March 2018 Voice of the Spirit

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE OHIO STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

MARCH 2018

State Deputy News and Notes Kevin Miller

As many of you already know, as of February 12, Ohio is one of the pilot jurisdictions for the Knights’ online “e-Membership” initiative.

Interested prospects can now visit a portal on Supreme’ website, answer a few basic questions about their Catholicity and if they will abide by our laws and rules, indicate a council they may be interested in joining or what parish they are a member of, pay an admission fee, and become fully fledged members of the Knights of Columbus.

This program is not intended to replace or supersede council’s current membership efforts; it is still universally felt that the best way to have a man join the Knights of Columbus is to be ASKED by a Brother Knight, complete a Form 100, and take their Admission Degree. But what about those men we do not ask? Those who may not know a Brother Knight? Those who may not have an active council in their Once they join in this manner, they area? Those who may not become members of a state-wide fully understand the Knight’s ‘virtual” council – who are then important contribution to our eligible to attend any Knights church and community? The E Council meeting (as a non-voting -Membership program has been guest) or event they choose, designed to bridge this gap – to get although they have not yet taken men to engage with the Knights that their Admission Degree. As we may not reach by our more members join in this fashion, District traditional methods.

Deputies in their area from will be directed to contact them, along with With that understanding, we all area council representatives, to have know that engagement is the secret them “transfer” to a local council to retention – so when contacted by and take their Admission Degree. your District Deputy regarding these For those who wish to remain a part new members, make every effort to of the “virtual” council, plans are make them welcome and more being considered to offer them importantly, get them transferred activities that they may participate in and engaged in your council. to provide a service component to Additionally, unlike other transfers, these members. when these members join your

council, you receive credit for an new member – contributing to your membership quota and Star Council/ State Program requirements.

Some of our members have expressed reservations about this new initiative, but all should rest easy – this innovation is only a new way to create awareness about the Knights and affords us another opportunity to bring us good Catholic men interested in joining our ranks – men we desperately need

CHARITY | UNITY | FRATERNITY | PATRIOTISM

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Also keep in mind that this is still a pilot program -- while many to serve in our councils and parishes. jurisdictions, including Ohio, is We must always remain mindful of having early success with its the mission of the Knights of implementation, there are still bugs to Columbus – to ask men to take up be worked out and unexpected Christ’s cross and to walk in his challenges – again, in this formative footsteps. Any way, any method that process, keep an open mind and assists us in fulfilling our mission is a realize by supporting this new positive step – and I ask all of you to initiative, we are following Father keep an open mind and pray that this McGivney’s true vision, and working new process brings us more of the for a bright future for the Knights of strong Catholic men we need.

Columbus.

If you have any question regarding this program, please reach out to our Online Membership Director, George Jones, via email at gaj@thejones.net<mailto:gaj@the-jones.net>.

I hope we find many who wish to join our ranks! As always, thank you for your ongoing efforts in support of the good work of the Knights of Columbus – by working together and encourage all to help, we can and will make a difference! Vivat Jesus!

James Valent,

Is Your Disability Planning Based On Luck?

Don’t plan on luck to take care of you if you become disabled! One of the biggest mistakes you can make regarding disability insurance is to assume you can't afford it or you won't qualify. Before you make that assumption, do some basic research and apply for coverage through the Knights of Columbus. The Order’s Income Armor product gives you options that can help you fit this critical protection into your risk management budget.

Here are two ways you can reduce your premium: Choose a two-year or five-year maximum benefit period.

1. Depending on your age, the best option is probably a policy that pays benefits until you reach age 67. But a two-year or fiveyear duration benefit period would cover disabilities you might encounter in your working life.

2. Choose a longer elimination period. An elimination period is the number of days a total disability must exist before benefits begin to accrue. Typical elimination periods are 30, 90, or 180 days. Choosing a longer elimination period lowers the policy’s premium. But be sure you have

enough set aside in your contingency fund to account for the longer gap.

As professional insurance agents, risk management is our specialty. Let’s talk about how to protect your income, your retirement needs, and your family's financial future. Put Luck on your side!

James Valent, GA 740-280-0280 James.valent@kofc.org

State Membership Frank Iannaggi

and our communities.

