Sir Knights Across the Diocese Turnout for Memorial Day Parades and Services at the Catholic Cemeteries in the Diocese
PRATICAL VISION, ENDURING MISSION
With an eye toward leading others to heaven, Father McGivney was attentive to the ways of the world as he worked to better the spiritual and temporal conditions of his immigrant parishioners. His innovative efforts to draw laypeople closer to Christ –especially through his founding of the fraternal Order of the Knights of Columbus – was creative, effective and bold.
A priest who knew him well wrote:
Genial, approachable, of kindly disposition, cheerful under reverses, profoundly sympathetic with those upon whom had fallen the heavy hand of affliction, a man of strict probity and sterling integrity in his business transactions. He was charitable to a fault ... The poor found in him a good Samaritan, and were the frequent recipients of his bounty. … There are few clergymen in my recollection who enjoyed in a greater degree than he the respect of his colleagues and the reverence of the people. … His energy was restless, ever seeking new outlets. And to this disposition are we indebted for the existence of the Knights of Columbus.
When he arrived for his first assignment at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, he met an ailing pastor who had to turn much of the pastoral work over to his new assistant. In a letter to his seminary mentor, he wrote that the whole work of the parish had been laid upon his shoulders and he had been unable to take even one day off. Seven years later, as pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, Father McGivney’s workload only increased, with a mission church added to his duties.
Falling ill during the global viral pandemic of 1889-90, Father McGivney developed tuberculosis and was forced to cut back on his routine to seek a cure. After months of heroic struggle against the illness, and after intense prayer for his parishioners and their future, he finally received the last rites and succumbed to pneumonia on Aug. 14, 1890, two days past his 38th birthday.
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.
The funeral Mass and procession were attended by Knights and other Catholics from across Connecticut, and even secular news reports described him as an exemplary priest and a model Christian man.
(Father McGivney Guild, 2024)
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
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 month of June falls within the liturgical season of 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. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
A Time of Love
Following Pentecost, the Church begins her slow descent from the great peaks of the Easter Season to the verdant pastures of Ordinary Time, the longest of the liturgical seasons. She pauses briefly, to praise the Holy Trinity Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier; and then the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi. Like the lush June growth all around us, the green of the liturgical season points to the new life won for us by the Redemption of Jesus Christ, the new life of Charity. For Our Lord came to cast the fire of His love on the earth, and to that end, sent His Holy Spirit at Pentecost in the form of tongues of fire.
Therefore, the close of the Easter season marks not the cessation but rather the beginning of Ordinary Time is the commencement of the Church’s activity. Ordinary Time is the hour to “go out to all the world and tell the good news.” The feasts of June highlight this expansion of the Church. At least ten times, the Church vests in the red of the martyrs whose blood is the very seed of her growth. She also celebrates the feasts of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and the birth of St. John the Baptist, proto-disciple and prophet.
We, too, are called to be witnesses like the apostles and martyrs. May the Heart of Jesus inflame our hearts so that we may be worthy of our Baptismal call to holiness. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
This item 12552 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
Supreme Chaplain’s Challenge
Jesus desires that his disciples be united in his name: one body, one faith, one Church. It is vital for our own families to remain united in faith. It is not easy to raise and form children in the Catholic faith in today’s confused culture. But as Holy Cross Father Patrick Peyton, the “rosary priest,” said, “The family that prays together stays together.” Let us keep our family united by staying united to Christ in prayer. This month, I challenge you to pray the rosary daily with your entire household, offering at least one decade for the unity of your family and the Church.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of June 2024
For migrants leaving their homes: We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.
STATE OFFICER REPORT
Well, we just completed the 125th Annual State Convention down in the Greater Cincinnati Area. The Cleveland Diocese certainly well attended and took home a number of awards. You can check out all of the winners on page 10 of this newsletter. The Administrative Awards will be published in the state newsletter soon. Thank you and congratulations to the State Officers and Cincinnati Convention Team for another great time.
For those that did not attend, you missed out on an opportunity to meet brothers from around the state at the Friday Night Party, play a challenging golf course at Devou, take your card game to the next level in the Euchre Tournament, awards, Super Ca$h Bonanza drawing, Business Session, Caucus Meeting, State Deputy’s Banquet, and Closing Ceremonies on Sunday. It was a fun and very busy weekend. I think I did not eat at all on Saturday till the Banquet just because there was so much going on.
Congratulations to Patrick Gale, PGK 10792 and current District Deputy #21, for being elected at the Supreme Convention delegate for the Cleveland Diocese. If you are interested in attending the Supreme Convention in Quebec City, please contact me as soon as possible. A passport is required.
The final report for Super Ca$h will be presented to the Board of Directors of the Ohio Charity Foundation at the end of June and discussed during the State Tour in July.
Cleveland continues to crush it in growth as we crossed the 100% of our goal and over 3.40% growth since July 1. Congratulations to all the councils for continuing to put your faith into action and grow our Order. We still have another 30-days to help Ohio get back to the Circle of Honor at the Supreme Convention. We are only 61-
Granted, we cannot pay mileage and per diem to all that would like to attend, however, our State Deputy will find some way to make it up to you. Come and see what training we give our DDs, interact with others from around the state, and get a first hand look at the 2024-2025 fraternal year. More information to come out soon.
