STATE OFFICER REPORT

For those of you that are into the NCAA Basketball Tournament, what were your thoughts just a couple of weeks ago when the tournament opened? Full of optimism, anticipating winning the office pool? Maybe, this was your year to pick the perfect bracket? You did your homework, got your PhD in Bracketology and sat down ready for some exciting basketball. Then….they actually played the games. The outcome I am sure is not what you expected. Who would have thought San Diego State and UConn would be in the Championship game? Sometimes, things just do not go as planned? So does the life of our councils.

March certainly lived up to all of the madness on and off the court. We started the month off hosting a very competitive diocesan free throw at St. Hilary in Fairlawn with those winners getting the opportunity to represent Cleveland at the State Finals. Well, we had some great shooters, but unfortunately, we were shut out this year at State. I am sure we will be back next year ready for all competitors. The last thing I told the participants before the start of the State Finals was to have fun. I certainly hope they did.

Thank you to all of the councils and members that attended the 39th Annual Bishop’s Brunch at Landerhaven. For me, having the pleasure of working on the committee for the past four years has been a great experience. Talking with a lot of the members, clergy, and community citizens at the brunch, they know and appreciate all of the hard work that YOU and YOUR councils do day-inand-day-out in your parishes and communities. It makes me so proud to hear that our councils are out there putting their faith into action.

Then, there was the Cavs Knight against the Houston Rockets. The game was great and having about 100+ free throw participants, families, and the state officers there made it special. There were some hiccups along the way but we made it through. Something is there, I hope, to build upon to give our youth something different then just a trophy or medal.

The Charity Brothers Need YOU to keep selling those Super Cash Bonanza tickets. The first turn-in is NOW! This is where you can maximize your rebates. The second turn-in is May 12th.

The 124th Annual Ohio State Convention is fast approaching. Have you elected your delegates and alternates? This is an election year. Please make sure you register for the convention by visiting the state website AND registering for hotel. New place this year in a new facility. Come and see.

For Cleveland, we will be hosting a Meet the Candidate Night on Friday, May 10, 2023 at 7:30PM as part of the Chapter Meeting. This is open to ALL councils and members that would like to talk to the candidates for State Warden. Please plan to attend whether face-to-face or virtually.

Council elections are coming up soon. Hopefully, your trustees are working on a slate of officers. COVID certain hampered officers stepping up into leadership roles. Being a council officers can be a very challenging position. Personally, I thought it was one of the most rewarding. Being able to be on the ground level, working to promote charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism to our members, families, parishes, and communities. If you are GK that is retiring and you are looking for more, there are opportunities throughout the diocese where you can help as a District Deputy. Next to being GK, being a DD is a great experience and you get to meet so many more members and councils that you may never have had a chance to previously. If you are interested in learning more, call, text, or email me. We can have a cup of coffee and talk about your future as a leader in the Knights of Columbus in the diocese.

Finally, I would be remised if I did not mention growth in the Order. You can see Cleveland is still in second place. I am so proud of the recruitment and Exemplifications taking place. Keep up the great work, my brothers and I hope to see you all at Convention.

Vivat Jesus, Jim