This month alone 23 councils have attained their membership goals at 100% to 233% congratulation. Job The Blitz well done, but there is working to be My dear brothers in the faith, March done, there 400 council that have not as arrived like a lion in many parts of attained that goal. In fact, there are 126 council that have not recruited a our great State and we delegate new member in this fraternal year. I ourselves to talking up the weather. would point out that the council with Is this really what we should be the greatest growth is council 15009, talking about when we have the greatest news to share. Yes, we truly a council founded at the Josephinum have that news and we are sharing in Pontifical college, yes seminarians. its revelation during this Lenten Congratulations to these councils and season with the Passion Death and Resurrection of Christ our Savior. In their leaders his time on this earth Christ 16706-150/16571-200/16425ministered to sinners about the love 125/16376-120/16373-225/16279that God shares with us. A living legacy the church founded by him is 125/16164-125/15942-100/15793200/15009-233/14714-125/14416our path to a closer walk with him.

155/14155-114/12912-112/12807Should we not then share this legacy 200/10820-100/10749-140/8320250/4664-142/4212-100/3123with our brothers and make it our legacy to bring one closer to Him who 100/1195-123/774-138 is pure in love.

The Blitz, as we call it, should be your March madness, go and March madness has begun, and we revel in this, we reveal our “love” for feverishly seek out our brothers in the faith so that the Order and your this team or that and we tell all who Council can endure time, thus would listen that they should do the same. Let us commit to use the same fulfilling your legacy and the growth desire, the same love and enthusiasm of church, the one True Holy Roman to share the one true faith. To leave a Catholic Church. Also, it is important to especially reach out to the new legacy we must focus on recruiting converts to our faith. This is often a new members to the Order and time difficult for them for they may mentor them to do great works in be losing family and friends due to service to our church, our families

their love for our faith. Let us welcome them with open arms and the love of Christ.

My hope and prayers are for your success on your individual drives and open houses. I am certain that by now you should be familiar with all the resources cited below: MEMBERSHIP RESOURCES: Membership Recruitment and Retention Manual (#10237)/10 Keys to Membership Recruiting Success (#10233)/Why You Should Become a Knight (#10100)/Twenty-Four Hours Can Change Your Life #10099)/A Charity that Evangelizes (#4976)/ College Council Promotional Flyer (#4606)/These Men They Call Knights (#937)/Videos, such as The Power of One Below are the current Statewide statistics by diocese. We can, with your help achieve all the goals set for this fraternal year, simply because, all that we do, we do IN HIS HONOR!

Retention Michael Freil

In conducting Retention for the State Council of Ohio, one of the biggest problems a Council faces during the Intent to Suspend process is…a Change of Address and phone number. The clear majority of the men that are on the Conservation List have moved and or disconnected or, changed their phone number. Many households nowadays are eliminating the home phone and strictly using a cell phone. It is crucial for each Council to maintain an updated membership list with a current address, phone number and email address. By having a current up to date membership list, this could keep each Council in contact with it members. Many Financial Secretaries have been experiencing “Return to Sender moved-No Forwarding Address” when sending out the yearly membership dues.

Please make an effort to get your Council Membership Roster up to date, so that we can make every effort to retain our Members.

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General Programs Rod Anderson

Is Your Council Ready for April?

Yes, I know all of the Councils are busy in March with their Membership Blitzes, Church Drives and Open Houses, not to mention Lenten Fish Frys, 40 Days For Life, and myriad other Activities. But one of the most important things for Councils each and every month is the final planning for the next month. And now, the next month is April already – the final month of the 2017-2018 Ohio State Program In His Honor!

It is hard to believe that we are rapidly approaching the end of the State Program for this year.

Nevertheless, it is time to assess the status of your Council’s reports and submissions for the State Program.

Has the Council Program Director, usually the Deputy Grand Knight, made sure that the Council Activities have all been reported on the State website, at kofcohio.org? Has the Council Financial Secretary and

Church Mike Nau

The Church program consists of two mandatory programs. They are: 1Chaplain of the Year or Religious of the Year, 2-SOS with final turn-in post marked not later than April 15.

Then the Council can submit 3 choices. These 3 choices are any program that helps the priest or the Church community.

To date I have not received many nominees for Chaplain or Religious of the Year. You still have till April 1, 2018 to submit. Please do so and then send the form to me. Every council should have a Chaplain or at least a religious person that does great things for their council.

Treasurer paid all the Supreme and State per capita and other bills? Has the Council submitted all of the required Administrative Reports and Forms? Has the Council maxxed the Ohio In His Honor State Program and met the necessary deadlines?

