kids after mass.

Volunteer or host a fund raiser for a maternity center. Volunteer at a homeless shelter to honor Mary and Joseph who slept in a stable.

Family events are plentiful this time of year and I can’t wait to read about how your council celebrates the birth of our Savior. May God bless you and keep you and may the Holy Family serve as our model for faith and love within our families.

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Culture of Life Gary Anderson

Please act now to encourage Congress to protect the rights of conscientious objectors to abortion, sterilization, and contraception. These rights are under attack. In California, for example, the state government has issued a directive requiring all health plans to cover abortions. Religious ministries in the state, including Catholic schools, are right now being forced to add abortion to their health plans.

This sort of coercion violates federal law, but these federal conscience protections have not been enforced. More protection is needed as similar violations occur throughout the country.

Health care workers and organizations need the ability to act on their own to defend their rights in court. The Abortion Non -Discrimination Act (ANDA) grants this by providing victims a means for protecting their conscience rights through legal action. Contact your members of Congress to support ANDA. Immediate action is necessary.

Consider the case of Cathy Cenzon-DeCarlo, RN, a nurse in New York City, whose employer forced her to choose between assisting in a late-term abortion and losing her job: "The hospital where I work coerced me to assist in a 22-week abortion.

They were well aware that as a faithful Catholic, I could not participate in the killing of a preborn child. Yet, they threatened my job and my nursing license if I did not take part in the murder of a baby." Her story is here: https://youtu.be/uknxrMI61WI As Pope Francis has said, “conscientious objection is a

right, and part of the body of all human rights. If we want to make peace, we must respect all rights.�

brothers! If I missed any council that was a lead sponsor, my apologies. Please contact me with all the details.

Thank you for doing your part to Let's stay focused , brothers, by protect conscience rights and to keeping your eyes and ears build a Culture of Life. open for pregnancy care centers in need of new or replacement Fraternally, machines. For more information, Carl Anderson see pages 62-63 of the General Supreme Knight Program Book. The Ultrasound Initiative program is a Supreme Ultrasound Initiative Update Featured Program, meaning the sponsoring council/unit will fulfill Ohio continues to be one of the the Culture Life component for leading jurisdictions in supplying the Columbian Award by free ultrasound machines to successfully completing a qualified pregnancy care centers campaign and meeting the strict through the Order's Ultrasound guidelines as outlined by Initiative campaign. As of now, Supreme in the program book.

K of C units across the state It also would qualify to max the have successfully delivered 30 state Culture of Life program. of the life-saving machines since Please note that councils must 2010, which places the Ohio be sponsors and/or active State Council #6 in the Order. participants in the campaign, That is simply amazing. When not just financial donors. one considers the hundreds upon hundreds of ultrasound March for Life 2016 exams to be performed by each machine in the coming years, Once again, and the fact that approximately many K of C 90% of pregnant mothers who councils, see the sonogram of their assemblies, babies ultimately deliver their and their little ones, we're talking literally families will thousands of babies who may be be soon be saved right here in Ohio through trekking to the Ultrasound Initiative Washington, D.C. for the March program. Does it get any better for Life 2016 on Friday, January than that? I think not.

22. The day kicks off with the noon Rally while the March itself Congratulations for the following steps off at 1:00 p.m. Those units that have successfully arriving a day early can make sponsored and conducted plans to attend the March for ultrasound campaigns in this Life Conference on Thursday fraternal year: St. Hilary Council from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon #14551, the Dayton Chapter, at the Renaissance Washington and Tiffin Council #608. St. Hotel. Download a PDF of the Leonard Council #10215 is in March for Life Trip Planner by the process of completing its CLICKING HERE. If your council fundraising for THREE new or group is going, please take machines for a major PCC in the lots of photos and notes then Cincinnati area. And they did it forward them to me for in the blink of an eye with a publication in the Buckeye very short deadline. Well done, Bulletin. The same goes for 14

those who will be attending local marches or rallies. The March for Life is also a Supreme Featured Program, provided the guidelines are followed exactly as specified.

family, the basic unit of society.

It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily married life. The critical nature of World Marriage Day World Marriage Day 2016 becomes more and more important with the increasing onslaught of attacks on marriage and the family. K of C councils are strongly encouraged to proclaim to the nation and the Now is the time to begin world their undying support for planning for World Marriage Day, the institution of marriage. For to be observed on February 14. more information, see page 67 of What a wonderful coincidence the General Program Book. that it falls on Valentine's Day this year, and the First Sunday K of C Day of the Unborn of Lent. Since 1981, World Child Marriage Day has been celebrated on the second Sunday One of the Order's most popular in February across the U.S. and Culture of Life events is the Day around the globe. World of the Unborn Child, which in Marriage Day honors husband most years coincides with the and wife as the foundation of the Solemnity of the Annunciation of

the Lord on March 25. However, with Easter falling in 2016 on March 27, the observance of the Annunciation has been moved to Monday, April 4.

