Be A Knight Before Christmas! December 23 @ 7PM
Keeping the Faith like Father McGivney
DECEMBER 2020
Brothers Knights from Avon and around the Cleveland Diocese are working together with Catholic Charities to make sure that no neighbor is left behind. Please note that social distancing and masks were worn except for the picture. See Page 8 for the complete article on Council 3269.
FAITH
FAMILY
COMMUNITY
LIFE
CHARITY * UNITY * FRATERNITY * PATRIOTISM 1
BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY
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DECEMBER 2020
KEEPING THE FAITH
Father McGivney not only lived a life devoted to the Catholic faith; he also focused all his spiritual, mental and physical energies on helping others persevere and grow in that faith, and he guarded against whatever might diminish the practice of Catholicism. For Father McGivney’s newly formed Knights, protecting the faith of Catholics was the prime concern, and this quickly took three forms.
First, the Knights would serve as an antidote to those secret societies that lured Catholic men away from their faith by offering financial benefits. Second, the Order’s insurance program would help keep Catholic families together when a breadwinner died; this would also help prevent a loss of faith among widows and orphans forced to live in state institutions or with non-Catholic relatives or adoptive families. Third, the Knights would champion the full rights of American citizenship for Catholics. This, too, would support the Church, since ensuring equal rights for Catholics would help limit the social or civil pressure on them to abandon their faith. 2
SPECIAL REPORT
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DECEMBER 2020
PRAYER FOR CANNONIZATION God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild promotes the cause for sainthood of the founder of the Knights of Columbus, who was beatified on Oct. 31, 2020. Members of the Guild, and anyone devoted to Father McGivney, can play an active role in the cause by praying for his intercession in times of need, especially in cases of serious illness, and reporting to the Guild any favors received. Membership in the Guild is free and open to anyone who is devoted to Father McGivney and wishes to invoke his intercession and assist in his sainthood cause through prayer. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and are remembered in a weekly Mass offered for their intentions. The Guild has more than 176,000 members, and you are encouraged to join by filling out and submitting the online form. Please assist in the cause of Father McGivney by spreading the word about this holy and blessed priest. For more information or to request a prayer card email guild@kofc.org or visit fathermcgivney.org
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STATE OFFICER REPORT
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DECEMBER 2020
STATE OFFICER REPORT PERSEVERANCE “Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. “ Happy New Year !!! Yes, if you are just figuring it out, Advent is upon us and the start of a new liturgical year. Time does seem to fly by no matter what. Nothing stands in the way of time. Advent is a season to prepare— prepare our hearts and minds—for the coming of the our Lord, Jesus Christ. Can you imagine what it must have been like during the Old Testament period to wait for His coming? I am sure that time flew by for them as it is for us today as we wait for the Second Coming. Advent is also about persevering. The definition above from the Oxford English Dictionary has some key elements in it that, as Knights of Columbus, we can certainly understand.
projects and—most difficult part— learn to adapt. It is through persistence that we will gain strength and grow as a people of Christ. Look at the last 2000-years and where the Catholic faith is today. ...despite difficult or delay… Yes,
COVID is making it more and more difficult to do the things that we did in the past. Those events, should be looked at with a new pair of glasses to determine whether or not there is a way to make is so. Again, adapt.
Father McGivney saw that same situations back in New Haven prior to 1882. What if he decided to do nothing? Where would we be today? Who would be there to help those in need? As many of you and your councils take December off from meetings, I encourage the council officers and program directors meet— virtually, if necessary—to plan for the remainder of the 2020-2021 fraternal year. If you or your council need any assistance with virtual meetings, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to assist in getting you setup and using a system.
We are a people of perseverance. We must do something despite the difficulty or delay so that we—as a Persistence in doing something… group—can achieve success and help COVID has shut down a lot of those in need. We must remain councils and parishes for December. ...in achieving success. Nothing strong and courageous so that We cannot meet face-to-face or are succeeds without some hard work, together we can make the world a challenged to meet virtually. Yet, problems to be solved, and solutions better place. that does not mean we need to stop. implemented. This should not be We have preserved for years waiting any different. It is time to put on a Have a Happy and Blessed Advent for Christ to come back. We should new thinking cap to see what, when, and Christmas Season! not be just sitting there doing where and how we can continue to nothing. We are a people that must put our faith into action and serve Jim Maslach, State Warden do things. We must get creative, those in our councils, families and learn to expand the scope of our communities.
