The Cause for Canonization of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney is at a favorable stage at the Vatican and you can help him on his way to sainthood. Since he was declared a Venerable Servant of God in March 2008, and a miracle through his intercession has opened the way to beatification, we are near the final phase of the process. One more miracle is needed for him to be eligible for sainthood.
Your part is simple and direct, and can be summed up in three words:
PRAY Your prayers can take two forms: to and for. Pray to Father McGivney that he may intercede for you and others in times of need, especially in cases of serious illness. Pray for Father McGivney’s cause, that it may continue to move forward with favorable reports.
You may join members of the Guild throughout the world in reciting the official Prayer for Canonization, or you can pray in your own words.
Knights of Columbus councils and families especially should engage in these prayers, but anyone who is devoted to Father McGivney can and should pray for his intercession and canonization.
Remember that prayers to and for Father McGivney are really prayers asking God to act through and on behalf of the Blessed Servant of God.
REPORT After asking Father McGivney to intercede for a particular intention, it is important to report any favors received – to let the Guild know if the prayer has been answered. You are encouraged to report any and every favor, big or small, so we can appreciate better the spiritual activity of the Blessed Servant of God. Medical and physical healings are especially important to report since they are most likely to be judged miraculous under strict Vatican guidelines.
It is easy to report favors through a form on this website. You may also report favors by email (guild@kofc.org) or by regular U.S. mail to the address below.
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
JOIN. Step 3 is to join the Father McGivney Guild. Membership is free and you receive many benefits, including a quarterly newsletter with spiritual insights and updates on the cause, and a weekly Mass offered for the intentions of all Guild members. Take a moment now to access the online enrollment form.
Most importantly, the cause of Father McGivney is not simply about him being declared a saint. It is an opportunity for each one of us to seek his intercession and draw closer to God.
As the Second Vatican Council made clear with its universal call to holiness, we are all called to be saints. Father McGivney’s cause, in particular, is a summons to laypeople to embrace the mystery of Christ in its fullness so each of us will see that we are called to heroic virtue. Through the prayers and example of Father McGivney, we can come closer to loving God with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves.
You can play a key role in advancing FatherMcGivney’scausebyjoining the Guild for free and praying for his intercession and canonization. May Father McGivney intercede for you!
The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter and offers a weekly Mass for the intentions of members.
July is usually hot and a time for relaxing. It is also the time when crops planted in the Spring are maturing and growing. Just as the crops are dependent upon summer rains not only to grow but to survive so our spiritual development is dependent upon our frequenting the sacraments and receiving the Blood of Christ.
The Gospel readings for July are taken from St. Matthew. All Sunday readings are from Year A, and Weekday readings are from Cycle I.
The Blood that coursed through the veins of Christ was a part of that Sacred Humanity made possible by the maternity of Mary, whose parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne are honored this month. (July 26). Our Lord's blood poured out on the Cross purchased our salvation, washed clean the robes of the martyrs, and gave birth to the Church as it flowed from his wounded side. The Precious Blood of Christ now pulsing through his Mystical Body continues its salvific work, preserving and purifying, repairing and providing nourishment for regeneration and renewal of its members.
July’s longer and warmer days also provide us with the opportunity for renewal, both interior and exterior. Schedules relax and pressures ease, inviting travel. But, whether we travel or not, like the missionary, St. Junipero Serra (July 1), we preach to others by our conduct, our speech, even the clothes we wear. May we be modest in everything we do, imitating St. Maria Goretti, the young martyr for purity (July 6), and “preaching” Christ to everyone we meet.
The summer Mass and Liturgy of the Hours readings in Ordinary Time remind us that our earthly pilgrimage is also a journey, a great adventure towards union with Christ, the Beginning and the End of our journey. Each Sunday with its Easter renewal becomes a mile marker along the way, linking where we have been with where we are going. May the Precious Blood of Jesus sustain us as we journey to our true home, with Mary and the angels as our companions on the way.
This item 12555 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
For a Eucharistic Life: We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters. (See also Apostleship of Prayer)
Here we are that the end of another fraternal year. How did your council fair? Did you submit your Columbian Award Application to Supreme? Are your 185 and 365 completed and submitted to state and Supreme? If there is one guarantee in our KofC lives is that there is no down time.
Let me start off by thanking all of the Grand Knights and Councils for a successful 2022-2023 fraternal year. Leadership has its many challenges and, as State Advocate, there were only a couple of issues here in the diocese. For the most part, it was business as usual.
Congratulations to all of the new/ returning Grand Knights and Council Officers. We are praying that your efforts will help increase your councils charitable outreach, faith, and growth.
