THE FOUNDER IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
A new statue of Blessed Michael McGivney was dedicated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 8, 2023, the patronal feast of the basilica and of the United States.
The Italian marble statue, located in the Hall of American Saints on the basilica’s lower level, was unveiled by Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly and John Walshe, a great-grand - nephew of Father McGivney. Resting on a pedestal and standing more than six feet tall, the white marble figure of the founder of the Knights of Columbus is shown in a simple cassock, holding a book of the Scriptures. Etched on its pages are the Order’s founding principles Unity and Charity symbolizing their roots in the Gospel message.
“Father McGivney had a timeless vision, which is captured so well on the statue itself,” the supreme knight said in remarks following the dedication. “Generations of pilgrims started visiting the basilica in the 1920s, long before any of us were born. And long after we’re gone, pilgrims will still
come to the basilica, and now they will see a statue of Blessed Michael McGivney and will pray for his intercession.”
A gift from the Order, the statue joins those of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Katharine Drexel and St. Kateri Tekakwitha in the Hall of American Saints near the entrance to the Crypt Church.
Its sculptor, Chas Fagan, also painted the image of Father McGivney for his beatification in 2020. In an interview in the March issue of Columbia, Fagan recalled visiting St. Mary’s Church in New Haven for the first time in the 1980s, when he was a student at Yale University. Not knowing it was the church where the Knights of Columbus was founded, he sat in the empty church one day, he recalled, “and the voice welcomes me – by name. I look up, and there’s a priest up there by the altar, and he walks by. And that’s it. I’m left sitting there, kind of shocked and amazed, but also a little freaked out. I had never been there, yet he knew my name. … In the
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
end, all I do know is what I felt – a sense of absolute welcome. And that experience completely anchored me from then on. That church on Hillhouse [Avenue] became my home. For the rest of my time at college, I went to church there.”
He found out about the church’s connection to Father McGivney when the Knights first contacted him to paint an image of the founder. “That is why it means so much to me to work with the Knights of Columbus, to tell the story of Father McGivney, either in paint or clay or bronze or marble,” he said.
Retrieved from Father McGivney Guild
HIS VISION, YOUR MISSION
You can play a key role in advancing Father McGivney’s cause by joining 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.
Click HERE to Join!
MONTHLY REFLECTION
The Easter season ends on Pentecost, May 20, which is represented by the liturgical color white the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored). The remainder of the month (beginning the Monday after Pentecost) is in Ordinary Time which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.
A Time of Grace
The world is resplendent with Spring's increased light and new growth. It is Mary's month in the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ.
"The month of May, with its profusion of blooms was adopted by the Church in the eighteenth century as a celebration of the flowering of Mary's maidenly spirituality...With its origins in Isaiah's prophecy of the Virgin birth of the Messiah under the figure of the Blossoming Rod or Root of Jesse, the flower symbolism of Mary was extended by the Church Fathers, and in the liturgy, by applying to her the flower figures of the Sapiential Books Canticles, Wisdom, Proverbs and Sirach.
Pentecost, the birth of the Church, is also among the celebrations of May. Though sprung from the side of Christ on the Cross, the Church marks as her birthday the descent of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the Apostles. At the 'birth' of the world, the Holy Spirit the Breath of God was the "mighty wind [that] swept over the waters" (Gen 1:2); at the birth of the Church He is present again "like the rush of a mighty wind" to recreate the world in the image of Christ through His Church (Acts 2:2).
We, the members of Christ's Mystical Body, are the present-day disciples sent by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to the world. May we go forth as did Mary, who set out in haste to assist St. Elizabeth (feast of the Visitation, May 31). Come upon us, O Holy Spirit, so that, with Mary, we may proclaim the greatness of the Lord who has done great things for us for his mercy endures forever!
"In the hierarchy of holiness it is precisely the 'woman', Mary of Nazareth, who is the 'figure' of the Church. She 'precedes' everyone on the path to holiness; in her person 'the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle'". John Paul II Mulieris Dignitatem, 1988
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of May 2024
For the Formation of Religious and Seminarians: We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.
You are all-beautiful, O Mary! You are the glory, you are the joy, you are the honor of our people!
STATE OFFICER REPORT
May has finally arrived and it appears that old man winter has left us for this year. We will see him again in November. We can count on it.