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MEMBERSHIP
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DECEMBER 2020
MEMBERSHIP REPORT Despite the pandemic, membership continues as we try to bring brothers and their families into a deeper relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. We do that by putting our faith into action and no pandemic will ever change that. As of November 26, 70-new brothers have join our Order which puts us at 21.16% of our Ohio Goal of 331-new members. That is good for 3rd place but only 0.07% behind the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. That is with 34% of the councils recruiting Steubenville continues to lead the pack at 32.44% and Ohio is at 29.3%. E-Membership continues to be the best thing do to the FREE dues through the end of the month as well as the limited direct contact. It is not ideal, but it does allow for us to continue to grow so that we can leave no neighbor behind. Face-to-face meetings and Exemplifications will be very limited. However, you can still have Exemplifications but MUST follow parish, diocesan, local, county and state government guidelines. Your alternative is the Online Exemplifications from both the State and Supreme. The State Exemplifications are LIVE—not a recording. Supreme offers the on-demand method. If you have a new, online or advancing member interested, reach out to them for assistance. You can also reach out to Jim, Mike or me. Finally, as a diocesan event, we are running the promotion in the NE Ohio Catholic Magazine and Emails for the FREE membership. Now, is the perfect time to give that brother in Christ a FREE gift. We will putting together a special KNIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Online Exemplification just for the Cleveland Diocese. George Metz, Diocesan Membership Director
Cleveland Circle of Honor Councils (>100%) 1. 547 Akron (264.55%) 2. 3970 Lafayette (211.64%) 3. 11831 SS Cosmas & Damien OLOG (198.41%) 4. 4498 Magnificant (126.99%) 5. 14551 St. Hilary (119.05%) 6. 16373 Westlake (119.05%) 7. 15056 Holy Family (105.82%) Top-5 Districts 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
District 29 (15) District 25 (10) District 32 (9) District 30 (9) District 27 (7)
Visit www.kofcohio.org for more membership information. 5
DISTRICT DEPUTY REPORT
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DECEMBER 2020
DISTRICT DEPUTY REPORT With December upon us, we are approaching the midway point of the fraternal year. I thank you for all your efforts to continue as many of your normal programs as possible, making adjustments to keep them safe for your members and the community. Unfortunately, many have had to cut back on their activities for the near future due to the recent spike in COVID cases. I’m asking that you take this slow time to catch up on reporting your programs on the state website. If you have any questions contact your DD.
Speaking of programs, the State Council has announced that they plan on proceeding with the Basketball Freethrow Contest this winter. We are a lot more familiar with the safety protocols that need to be taken to try to make this as safe as possible. If you feel that your council will be unable to keep this safe due to your facilities or your members to volunteer, feel free to take a year off. Participation is strictly optional. Finally, as dues notices are being sent to your members, please consider that this may be a difficult time financially for several of your members and waive their dues if necessary. With the spike in cases and the holiday season, please try to reach out to other members of your council especially those that you haven’t seen in a while. It seems like every time my council does this act of fraternity, we discover that a few our brothers might need some help or at least some prayers. Have a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas, Mike Incorvati, District Deputy Coordinator, Cleveland Diocese FORM 185 (Jul 1)
FORM 1295 (Aug 15)
13640 - Lasagrada Familia/San Miguel
13640 - Lasagrada Familia/San Miguel
14054 - St Vincents
14054 - St Vincents
1617 - Barberton
14406 - Our Lady of Charity Broadview Heights 15614 - St. Anthony of Padua
FORM 365 (Aug 1)
15901 - St. Adalbert's
10792 - St. Francis of Assisi
2786 - Northeast
13640 - Lasagrada Familia/San Miguel
2790 - West Park
14054 - St Vincents
3087 - Heights
14255 - St. Sebastion
3164 - Euclid
14714 - St. Cyprian
4893 - The Valley
15614 - St. Anthony of Padua
547 - Akron
1617 - Barberton
733 - Cleveland
2786 - Northeast
8320 - John Carroll
2790 - West Park 2803 - Brooklyn-Parma 3087 - Heights 4168 - Medina 637 - Lorain 789 - Wooster 7970 - North Ridgeville
FORMS AVAILABLE ONLINE Supreme forms are available on the Supreme website (kofc.org) and on the state website under FORMS&EMAILS. #185 - Report of Officers Chosen for Term - PDF - Online - due 6/30 #365 - Service Program Personnel Report - PDF - Online - due 8/1 #1295 - Semiannual Council Audit due August 8/15 #1728 - Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity - PDF - Online - due 1/31 #1728A - Survey of Fraternal Activity Individual Member Worksheet - No due date
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GENERAL PROGRAM REPORT
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DECEMBER 2020
FAITH IN ACTION We are approximately 41% of the way through the fraternal year. Despite the pandemic, Brother Knights from across the Diocese are still putting their faith into action. Please make sure that your programs get reported to the State via the state website. We are shooting for 100% participation! You can do it—it is really simple and only takes a couple of minutes. If you need help, contact your District Deputy, Jim, Mike or George. You will be amazed at how simple and it provides the state with valuable information to what your councils are doing.