Your Diocesan Team has some changes too for the 2023-2024 fraternal years. You can find the diocesan staff and their contact information on the last page of this, and every, newsletter. I recommend that you print that page off for your officers.
As for the diocese, this year the Cleveland Diocese, and the State of Ohio, started to come out of the pandemic. More councils became active and programs were kicking into gear. Here are some things for you to keep note of:
1. 290-New Members in the Diocese
2. 82% of the Councils Recruiting
3. 3.62% Growth
We will go over all of the 2022-2023 highlights at the State Tour Meeting on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Brunswick. All Grand Knights and their officers are encouraged to attend.
You can read all about it later in this issue.
Every two years, the diocesan team puts together a Strategic Plan. This plan is what we are working on specifically in the diocese to comply withtheStateDeputy’sandSupreme’s plans. You will hear more about that in August’s newsletter as there are some minor items that we need to update.
Part of that plan is to look to see what training you and your councils need that you are not getting from Supreme. I am looking to schedule regional training sessions in September. This may include things like Delta Church Drives, Council Officer Duties, Safe Environment Proctoring, Member Management and Billing, Forms, and more. If there is something specific you or your council needs, please let me know so we can add it to our plan.
Your council should be getting through your Measure Up program now. Those funds are due to State Advocate Chris Sarka by August 1st. Chris will stress this on tour, but that is a hard date. Chris will be rolling right into Matching Funds starting September 1st so Measure Up will need to be completed prior to that.
Your State Per Capita invoices will be coming to the Financial Secretary of record here in July. Once you receive your invoice, please remit payment to State Secretary Mike Felerski. Once you do that, Mike can then turnaround and send the mileage and per diem checks from the state convention for those delegates that attended and signed the cards.
My big project his year is Super Cash Bonanza. We are planning a flashback
to the good old days of our youth with a theme and show that we hope will make you laugh but still get the point across. Come to the state tour for a sneak peak.
Support Our Seminarians (SOS) is now being chaired by our IPSD Mark Siracusa. Mark grew up a Cleveland boy and is always welcome within the diocese. Mark will be sending out information to all the councils soon, but start passing the jug at the meetings and events. The first turn-in is in December.
We say see you later to Robert Byers PSD. I came in under Bob’s administration and COVID did him no service. But his leadership got us through those times. I am glad I will always be his Warden. Thank you for everything Bob.
Everything is ready to go for our new State Deputy, Jeff Kiliany. Jeff has been preparing with his team, for programs and activities that will keep Ohio moving in the right direction. You can meet Jeff and the team in Brunswick on July 15. Stop by and say hello when you are there.
It is time to get busy. So, plan those events; work with your pastors and parishes, and let us go forth and be worthy as our state deputy is telling us.
Vivat Jesus, Jim Maslach, State TreasurerThe fraternal year concluded on June 30, 2023. The Cleveland Diocese had a great recruitment year across the board finishing a distant second to the Columbus Diocese. Columbus finished at 116% of its growth goal, Cleveland was in second at 93%, followed by Cincinnati (89%), Toledo (75%), Steubenville (60%), and Youngstown (59%). Overall, we welcomed in 290-new brother Knights with 82% of the councils recruiting at least one (1) new member.
Cleveland did lead the way in Exemplifications of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity reported via the state website. A total of 148 members went through an Exemplification at the council level. That was second only to the State Council’s online Exemplification. It is encouraging to see more councils taking the ownership of bringing in new members into their own hands. The State Council’s online Exemplifications will remain weekly till the end of September and then will be cut back. Therefore, the time is now for your council to get into the game and start an CUF Team. If you need help, please feel free to reach out to Mike Incorvati, Teran Taggart, or Jim Maslach. The Diocesan Team continues as well and we are more than willing to come to you. Contact Joe Vallowe at 703-839-3591 or via email at vallowej@gmail.com to schedule.
We are pleased to announce the following membership incentives for the first quarter (July 1thru September 30) of the 2023/2024 Fraternal Year:
The top (10) councils (based on percentage of intake goal) in each jurisdiction that achieve a minimum of 100% of their intake goal by September 30, 2023 will receive a choice of either a personalized Feather flag, tablecloth or roll up retractable banner from Knights Gear. The award can be used at membership drives and other council events.
Every individual recruiter who recruits 5 new members by September 30, 2023 will receive a limited-edition recruiters’ lapel pin to show his pride in growing the membership of the Order.
Additional incentives for the 2023/2024 Fraternal Year will be announced in in the Fraternal Leader Advisory.
ORDER GROWTH
As of June 30, 2023
Ohio July 1: 54,710
Ohio Growth: 1,630 (95.2%)
% Growth: 3.13%
Cleveland July 1: 8,612
Cleveland Growth: 290 (92.9%)
% Growth: 3.62%
% Growth is a measure of the YTD gain compared against the July 1st membership number.