April was another busy month for the Knights of Columbus here in the Cleveland Diocese. Many councils held Exemplifications at three councils. For the year, Cleveland continues to lead the state with 46 CUF Exemplifications and 172-new 3rd Degree Knights through in-person, live Exemps. The top-3 councils are 774 Elyria, 4847 Brunswick, and 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony. If you are interested in a live, in-person Exemplification, please contact me at 440-785-9838 and we schedule one for you.
Congratulations to all of the new Sir Knights and Ladies that attended the OD1 4th Degree Exemplification on April 20, 2024 in Westlake. District Master Brandon Robinson and his staff did a fantastic job with the arrangements. Congratulations to Past State Deputy Roland Bator for being presented with the Distinguished Service Award. Past State Deputy Robert Collins was also in attendance and provided some inspiration to the new Sir Knights.
Councils wrapped up their “of the Year” awards and closed out any remaining programs as the state general program closed on April 15th. This allows the state directors the time they need to get the awards together, made, and
ready for the state convention.
Speaking of the state convention, registration is going very well. It is a non-election year, but it is 125th Anniversary of the Ohio State Council. There will be some special activities to mark this achievement. Supreme Secretary, Patrick Mason and his family, are scheduled to be the Supreme representative. As of today, there are 37-delegates from 37-councils attending this year in the Greater Cincinnati area. Remember, we will be electing Supreme Convention delegate and alternate from the West side this year. If you are interested as a delegate or attending, please make sure that you have your passport available. The Supreme Convention is in Quebec City this August.
Super Ca$h Bonanza continues throughout the month. Ca$hman adventures continue as tickets roll in from around the state and as far away as Alaska and Hawaii. Remember that tickets are due by May 10, 2024. Ca$hman needs your help to defeat the Accountant. Get ready for a wild ride to the end.
Bishop Edward Malesic and members from a number of councils here in the diocese came together to bless an ultrasound machine for Veranova in Middleburg Heights. Cleveland continues to show that we respect life at all stages and continue to support pregnancy centers and women’s clinics.
We are also looking for some new District Deputies for the 2023-2024 fraternal year. If you are a GK , PGK, or soon-to-be PGK, prayerfully consider stepping into the role as a mentor for councils in the diocese. Contact myself or Teran Taggart for more details.
Plan now Grand Knights and council officers to attend the State Tour for the Cleveland Diocese on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The event will be held at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish in Brookpark. As is our custom, a simple lunch will be provided prior to the meeting. Come out and support your state officers and team as they kick-off the 20242025 fraternal year.
Continue to prayer for seminarians, soon-to-be ordained new priests, and all the new pastors coming around here over the next couple of months. The Knights of Columbus are here to serve you and your parishes.
I am looking forward to meeting all you that are coming to the convention. Stop by and say hello and let us catch up on all that you and your councils are doing.
Vivat Jesus.
Jim
GROWTH REPORT
Happy Mother’s Day! Mothers spend their days, months and years loving, supporting, and caring for their families. Thanks for all you do for our extended Knights of Columbus family.
Ohio is having steady growth in April, the count down in on, with less than 300 new Brother Knights to make our growth goal of 1,860 members. Ohio now needs 59 Star Councils, with councils attaining Fr. McGivney Award (Growth), Founders Award (Fraternal Benefit Events) and submitting Columbia Award (SP-7) application. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 125th Annual Ohio State Council Convention.
The next Virtual Fraternal Benefit Event will be on May 22 (http:// tinyurl.com/KofCMay22) at 7:00 PM. This online webinar “Invest with Integrity Pursue Growth without Compromising Returns or Your Faith” Presented by Thom Duffy, Asset Advisors. Join us to learn more about investment solutions that align with your Catholic values. As a reminder, after the FBE, the Grand Knight’s should complete the Fraternal Benefit Event Council Report (#11077) to earn credit towards the Founders’ Award. https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7322809/ Fraternal-Benefits-Event-Council-Report-v2
The fastest way to sign up a new member is using the E-Membership (www.kofc.org/JoinUs ) website or scan the QR code, men can join any time and become a member instantly.
Andrew Nuckols, State Growth DirectorORDER GROWTH
As of May 1, 2024
Ohio July 1: 54,834
Ohio Growth: 1,575 (84.5%)
% Growth: 2.87%
Cleveland July 1: 8,162
Cleveland Growth: 256 (92.3%)
% Growth: 3.14%
% 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
1. 8320 John Carroll (39.29%)
2. 15901 St. Adalbert (12.82%)
3. 13984 Brook Park (12.20%)
4. 16373 St. Ladislas (9.30%)
5. 16376 St. Bernadette (8.42%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS
1. 3410 South Akron (24)
2. 774 Elyria (17)
3. 4847 Brunswick (15)
4. 10936 Father Maruskin, 14551 St. Hilary (12)
5. 8320 John Carroll, 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (11)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #19 Tom Goodhart (43)
2. DD #24 Tom Donovan (32)
3. DD #21 Patrick Gale (31)
4. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (30)
5. DD #33 George Metz (23)
INSURANCE & INVESTMENTS
WHAT IS THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHARITABLE FUND?