The Day of the Unborn Child is a magnificent opportunity to promote and pray for the return of respect and protection of the unborn child. Some worthwhile ideas: Plan and sponsor a Mass for the Unborn (may include your Fourth Degree Color Guard).

Consider a pro-life talk with light refreshments after, or even a dinner. Pray the Rosary as an assembled council and family for unborn children. Hold a prayer vigil in front of a statue of our Blessed Mother Mary or a monument to aborted children while praying a Rosary for the Unborn. Use your imagination!

State Website Bob Gilliland

Council Forms Submission Financial Secretaries and Grand Knights can now submit their Council Forms online. Financial Secretaries can maintain their Council Officers, submit the Form 185 (Officers), Form 365 (Program Directors – submitted by Grand Knight), Form 1295 (Audit 1 and), Form 1728 Fraternal Survey, and Form SP-7 (Columbian Award).

Each of these forms will offer the ability to print a PDF or submit electronically (except the Audit which must be signed by the Grand Knight and 3 Trustees) to Supreme Council, the State Deputy, District Deputy of record and the Council for its records.

The Form SP-7 will populate from the Graded Council programs already entered in the State website and the Council Grand Knight can select the desired programs that will populate the form if more than 4 programs in a particular category are completed.

If you have any problems, or need any help, please feel free to email me at BobG@sceinet.com.

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Insurance Corner Patrick Murphy Our Guarantees Set Us Apart That commitment is an essential core value of the Knights of Knights of Columbus life Columbus, and our core values insurance offers something permeate all levels of our precious few other financial organization. We pledge to products can – guarantees. As serve our brother Knights, and long as you pay your premiums, their families, according to our the policy proceeds will be there Golden Rule: “In all my for your beneficiaries should professional relationships, I something happen to you. pledge myself to the following That’s peace of mind, and that’s rule of conduct: I shall, in light what we offer with every of all conditions surrounding product in our portfolio. those I serve, render that service which, under the same We guarantee the cash value in circumstances, I would apply to your whole life policies will be myself.” there.

Only Having Insurance We guarantee the rates on your “Through Work” Doesn’t term insurance.

Work Do you know anyone whose life We guarantee our retirement or career has drastically products will provide a stream changed during these years of of income when you need it. economic downturn? It’s very likely that someone in your On top of those product immediate or extended family or guarantees, I guarantee that I group of friends is facing will offer professional, highfinancial uncertainty. Maybe quality service that you would there’s a possibility that you (or expect from our organization. your spouse) could lose your job or change employers.

Our Order is among the highest rated life insurers in North Too many people have often America. AM Best has rated the relied on group term life Knights of Columbus “A++, insurance as their only safety Superior” for 39 consecutive net. Often, this insurance is an years. It’s a testament to our employee benefit provided at track record for excellence and low or no cost. The existence of security. this coverage might convince someone that personally-owned I would suggest that a principal life insurance is not necessary. reason that we were able to achieve those accolades is But only having “through work” because we remain steadfastly insurance can leave you and committed to the vision of your family vulnerable. Most Venerable Father Michael J. group life insurance policies are McGivney by providing life limited in amount, which may insurance by brother Knights for be tied to salary or some other brother Knights. benchmark. These numbers are often capped, and this cap may

be

dangerously low when compared to your family’s actual needs. In fact, a detailed needs analysis that evaluates your specific situation, will likely show that any employerprovided coverage falls short.

In addition, the amount of group insurance offered is almost always reduced, sometimes dramatically, when you retire. You could one day find yourself without coverage, and if your health has changed (which it will as you age), you might also find yourself unable to secure individual protection.

At the very least, it will definitely be more expensive.

While group life insurance can help, it does not replace the need for individually owned life insurance. I’ll be happy to meet with you and provide a no-cost needs analysis, so you’ll know exactly where you stand. ..

Take steps to protect your family and your financial future.

On behalf of all of the General Agents of Ohio we want to wish you all A Wonderful Christmas Season and a Blessed 2016.

Fraternally, Patrick

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State District Deputy Director George Metz Worthy District Deputies, First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your hard work for the first half of the fraternal year.

There are a few requirements you need to work on in December. They are summarized below and listed in the District Deputy Manual. Remember the monthly reports are due by 11:59PM on the 5 th of every month. We need a 100% on-time turn in. These reports are to be done on line. The link will either be on the website or sent out by your Diocesan Coordinator. If you are having trouble contact your diocesan coordinator for assistance. The numbers for this report should be for November ONLY.