There is still time, but with the State Program year rapidly coming to a close, Councils and their officers, directors and chairmen, should be completing all of the necessary paperwork. Keep in mind that many of these tasks are not just for awards, but requirements to keep the Council in good standing with the State Council as well as Supreme. State and Supreme awards are designed primarily to provide well-deserved recognition and “thank yous” to Councils, brother Knights, and their parishes and communities for their work and contributions throughout the year. It is imperative that the Councils submit the necessary reports and forms so they receive the honors and recognition that are so richly deserved.

review your Councils’ status for reporting and submitting forms.

There is still time to take care of any deficiencies before the deadlines, but not a lot. April 15 is the Ohio State In His Honor Program reporting deadline, and it will be here before you know it. If you need assistance with any of the reports or forms, your District Deputy is there to help. And of course, the State Staff and Program Directors also will do what they can to support your efforts. Just ask if you need any help.

And always remember that the State In His Honor programs and service will help you recruit new Knights, and “If you build it, they will come!”

So Grand Knights, Deputy Grand Knights, Council Program Directors, please take some time in March to then to help young men with Several Council have maxed the expenses. Please make sure that you Church Program. Several more are take the time to report of the great very close. Please take time to review work that your council does to help the Council standing. Let’s have a big those in need. push to finish this fraternal year on a high note.

God Bless you all. Let’s do great things “ In His Honor “.

We are at the end of the next to last reporting period. I have seen a lot of great programs throughout the great State Of Ohio. Many councils are doing great things helping their Priest and community. To date I have seem over 350 reports from many different councils. The SOS program is going well, as many councils have submitted reports that show several dollars going to help our seminarians.

I hope more will turn in dollars to this very worthy program. What better way to show that the Knights care

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Community

Family

As the end of the Fraternal Year approaches, there are many deadlines. Have you reviewed all of your programs? Do they meet all of the requirements to max out the “In His Honor” program?

Family of the Year Nominations

Robert Walsh

Tom Buehner

I have only received three official Family of the Year nominations. Please take the time to recognize the importance of Family within your council and your parish. The deadline for submitting Family of the Year Along with Honoree of the Year, Blue Coat of Year, and nominations to me is April 1, 2018. This is a mandatory activity for the State Program, and I want you to be able Volunteer of Year, how about your programs? Do you think that one of your programs is the best in the State? to max out the State Program! Please submit these as soon as possible!

There will be one winner in the Six Divisions and one over all State winner, from the seven program areas.

Please remember to take the time to submit your The deadline for all nominations is April 1st to the activities on the State website and reach out to me with appropriate Director. We will be looking forward to any questions! seeing your best activity and Honoree nominations.

Culture of Life Brett Gissel

Are you looking for a Culture Of Life program to complete the state program this year? Since 2009, the Knights of Columbus have placed about 900 ultrasound machines through the Supreme Council’s Ultrasound Initiative. We would like to get this up to 1,000. The councils in Ohio cannot do this alone, but I am asking each council to help contribute to getting the Order wide number to 1,000.

Whether your council is currently undergoing an ultrasound project and has already completed the paperwork for Supreme, you have never done one of these projects and would like to help fund one with another council, or your council is somewhere in between, you can help

and I will help you. If your council wants to participate, let me know the status of your efforts and I can help you. Either email me at BrettGissel@gmail.com or call me at 614-805-1443.

machine at the facility, they might not see their child in the womb and choose against their life. These ultrasound machines save lives and the more we support the purchase of them, the more lives we save.

Unlike other featured programs through Supreme that refund 20% of the amount donated, Supreme matches the donation for the purchase of an ultrasound machine meaning that you only have to fund half of the purchase. This is a 50/50 partnership with Supreme and the best bang for ht buck when it comes to Supreme’s featured programs.

Again, if your council is working on a purchase of an ultrasound machine or are interested in doing something to help right now, please contact me.

Why do we support this? Aside from the amount Supreme puts into this initiative, many women that come to pregnancy centers are looking for help. They might not have access to healthcare. They are coming for help. If there is no ultrasound

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Youth

fellowship, and celebration.