A donor-advised fund with Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund is the safe, secure, and confidential platform to maximize your philanthropic impact on organizations that align with your Catholic values. Whether you are established in your philanthropy or just starting out, Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund has an account for you.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a philanthropic vehicle established at a public charity. It allows you to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit, and then recommend grants from the fund over time. Assets in a donor-advised fund can grow tax free. For the donor there are no distribution requirements, excise taxes, or reporting requirements. By starting an account with Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund (KCCF), you'll take the first important step toward maximizing your giving. Simply designate the
charities to whom you want to give, and we'll take it from there.
FEE SCHEDULE
• No minimum initial contribution and no minimum account balance.
• $25 minimum grant recommendation
• Annual minimum administrative fee is 0.50% or $120, whichever is greater.
• Secure online Donor Dashboard
• USCCB Catholic approved Investment options provided by Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors
• In-depth proprietary Catholic grant due diligence screening
BENEFITS
Contributing to charities through a donor-advised fund with Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund means total certainty that you are driving your philanthropy to charities and causes aligned to your Catholic faith. We encourage you to involve the entire family in your giving through KCCF, as well, which can initiate a culture of generosity among your children that may ensure your legacy lasts generations. The fund is userfriendly, makes your giving more consistent and potentially provides a tax benefit commensurate with your investment.
STATE PROGRAMS
Super Ca$h Bonanza 2024 “Holy Ticket Stubs, Ca$hman!”
Jim Maslach, State Treasurer and 2024 Charity Campaign ChairmanThe response has been outstanding from around the state of Ohio for the Super Ca$h Bonanza Campaign! Over 130,000-tickets have already been submitted putting us at 65% of the goal. The Accountant is just beside himself pulling every trick he can out of the book just to get you NOT to participate. He knows that the $1,000,000 goal is reachable. We cannot let up and give him a chance to win. We are Knights of Columbus and CHARITY is a key principle. We will do what it takes to ensure that our councils have the funds available to take care of the needy and the outcast.
There is still plenty of time to sell those tickets. The Final Turn-In date is Friday, May 10, 2024, and that is over 10-days away. The Ca$h Mobile will roll into Covington, KY on Thursday, May 16, 2024. So, all tickets MUST BE AT THE CA$H CAVE PRIOR!!! Ca$hman will be available Friday Night, May 17, 2024, at the State Convention to accept any LAST-MINUTE tickets. So, please take advantage of that time and sell as many as possible.
The leaderboard continues to change from week to week. Who will finish on top this year? As of today, there are 286 councils or 67% participating. That is outstanding. But we know that a few more would allow us to continue our great charitable work throughout Ohio. If your council is not selling, consider purchasing tickets from a neighboring council.
Another announcement from Ca$hman is coming soon!
Measure Up 2024:
Helping Citizens With Developmental Disabilities
Brother Knights of the Diocese of Cleveland,
Thanks to those councils that are holding prayer services with the Silver Rose while it is in the Diocese of Cleveland from July 4th through July 7th. Brothers check the State website for the schedule and attend one of these services as we continue
to defend life here in Ohio.
The Annual Measure up campaign to benefit people with mental disabilities is fast approaching. Brothers this is our flagship program here in Ohio. I know it keeps getting harder to find places to collect money but let's get creative with our measure up drive this year and help these individuals with mental disabilities. The drive dates are April 25-27 and May 2-4, however money can be collected anytime until the final turn in date of August 1st. Once your collection
is done go to the State website and fill out the grant form and send the form and check made out to Ohio State Council to Tony Offenberger 15200 Muskingum River Rd Lowell OH 45744. A copy of the insurance policy will be available on the website as well. Any questions contact Tony at tonyoffenberger@gmail.com
Vivat Jesus, Tony Offenberger State Warden
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
Thank You Bishop Malesic and All Brother Knights for coming out to bless the new Ultrasound Machine at Veranova in Middleburg Heights!