TOP-5 % GROWTH
YTD Gain against the July 1 Membership
Total
1. 8320 John Carroll (20.83%)
2. 2726 Windermere (12.62%)
3. 15056 Holy Family Parma (11.76%)
4. 2643 Lakewood (10.67%)
5. 4168 Medina (9.52%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS
1. 774 Elyria (20)
2. 3410 South Akron (20)
3. 4168 Medina (16)
4. 310 Gilmour (15)
5. 14551 St. Hilary (15)
6. 4847 Brunswick (15)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #24 Tom Donovan (44)
2. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (36)
3. DD #33 George Metz (33)
4. DD #19 Tom Goodheart (33)
5. DD #25 Cris Drugan (29)
That was a great song in the 1980s by Whitesnake but some of us might recall that slogan being used for Big Chuck and Little John on Fox 8. That was back when they were on late Friday night. Who remembers the Kielbasa Kid or Mary Hartski?
FORMS, FORMS, and MORE FORMS! Yes, forms are now due for the 20232024 Fraternal Year. Cleveland did a great job last year submitting most of the forms. We can do even better this year especially with the Service Personnel Report (Form 365).
Today, your Report of Officers Chosen (185) and Service Program Personnel Reports are PAST DUE. They were due on June 30, 2023. The best way to submit your reports is via Member Management. Your Grand Knight or Financial Secretary has access and can update that online. You can also complete the fillable PDF file and submit to form185@kofcohio.org or form365@kofcohio.org as an attachment to an email. DO NOT SEND THE REPORT IN VIA USPS. Sending them USPS puts them into a pile that could take a couple of months to get processed. Member Management or email is the best way.
Remember, by September, those persons required to take the Safe Environment training will receive an email with their login. Those sessions need to be taken within 30-days receipt of the email. If not, your assigned people will be removed and then the process starts all over again. This includes the Grand Knight (which can hold this position and one director), Council Program Director, Council Community Director, and Council Family Director. The Community and Family Directors are required to have a background check. Supreme will assume the cost of the background check.
If you took the sessions and it is still within your 3-year window, you are good. Keep an eye out for the email if your window will be closing soon. If there are any questions, call your DD, Mike, Teran, or Jim.
FORMS AVAILABLE ONLINE @ www.kofcohio.org
#185 Report of Officers Chosen for Term - PDFOnline - due 6/30
#365 Service Program Personnel Report - PDFOnline - due 6/30
#1295-1 Semi-Annual Council Audit - due 8/15
#1728 Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity - PDFOnline - due 1/31
#1728A Survey of Fraternal Activity Individual Member Worksheet - No due date
#1295-2 Semi-Annual Council Audit - due 2/15
#SP-7 Columbian Award Application Requires access to Supreme Website Officers Online due 6/30
The new fraternal year starts July 1. Are you ready?
Join us on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church in Brunswick for the annual State Tour 2023.
This is your opportunity to food, fun, and fellowship as your new State Deputy, Jeff Kiliany, and his team of State Officers, Program Directors, and Staff will be there with you.
You will gain valuable information on the state programs this year, growth incentives, and who’s who to contact. You will also have the opportunity to receive your Football Crazr Sweepstakes Tickets and hear all about the incentives for your council to earn additional funds for your charitable and fraternal programs.
Council officers and directors are encouraged to attend. So, bring your questions, concerns, and comments so that we can start the 2023-2024 fraternal year on the right foot. We look forward to seeing you this July!
Brunswick Council 4847
Hilkert Hall
929 Pearl Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
Saturday July 15, 2023
Lunch: 12:00 Noon / Meeting: 1:00 PM
Make your plans to attend! The 55th Annual Ohio Knights of Columbus Family Campout has been scheduled for Tuesday July 25 thru Sunday July 30 , 2023 at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina, Ohio, hosted by Ohio KofC District 1 Join us for a weekend of fun, food and friendship!
Come early in the week and enjoy some local attractions on your own….Maria Stein Heritage Museum, Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, 39 Mile Scenic Byway featuring The Land of the Cross Tipped Churches, Celina-Coldwater Biking/Walking Path, Franklin Township Greenway Trail for biking or walking, Grand Lake St. Marys, Niekamp Farm & Flea Market, Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway Kings Royal Race, Bicycle Museum of America, Armstrong Air and Space Museum, Saturday Farmers Market.
We hope to see you at the 55th Annual 2022 State K of C Family Campout! Register by mailing the registration form before July 1, 2023. Reservations after this date cannot be guaranteed a site. We are accepting donations to help defray the cost of the campout and would greatly appreciate any monetary or raffle gifts you may be want to send. For more information you may call Joe Bruns 419852-2361 or ohio2023kofcfamilycampout@gmail.com.