VA Christmas Shop Update Brian Shollenberger
Due to the Covid-19 virus, the Annual Christmas Gift Shop has been scaled down at this time. With that, we wish to Thank all of you for your hours volunteering and the money and items that were donated for this great cause over the years. The Voluntary Services is hoping for something special in July for the Veterans. We might be looking for Volunteers and / or Donations at that time. More to come. At this time, we do have a new item that we can do for the Veterans. The program is Compassionate Contact Corps. This is a "Telephone Friendly Visitor Program". The attached brochure has all of the details. Quickly, it is for anyone to contact a Veteran by phone, a few times a week for what you and the Veteran wish for time. This can also continue after they go home. If interested, contact June or Desmond and please include me in your contact with them. You and the Knights get time for this for our end of year paperwork. They will pair you with a Veteran. This will help with loneliness. A reminder for visitors at the VA Medical Center: • • •
No Visitors under 18 You must be masked or they will provide you with one NO Gators, Bandanas, Face shields without a mask
As always, Please keep our Veterans in your prayers and thoughts. Vivat Jesus Brian Shollenberger, PFN 1767 Ohio District 1, VAVS Deputy Representative bnsholly@gmail.com 7
FAITH IN ACTION
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DECEMBER 2020
Avon Knights Lend a Helping Hand The Knights of Columbus, Father Ragan Council #3269, Avon/Avon Lake Ohio has been working diligently since March and the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide for the ones who need the most help. Through fraternity and unity, this Council has done its work to provide charity for members of the surrounding communities. Through the “Lend A Helping Hand” program, the council was able to provide food and milk to charitable organizations, stage blood drives, and help children with special needs through our Measure-Up campaign. On the first Saturday from April to the end of the year, the council volunteered for a food and cash donation drive. So far, the council has collected over thirteen tons of non-perishable food and its cash equivalent. The Council set up two collection sites with collection times. Anyone interested in making a cash donation without coming to either location can send a check made payable to the “Father Ragan Council 3269”. It can be mailed to: 1783 Moore Road, Box 224, Avon, Ohio 44011.
In May, 2020, the Father Ragan Council Grand Knight saw an opportunity to provide milk to those in need when several local food banks were shut down due to the pandemic. The milk was obtained from Borden’s Dairy. Borden’s had been awarded a USDA grant until the end of August to provide milk to 501c(3) organizations. Father Ragan Council through its Ragan Foundation qualified as a charitable organization. Through Colleen McHenry, who was a key person for this program, arrangements were made with Borden’s to deliver milk for distribution by the Knights. Over twelve tons of milk were allotted for delivery. Father Ron Wearsch, pastor of St. Joseph’s parish in Avon Lake, played a key part by providing a meeting place, space in the parish cooler, and logistical support to facilitate the milk delivery. A blood drive hosted by the Father Ragan Council and the Lieutenant McManus Assembly 811 with the help of a group named Vitalant collected over 84 pints of blood on September 16, 2020. This activity took place at Ragan Hall in Avon, Ohio. After giving blood, each donor was presented with a 3’x5’ American flag compliments from the Avon VFW #7035. Refreshments were also available for donors. COVID antibody testing for donors will be available. Finally, the Father Ragan Council was able to collect nearly $3,500.00 through the Measure-Up campaign. Brother Knights volunteered to collect donations after masses from four of the parishes that we serve. Donations were collected from parishes in Avon, Avon Lake, and Sheffield Village. A special thank you goes out to the Knights who volunteered and the parishioners who contributed to this charitable cause.