Congratulations to our state winners of the Keep Christ in Christmas Stewart Vetter poster contest. Morgan Cape from council 1494 Edgerton won the 5-7 Youth year old division. The 8-10 year old With the last reporting period in winner is Emerson Flynn from sight, it’s time to finish up your Youth of the Year nominations. Even council 3269 Avon. David Grant from council 5023 Sandusky won the if you haven’t started, there’s still 11-14 year old division. All these time to put a good one together. A winners have been submitted for the good nomination goes “beyond the Supreme contest for the international form” in the program book. It competition. includes letter of recommendation, pictures, narratives about what the Squires young person has done to help the community, their school, the church, The Squires Spiritual Retreat was held in Logan, Ohio March 3-4. their family, and the Knights of Brother Stephen Proctor did a great Columbus. It includes a list of the job of putting the Squires “At the teams/organizations they are Foot of the Cross” and helping them involved with and any offices or see the crucifixtion from a different positions they hold within those teams/organizations. Basically, I’m view point. We watched the movie looking for whatever you feel makes “Risen” to gain the view point of the that youth stand out form the crowd. Roman guards during the passion narrative. During the evening, the IT”S ALMOST CONVENTION Squires participated in a corn hole TIME!!!! If you can’t tell, I love tournament. The state officers team convention. We get together with of State Bursar Travis Bowie and fiends, old and new, to celebrate State Notary Cardan Mutaitook first mass, give away some money, and place overall by beating out a strong award prizes. Then, we get dressed up and go to a nice dinner and award team from Dayton. We closed the weekend by welcoming 2 new MORE awards. At some point, we might indulge in a few beverages. All squires to our ranks through investiture. in all it’s a great weekend of fun,

Council

Coming in April, Danville will be hosting the State Volleyball Tournament. Watch your inbox for more information.

April is also Squires month. This is a great time to attend mass together, get a proclamation from the mayor, go putt putt together, have a lock in, go hiking, have a family picnic, or any other activity that gets the word out about Squires and celebrates the fun that Squires can be.

Squires convention is around the corner. We will be meeting in Ashland, Ohio at Ashland University June 8-10. In addition to the usual events, awards, and elections, we will be renting the pool for 1 hour on Saturday evening and the outdoor basketball courts and intermural fields will be available all weekend long. We will be staying in 2 person rooms in the dorms. Watch your inbox for more information coming out soon.

approach the April 15th deadline.

Remember, you have until April 15th to have all your council activities reported.

anniversary of our Order! Remember, the Knights of Columbus began on Tim Mangan March 29, 1882. This year, the Order will celebrate 136 years of service!

Brother Knights, now that we are in To celebrate, councils are encouraged the final reporting period, I see more The Knight of the Year and Lady of to either sponsor a special Mass or councils are reporting their council the Year nominations are starting to conduct a 1st degree. Councils can program activities online. 131 come in. Remember, you have until also celebrate by doing a charitable st councils have submitted at least one April 1 to get these nominations service project in honor of our council program activity report as of turned in to me. As you are reading founder, Fr. McGivney. This is done March 4, 2018. Even though these this, April 1st is less than a month during the week of March 29th. Since councils are doing a good job away! If you have any questions our state deputy’s theme is “In His reporting their activities online, the about the Knight of the Year or Lady Honor”, do something to honor our 131 number is down compared to the of the Year nominations, please do founder this March! number of councils submitting at not hesitate to contact. I will be least one council program activity happy to help you out! report by this time last year. Again, this is the number of councils As you know, March is a big month reporting to me only not the other for the Knights of Columbus. Not program directors. I am hoping to see only is it a blitz month for yet more councils report their council membership, it is also the month that program activities online as we we celebrate Founder’s Day, the

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Support Our Seminarians

•

Robert Collins, IPSD

The support of our Seminarians as a Knight of Columbus is a great way to promote religious vocations within • you home diocese. Your donation along with many others will stay at home and be used in your own diocese. The sum total of all these • donations when presented will give your Diocesan Vocations Director the necessary funding to allow him to • develop programming that will attract young men to a religious life.

I’m not sure of how many dollars will be donated or collected for the program this fraternal year but here are a few ways that may have a significant effect on your donation totals.

•

Ask your pastor to allow you to solicit donations in each entryway one weekend at all the weekend masses.

Have a fundraising event with the proceeds earmarked to S.O.S. Ask your members to make an annual or monthly pledge to the S.O.S. Program.

Allocate a portion of your Super Cash Bonanza Rebates to the S.O.S. Program.

Please make note of the following as not to have confusion in regards to annual totals and awards presented at the State Convention.

of business on April 30, 2018 for consideration in programming awards.