December Requirements

  

The first turn in for Pennies for Heaven is due by December 15 The District Deputy Semiannual Report 944A is due by December 31, please send it in early.

Send in your Mid -Year District Deputy Meeting registration as soon as you get registration information. Register at the hotel for the Mid -Year District Deputy Meeting.

Thank you for all the great work you do.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year George Metz District Deputy Director

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Plant the Seed to Grow CASH for Charity The 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign Super Cash Bonanza Charity Raffle Tickets and posters will be distributed during the Ticket Distribution Meetings throughout Ohio the weekends of February 19, 20, or 26, 27, 28 (2016). Please check for the exact date, time, and location in your council area.

Please make sure that all who are in charge of the 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign have read the materials provided to the council, especially, the information booklet.

Significant income for charity can be earned by your council (far surpassing the basic rebate of $2.40 per ticket), but you must adhere to the “rules” as presented in the information booklet. Some rebates require meeting attendance, while others require meeting First Phase and Final Phase quotas.

Here are some of the key points: A minimum of two members from your council must attend the Diocesan Ticket Distribution Meeting. The two-member requirement does not include the District Deputy, State Directors and Chairs, or a State Officer to qualify for these rebates.

The sold tickets and one check from your council must be sent to the State Treasurer by the published deadlines. The two turn-in dates are Friday, April 15 (2016) and Friday, May 13 (2016). Your council must meet these deadlines with the required number of sold tickets per member in order to qualify for the different rebates.

Most methods of shipping are acceptable. UPS, FedEx or the US Postal System all have good record of timely delivery of small packages. Please do not send your package by a method requiring my signature. These often go back to the delivery agent’s warehouse and await pickup. Please use durable-strength envelopes or cartons to avoid damage during shipment.

Please make every effort to have all of your council’s tickets submitted by the second turn-in deadline. Tickets brought to and delivered at the convention might create a processing problem. With the drawing taking place that weekend, there is very little time for late arrivals.

We cannot guarantee your rebates on tickets received more than a few days after the final turn -in date of May 15, 2016.

Extra materials and tickets can be obtained from your District Deputy or Diocesan Officer. Any questions concerning the 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Campaign should be directed to me, Robert Byers, State Treasurer and Chair, by email at robert_byers@hotmail.com or by calling me at 740706-0044 cell or 740-373-7154 home.

Plan early, promote, and partner! We are here to help you work toward the success of the 2016 Super Cash Bonanza charity campaign at your local council.

Thank you to all my brother knights for helping me “Plant the Seed and Grow CASH for Charity.”

Additional information is also available on the Ohio State Council state website at www.kofcohio.org.

Fraternally,

Farmer Bob Bob Byers, State Treasurer 18

Super Cash Bonanza Road Show 2016 Ticket Distribution Meetings The Super Cash Bonanza Road Show Team is making plans now to meet with each and every Council throughout the State of Ohio to kick off the 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Charity Raffle. We have selected nine locations around the state to make every effort possible for each and every one of you to attend one of the meetings. The team will share with you some thoughts about what is expected to conduct and accomplish a successful charity raffle at your Council. We look forward to meeting with you. The meeting sites, dates, and times are listed below.

“Grow Cash for Charity” Weekend #1

Weekend #2

Thursday, February 18, 2016 7:00 PM Marietta Council #478 312 Franklin Street Marietta, OH 45750

Friday, February 26, 2016 7:00 PM Tiffin Council #608 49 E. Perry Street Tiffin, OH 44883

Friday, February 19, 2016 7:00 PM Msgr. Dooley Council #4361 Legion Drive Mingo Junction, OH 43938

Saturday, February 27, 2016 9:30 AM Msgr. Lang Council #1039 111 Elliot Road Defiance, OH 43512

Saturday, February 20, 2016 10:00 AM Randolph Council #2039 2697 Waterloo Road Randolph, OH 44265

Saturday, February 27, 2016 3:00 PM Fr. Aufderheide Council #12912 (St. Christopher Church) 435 E. National Road Vandalia, OH 45377

Saturday, February 20, 2016 1:00 PM Garfield Council #4130 10806 Grainger Road Garfield Heights, OH 44125

Saturday, February 27, 2016 7:00 PM St. Michael’s Council #3382 (St. Michael’s Church) 11144 Spinner Ave. Sharonville, OH 45241 Sunday, February 28, 2016 2:00 PM St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council #11187 600 Hill Road Pickerington, OH 43147 19

First Name *

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