STATE OFFICER REPORT

In the Gospel according to Matthew, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

In each scenario, a great sacrifice is made in pursuit of a single item. Whether a pearl, buried treasure, or something else something that holds deep meaning to you why might we make such a sacrifice?

As leaders in the Knights of Columbus, sacrifice is a word that we toss around a lot. But there is more than just sacrifice for us to be successful in our mission. It takes teamwork, passion, love of Christ, dedication, and patience. When we take the time to actually cherish the time we have with each other, what we are doing, and the love Christ brings to our hearts, there is nothing that can stop us. My prayers for you and your families is that you never lose that love for Christ and that you will always bring it out because that is truly something worth sacrificing for.

July has been a very busy month for all of us. Thank you very much to Brunswick Council #4847 for hosting the State Tour Meeting on Saturday, July 15. Here you had an opportunity to see new State Deputy Jeff Kiliany and his team and listen to what will be his key for the next two years during his administration. Hopefully, you picked up your Football Crazr Tickets at the end of the meeting. If you did not, the state will be reaching out to you to see if you are interested for this fraternal year. Please take the time to respond when asked.

Council installations are taking place throughout the diocese. If your council has not had your installation yet, please contact your District Deputy. Their contact information can be found on the last page of this directory. Please make those arrangements before September.

Forms are due now for Reporting of the Officers and Service Personnel. State and Supreme need these forms to be able to build our contact directory and safe environment requirements. There is a big push this year from the state team to get the safe environment training done in a timely fashion and it starts now. If you need help with the forms, contact your DD or any one on the diocesan team for assistance.

Measure Up should be wrapping up. Please get your donations to Chris Sarka, State Advocate. He has double duty this year with finishing up Measure Up for 2023 and getting Matching Funds underway. Check out the website for more information and grant forms. Donations from the Cleveland Diocese were down last year. This is our flagship charity that as a state we do so well. Please find the heart to help those with developmental disabilities.

Speaking of Matching Funds, that will be starting here in September. Please help the religious education and evangelization offices right here in

Cleveland with your council, assembly, or personal donation. The first $25,000 donated will be matched by the Ohio Charity Foundation. Those funds can be used right here in the diocese. Checks can be sent to Chris Sarka, State Advocate. If your council does not have the funds, call me. I will give you $20 to donate in your councils name.

If you are looking for something fun to do with your family in 2024, I would like to recommend you check out the Knights of Columbus State Campout. This is the second year that Kathy and I attended. This year, it was held at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina, OH. Yes, it is a 3-hour drive from the Cleveland, but it is a great opportunity to meet other brother Knights and their families from around the state. There is the possibility that the location might change. So, keep an eye here in the newsletter and as well on the state website for any updates.

Finally, Kathy and I are heading out today, Sunday, to the 141st Supreme Convention in Orlando. It is our honor to represent the great members and their families from the Cleveland Diocese at this event. You will be able to watch some of the proceedings on EWTN as well as through the Supreme website. Click on the link in at the state website (www.kofcohio.org) under ACTITIVIES for all of the details.

May the blessings of God come upon all of you and your families. Vivat Jesus!

Jim Maslach State Treasurer