A HIGHER PURPOSE
Save lives by helping women choose life by giving them the opportunity to view their unborn children on ultrasound machines at pro-life pregnancy centers. This initiative is funded by Knights of Columbus state and local councils with matching grants from the Supreme Council’s Culture of Life Fund.
OVERVIEW
The Knights of Columbus works together as an organization to purchase ultrasound machines for qualifying pregnancy centers. Discounted prices for select machines are offered through preferred pricing agreements arranged by the Supreme Council. The list of preferred machines is provided to sponsoring councils after the pregnancy center is approved for funding by the local diocese and the Supreme Council. After the state and/or local council raises 50% of the cost, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council will provide the other 50% to complete funding for purchase of an ultrasound. Or, if the council raises 100% of the cost of a vehicle outfitted to serve as a mobile medical unit for a pregnancy center, the Supreme Council will provide 100% of the funds for an ultrasound machine to be used in that vehicle. For more information, visit Supreme website at www.kofc.org or click HERE
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
New Charities Announcement
In honor and memory of the two former District Deputy #27, Michael Kalal and Bill O’Brien, there are going to be 2 charitable foundations formed. “Michael C Kalal Heart of Gold Charitable Foundation” and the “God’s Tiny Miracles Charitable Foundation”. “Michael C Kalal Heart of Gold Charitable Foundation” will focus on safety equipment for first responders which are not covered or “under covered” by budgets of the departments; including but not limited to, Fire Departments, local Police Departments, Sheriff’s Departments and the Ohio State Highway Patrol along with canine units of each department. Along with the canine officer’s safety equipment, we are going to reach out to Chewy or other major pet organizations to see about food and treat donations for these officers or at least at a discounted price.
Examples of safety equipment
• Noise cancelling head phones for Fire Personnel
• Upgrade of Bullet Proof vests for both human and canine officers
• Flashlights for police officers (I was informed that officers are issued A flashlight upon the start of the job and are expected to keep this for the entire career)
• LifeVac for police officers to carry in their vehicles for responding to choking victims
• Body cams and Dash cams
“God’s Tiny Miracles Charitable Foundation” will focus on pro-life and securing much needed “Safe Haven Baby Boxes” to be installed in local communities where there are facilities manned 24/7 in order to keep the precious unwanted babies safe and out of harm’s way and to give them a good start in life. Also, to support organizations to assist women with unexpected pregnancies or in a difficult situation.
I am approaching the Knights to see if there is anyone within the organization that would be able to help register these names with the State of Ohio at a nominal cost. I am also going to be speaking to a couple of State Knights to see what, if any role the Knights of Columbus can play in helping us with these organizations as I have been told to keep them in the loop and they will see what they can do to help us. I have heard there is some “partnering” we would be able to do and looking forward to learn more how we can complement each other.
Volunteer (or a nominal charge) Positions available
Both Charities
• IT Manager – Build and maintain websites
• Accountant with knowledge of charity do’s and don’t’s, etc.
• Grant writer
• Graphic artist to assist in developing logos for both charities
God’s Tiny Miracles
Attorney to sit on the board
Additional Board members for God’s Tiny Miracles
We are working with “Grandma Janet”, who makes beautiful crocheted baby blankets. Those interested in purchasing can either purchase a blanket only OR a blanket, baby beanie and scarf. Or donate for the blankets to go to organizations dedicated to helping women in need. We are working to duplicate Michael’s famous sweet BBQ recipe and will sell bottles with all proceeds going to the Heart of Gold charity.
To volunteer or to learn more about our efforts, please contact Amy Kalal at 1.440.552.4275 or akalal2014@outlook.com. Thank you for taking the time to read this information and hopefully help in keeping both Michael’s and Bill’s legacy alive. Both were amazing people and Knights and followers of God, both living their faith every minute of each day.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Fraternal Trainers provide important support for Fraternal Leaders; training can be tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned officers, as well as any members who are interested in advancing to officer roles in the future. Fraternal Trainers provide officer training at both the district and council level, online and inperson. To sign up for training sessions from Supreme, visit the state website (www.kofcohio.org) under FOR MEMBERS and click on Training Opportunities or click the registration links below.
Date/Time
May 7, 2024
8:00 PM
Topic/Registration Link
Guidelines for Conducting Council Meetings
This webinar shows councils how to adopt the current guidelines and learn best practices to host an informative, efficient, and effective Council Meeting that will help maintain strong, healthy and engaged membership. Using ‘The Guidelines for Council Meetings’ we will walk you through the steps and procedures of council and officer planning meetings. By highlighting best practices for preparing for and conducting these meetings, this webinar will give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to prepare and host effective and timely council meetings that will benefit your Council and its members.