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FAITH IN ACTION
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DECEMBER 2020
Men’s Morning Light Are you looking for that extra something in the morning to get you energized and ready for the week? Check out “Men’s Morning Light” hosted by Trapper Jack from Council 16376. Yes, that same Trapper Jack from the Cleveland airwaves. Now, he is hosting a show on Facebook live and past shows are available on Facebook for you to watch. Additionally, we offer business networking opportunities.
Simply search for Men’s Morning Light in your Facebook app or online and like the page. You will receive updates and inspiration to help you.
A Knight Before Christmas December 23 @ 7PM Calling for NEW, ONLINE and ADVANCING members to join us on December 23 at 7PM as we host our Knight Before Christmas Campaign. We all know someone that is wants to live out their Catholic faith, protect their family and inspire others to reach further. Why not give them the gift of FREE membership. Sign them up today by visiting www.kofcohio.org and clicking Join Us! We are also looking for those 1st and 2nd Degree members that would like to advance to the 3rd Degree. If you are advancing member, contact Jim Maslach and he can assist you. Lets set some records!
Knights for Christ Coming Soon ! A Virtual Retreat for Knights by Knights! Knights of the Crusades wore heavy armor to protect themselves from Muslim weapons of war. Today, many of us wear the protective armor of fear that shields our belief system of faith, hope and love from
expressing itself to others. Some of us are vulnerable to potential criticism of our innermost thoughts and beliefs about our faith; our Catholicism and our spiritual journey.
The spiritual initiative focuses on the four principles of the Order: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism as set forth by our inspired meditation book, Knights to Christ. The initiative is a simple, but powerful plan of action that is inspiring and The purpose of the Knights to Christ fulfilling, bringing us closer in unity Spiritual Enrichment Initiative is to with one another and the Holy Spirit. dissolve that fear. It opens our hearts to hear divinely inspired messages If you are interested in helping with from others. These messages of this retreat, please contact Jim spiritual strength and experience Maslach. emboldens us to share our own experiences of faith with other men starved for spirituality.
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DIOCESAN INFORMATION
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NOVEMBER 2020
DIOCESAN DIRECTORY State Warden / DD #23 & 34
Jim Maslach
440-785-9838
kofcjkm@gmail.com
State Online Membership
Nick Gresko
440-479-0354
greskon@sbcglobal.net
State Life Director
Tom Buehner
216-554-0722
Tom.nuehner@gmail.com
Retention/New Council
John Brown
330-610-0308
trouter0523@gmail.com
Dio. Membership / DD #33
George Metz
440-449-0081
georgegmetz@aol.com
DD Coordinator, DD #28
Mike Incorvati
330-671-1490
mbaincorvati@hotmail.com
District Deputy #19
John Taylor
216-570-7786
TCS.JT56@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #20
DeWitt Gober
440-541-3317
DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #21
Patrick Gale
440-382-1177
FLAGDAY66@WOWWAY.COM
District Deputy #22
David Tucker
216-310-4360
SIXFOOTSIX32@YAHOO.COM
District Deputy #24
John Mohorcic
216-534-7766
JFMOHORCIC@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #25
Ron Reichert
330-697-9605
RONO3@ATT.NET
District Deputy #26
Teran Taggart
216-509-2087
ADM5893@YAHOO.COM
District Deputy #27
Joel Case
216-513-0844
JOELSESA@HOTMAIL.COM
District Deputy #29
Steve Koly
330-441-8340
SJKDD30@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #30
Kevin Hogan
330-666-1343
K.J.HOGAN@ROADRUNNER.COM
District Deputy #31
Bob Walsh
216-533-1134
REWALSH731@AOL.COM
District Deputy #32
Brett Hazen
216-835-8500
TFMM1882@GMAIL.COM
EVENTS & EXEMPLIFICATIONS 2—Exemplification CUF (7P) 2—Town Hall (8P) 5—Exemplification CUF (9A) 9—Exemplification CUF (7P) 12—Exemplification CUF (9A) 16—Exemplification CUF (7P) 19—Exemplification CUF (9A) 20—State Membership Mtg (8P) 23—Exemplification CUF (7P) 27—Cleveland DD Meeting (8P) 30—Exemplification CUF (7P) Please check out the calendar on the Diocesan Page from the State Website for more details. If your council is meeting virtually, please send the link to your DD and State Warden. 10