Visit state website (www.kofcohio.org) and click under ACTIVITIES > State Family Campout for schedule and registration forms. Looking forward to seeing you July, 2023!
We appreciate everything you do for your council, your district and the Order. To assist you and all fraternal leaders, we are pleased to introduce a new Officer Training Webinar series, designed specifically to help you succeed. If you will not be the District Deputy for the upcoming 2023-2024 Fraternal Year, please send the registration links to your successor. Click on the links below to register. And remember, you should register even if you can't join us live - a link will be sent after the live viewing that will allow you to watch the training webinar on-demand.
Also, look for announcement of live, in-person training on the East, West, and South sides of the dioceses in September.
District Deputy is a critical role to the successful operation of local councils and the order. This webinar will cover the significance of District Deputies and ways to be a successful District Deputy. We will also highlight important issues for this upcoming fraternal year.
Coming Soon!
This informative webinar will teach you the basics of planning a council program. We will touch upon the successful Faith in Action model and discuss the tools you will need for each step of the process, including planning, executing the event and follow-up.
July 13, 2023, 9:00 PM EDT: Program Planning
This webinar is designed to help you become a successful leader. You will learn duties and responsibilities, how to engage your fellow officers, the method to form your council into a team, tips for working with other councils on larger initiatives, and what it takes to be the “go-to guys” for your pastor. In addition, you will discover what it takes to make charitable works the focus of your council and make it the premier parish organization for all eligible Catholic men to join.
July 8, 2023, 12:00 PM EDT: Grand Knight Training
July 11, 2023, 9:00 PM EDT: Grand Knight Training
This webinar will show councils how to adopt the current guidelines and learn best practices to host an informative, efficient, and effective Council Meeting. Using ‘The Guidelines for Council Meetings’ we will walk you through the steps and procedures of council and officer planning meetings to give you the confidence to prepare and host council meetings that will benefit your Council and help maintain strong, healthy and engaged membership.
July 24, 2023, 10:00 PM EDT: Council Meetings
Join us for this webinar where we will cover the basics of the Member Management & Member Billing applications. This training will show you the ins and outs of this online membership management tool. Learn how to use this simple and secure platform to manage your council’s membership and financial records. In addition discover how to use the integrated email system, to easily communicate with your council.
July 25, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT: Member Management/Member Billing Basics
This webinar covers the relationship between those officers entrusted with the financial management of the council. We will cover their roles and responsibilities, management of council finances, checks and balances, and the proper flow of money and bills. We will share some practical advice on money management and reporting responsibilities.
July 18, 2023, 8:00 PM EDT: Financial Officer Training
Visit the Fraternal Training page on the Knights of Columbus website to view our complete schedule of training webinars, the archive of On Demand Webinars, the Fraternal "How To" Video Library, Officer Resources, and more.
5 State Exemplification CUF (7PM, Zoom)
7—Cleveland Chapter Rainbow Camp
11 KofC Luncheon (2PM, Fuji Buffet, Parma)
12 State Exemplification CUF (7PM, Zoom)
14 Cleveland Chapter Meeting (7:00PM) (Garfield)
19 State Exemplification CUF (7PM, Zoom)
25 State Campout
26—State Exemplification CUF (7PM, Zoom)
For details concerning the events above, please check out either the state calendar or the diocesan calendar. To submit events, visit www.kofcohio.org and click on Events and Exemplifications.
Looking for a live, in-person Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity but do not have enough team members for the team. Contact Joe Vallowe at 703-839-3591 or via email at vallowej@gmail.com to schedule our Diocesan Team to assist. If you are interested in starting a council team, contact your District Deputy or any member of the Diocesan Team to assist.
Attending to the needs of our community by providing spiritual care to patients, families, and staff through direct and indirect services.
We put people first by caring for their spiritual and emotional needs during the most important moments of their lives. You can help us achieve our mission by participating in our 2023 CP Golf Benefit.
KofC Board Members: Jim Maslach, Vice-President Scott Metsch, Secretary
Find out more info by visiting chaplainpartnership.org
Join the Greater Cleveland Chapter for an afternoon of service, fellowship, and fun at Rainbow Camp 2023.
Volunteers are needed Knights of Columbus Greater Cleveland Chapter Friday July 7, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. 9thh Annual Saint Augustine Children's Rainbow Camp 2486 West 14th Street.
This could be your council’s first service program of the year. The schedule is above for reference. So, if you are interested or would like to donate, please contact Paul Mathieson at paulmathieson@msn.com.