Click HERE to Register.
May 8, 2024
10:00 PM
May 14, 2024
8:00 PM
Running a Successful Exemplification
Please join us as we conduct a walk through on conducting an effective Exemplification of Charity, Unity & Fraternity. We will take you through the process step-by-step to show you everything you need to do to put on a great Exemplification.
Click HERE to Register.
Options for Entering Forms 185 & 365
Join us for this informative and most efficient way of updating your Council Officers and Directors. Post election, we discuss the fastest method: seamless updating through Member Management in Officer's Online.
Click HERE to Register.
May 21, 2024
8:00 PM
Grand Knight Basics: Part One
In this training, you will learn duties and responsibilities, how to engage your fellow officers and form your council into a team, plus 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.
Click HERE to Register.
DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
To have events added to the diocesan calendar, visit the state website at www.kofcohio.org and scroll down till you see UPCOMING EVENTS. Click on the RED button to submit your event.
If your council would like to host an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity but does not have a team ready or available, contact Jim Maslach at 440-785-9838. The Diocesan Exemp Team is ready and willing to come to you. We will need at least two weeks prior notice to make the appropriate plans.
STATE & DIOCESAN DIRECTORY
State Deputy
Immediate Past State Deputy Support Our Seminarians 2024
State Secretary State Per Capita
Jeff Kiliany 559 Walnut St Leetonia, OH 44431 jtktg@yahoo.com
Mark Siracusa 15398 Silver Pine Ct Perrysburg, OH 43551 cuzza52@gmail.com
Mike Felerski 1580 Gelhot Dr. #234 Fairfield, OH 45014 mfelerski@icloud.com
State Treasurer Super Cash 2024 Jim Maslach 4927 Autumnwood Ln Brunswick, OH 44212 440-785-9838 kofcjkm@gmail.com
State Advocate Matching Funds 2024 Chris Sarka 7239 Winterbek Ave New Albany, OH 43054 c_sarka@hotmail.com
State Warden Measure Up 2024 Tony Offenberger 15200 Muskingum River Rd Lowell OH 45744 tonyoffenberger@gmail.com
College Council Coordinator / DD #33 310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737 George Metz 440-449-0081 georgegmetz@aol.com
Growth Coordinator / DD #28 Inactive Councils Mike Incorvati 330-671-1490 mbaincorvati@hotmail.com
Diocesan DD Coordinator / DD #26 3970, 14406, 15056, 15614, 16137, 16279 Teran Taggart 440-665-4078 ADM5893@YAHOO.COM
Council Rejuvenation / DD #32 789, 3541, 5506 Robert Walsh
216-533-1134 rewalsh731@aol.com
Past State Deputy Robert Collins, Jr 216-410-7174 rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
Past State Deputy Roland Bator
General Agent Jason Staas
COR Director Cleveland
State Website Director
District Deputy #19 547, 3213, 3410, 4664, 14111, 14054
District Deputy #20 637, 774, 3269, 4891, 7970, 8369
District Deputy #21 4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376
District Deputy #22 733, 2643, 2790, 4217
330-225-7354 rbator4591@msn.com
800-484-0304 jason.staas@kofc.org
Ty Tyjewski 440-867-4503 TYKNIGHT4847@GMAIL.C OM
Tom Buehner
Tom Goodhart
DeWitt Gober
Patrick Gale
David Tucker
District Deputy #23 947, 3304, 14714, 15942 John Brown
District Deputy #24 4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769
Tom Donovan
District Deputy #25 2362, 3529, 5613, 10936, 13517 Mike Rauh
District Deputy #27 2886, 3164, 4498, 4801, 5405, 13755
District Deputy #30 14255, 14551
District Deputy #31 2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831
Tim Daley
Kevin Hogan
Jerry Nowesnick
216-554-0722 tom.buehner@gmail.com
330-773-9379 MLTRG@ATT.NET
440-541-3317 DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
440-382-1177 FLAGDAY66@WOWWAY.C OM
216-310-4360 SIXFOOTSIX32@YAHOO.C OM
330-610-0308 trouter0523@gmail.com
216-650-4213 TD3430@ATT.NET
330-256-3038 MIKERAUH58@GMAIL.CO M
216-486-1298 tdaley1861@aol.com
330-666-1343 k.j.hogan@roadrunner.com
440-336-0039 nowesnick@gmail.com