A form with mailing details to accompany tour council’s donation may be found on the State Website.

God Bless and thank you for all you do in the support and the promotion of religious vocations.

I will be making my final deposit for the 2017 – 2018 S.O.S. Program on Explain the program and ask your Monday, April 30, 2018, the end of pastor for a special collection one the State Council Fiscal Year. All weekend at all the weekend donations must be received by me so masses.

I may deposit them before the close

Support Our Seminarians Ed Olenhouse

Now it’s March and only a little more than a month to 'make a difference'.

Our semnarians are working hard to make differences in our lives, what you doing for them?

Have you offered prayers for their success? Is your family aware of what a seminarian is? The financial needs of seminarians, outside of the classroom? Car repairs, health needs and doctor appts? Coverage? A prescription? Study trips? How about a little social life? A visit to see a sick relative? Gasoline? Trips to visit kids at a camp, in a hospital, to go on mission trip?

All these and more. They all have

costs. Most seminarians are not allowed to have a job and work. They study, study and then study. All to make them the priests we need.

Consider these: if you donate a dollar a week for our seminarians; if your council donates $25 per month; if you could run a fish fry for the seminarians benefit; if you could have a special collection, three times each year for the seminarians; this list has no limits. Our seminarians do.

Thoughts to consider: how old is your priest? How many parishes are closing or combining? Sometimes a priest passes away. We have no extra priests awaiting assignment.

Pray and financial help will "make a difference......

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Measure Up 2018

and May 3-6, but can include other fundraising dates throughout the year.

Jeff Kiliany, State Warden

Measure-Up is a charity whereby Knights are asked to put on those bright yellow and How do You Measure-Up? red vests and stand on street corners – or wherever – holding special containers and seeking contributions from the general Forty years ago an Ohio Knight of public. In turn, Knights give a special ruler Columbus had the vision to help people to those who contribute. We also with developmental disabilities. He was encourage councils to conduct other the late Brother Knight Bob Sears, who would go on to be elected State Deputy of fundraisers and do such things as receive the Ohio State Council. His dream was the permission, for instance, from pastors to Measure-Up Campaign, which has become solicit collections after Masses. Each council member can participate in the Ohio’s “flagship” project.

Gimme 5 Campaign and send in an additional $5 with his dues payment. One This year’s goal is to raise more than council holds a Measure Up Soup Night $425,000 for distribution to agencies this time of year to kick off their Measure which assist our special citizens with developmental disabilities. How will we do Up campaign. Members cook their this? We’re looking for participation from favorite soup or chili and bring a crock pot at least 80% of Ohio’s councils. The 2018 of soup to the Soup Night to share with other participants. Everyone donates a $5 Measure-Up Campaign will officially be conducted on the weekends of April 26-29 contribution to sample as many types of

Super Cash Bonanza 2018

Mark Siracusa, State Advocate Super Cash Bonanza Charity Raffle Tickets and posters will be distributed during the Ticket Distribution Meetings throughout Ohio the weekends of February 2-3 or 9-11 (2018).

•

Please make sure that all who are in charge of the 2018 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 twomember 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 Saturday, April 15 (2018) and Friday, May 10 (2018). 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, Fed Ex or the US Postal System all have a 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 turnin date of May 10, 2018.

soups that they wish to try. This is a great evening and council event for your members.

Councils are asked to send one check with their total collections, making it payable to Knights of Columbus Ohio State Council and mailing it to: Jeff Kiliany, 559 Walnut St., Leetonia, OH 44431. Eighty per cent of the collected funds will be returned to the councils for their charitable contributions to agencies of their choosing.

The other 20% is distributed by the Knights’ Ohio Charity Foundation to statewide agencies which assist those with developmental disabilities, and for the purchase of those special rulers which are given to the councils.

cuzza@roadrunner.com or by calling me at 419-553-9552 cell.

Plan early, promote, and partner! We are here to help you work toward the success of the 2018 Super Cash Bonanza charity campaign at your local council.

Thank you to all my brother knights for helping “Our Family” for raising money for Charity. Additional information is also available on the Ohio State Council state website at www.kofcohio.org.

Extra materials and tickets can be obtained from your District Deputy or Diocesan Officer.

Any questions concerning the 2018 Super Cash Bonanza Campaign should be directed to me, Mark Siracusa; State Treasurer and Chair, by email at

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