The state tour for the Cleveland Diocese will be on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 1PM at Mary Queen of the Apostles in Brook Park. Lunch will be provided starting at 12 Noon. New this year, at 12:45 PM, we will have a short presentation on how to use Member Management to submit your 185s and 365s. If you able, bring your computer with your Supreme login information especially if you are a GK or FS.
members away as of June 1. If you are holding on to members for next fraternal year, please do not. Schedule or attend an Exemplification live or online so that those candidates can get involved sooner than later.
Now that the convention is over, it is time to start to plan for the 2025 State Convention which will be returning to downtown Cleveland. We are looking for members to join our convention team this year so that we can plan a great experience. If you are interested, please contact me at 440-785-9838 or via email at kofcjkm@gmail.com.
Speaking of Super Ca$h Bonanza, Ca$hman and Cardinal were able to apprehend the Accountant and his Henchman just before the drawing. You can catch up on the adventure on page 8 and stay tuned for another exciting video from Ca$hman! Congratulations to all of the winners.
This June at our District Deputy Meeting in Columbus, our Worthy State Deputy, Jeff Kiliany, and the State Officers are inviting the Grand Knights and Deputy Grand Knights to join us on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Columbus Marriott Northwest.
Thank you to all of the Knights that turned out for the various Memorial Day services at the cemeteries and communities throughout Cleveland. Your presences offers the love of Christ to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Thank you again for all that you did, do, and will continue to do for our members, parishes, and communities here in the diocese. God Bless you all!
Jim
GROWTH REPORT
As of last weekend, Ohio reached 96.61% of Growth Goal. Ohio needs 1,860 61 new Brother Knights with 30 days left in the Fraternal Year. I ask all Grand Knights and District Deputies to review PSD Ken Girt Star Council Status Report coming out for June. We need 59 Star Councils! Has your council completed Columbia Award (SP-7) application? Still Youth/SAFE Compliant? Attained Fr. McGivney Award (Growth)? Enough participants for Founders Award (Fraternal Benefit Events)? Let us be Worthy to reach Circle of Honor
The last Virtual Fraternal Benefit Event, June 18 (https://tinyurl.com/ KofCJune18)at 8:00 PM. This special online “Guard. Grow. Give.” webinar. Presented by Anthony Minopoli, Asset Advisors and Dennis Gerber, Charitable Giving. Join us to learn more about Faith-Based Financial Solutions for Families. As a reminder, Grand Knight 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
Fraternally, Andrew Nuckols, State Growth Director
ORDER GROWTH
As of June 1, 2024
Ohio July 1: 54,834
Ohio Growth: 1,741 (96.6%) % Growth: 3.18%
Cleveland July 1: 8,162
Cleveland Growth: 286 (103.1%)
% Growth: 3.50%
% 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 (15.38%)
3. 15942 St. Mary Chardon (14.10%)
4. 13984 Brook Park (12.20%)
5. 3304 Geauga (9.48%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS
1. 3410 South Akron (24)
2. 774 Elyria (17)
3. 4847 Brunswick (15)
4. 4130 Garfield Heights, 10936 Father Maruskin, 14551 St. Hilary (13)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #19 Tom Goodhart (46)
2. DD #24 Tom Donovan (33)
3. DD #21 Patrick Gale (32)
4. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (30)
5. DD #25 Mike Rauh (24)
DISTRICT DEPUTIES
Worthy District Deputies and fraternal leaders-
It was nice to see all of you last night. Our State Deputy and his wife along with Jason Staas (our General Agent), John Spencer (GA of southeastern OH drove up from Marietta), Chris Winston, Andy Zemecek and a few others who I may missed. All expressed appreciation for what we have accomplished this year and look forward to next Fraternal Year.
I will probably break up this email due to length but wanted to share the most recent OSC Scorecard. You should have received an email from Ken Girt with today's Star Council Status. Please note I have attached the PDF files of note.
As mentioned last night there are a few councils who just need to submit their SP-7 and they will earn Star Council, ASAP: Lakewood 2643; Wadsworth 3213; Berea 15901; Westlake 16373; Please ensure these Councils have or will submit their SP-7. I promised the State deputy 20 Star Councils from Cleveland.
Continue to encourage your Councils to hold degrees; register their degree with State AND complete their 450's Also if Council's are hesitant to bring in or recruit new members due to wanting to hold off until after July 1st, PLEASE tell them that is a sub-optimal option BUT at the bare minimum please sign them up as an eMember. As stated last night, State will receive credit as a new member AND for every 10 eMembers will reduce the State goal for Circle of Honor; currently the goal 1802. Note at the start of the year this goal was 1860.
Please encourage your Councils to not let up, I personally have a Council in my District just recently realize they could actually earn Star Council and I told them, I will assist in anyway possible. So there are Council's still out there that with a little bit of nudge and support by you as a DD that could clear the last few hurdles.
Last night, I announced the Diocesan/Regonal Free Throw Contest will be held on February 16th held at Elyria Catholic. Last year we were on the east side at the CPL now we return the favor. Thank you to Dewitt for coordinating this event. More information will follow as the date nears.
Finally Congratulations to Tom Goodhart and Pat Gale. As announced at State Convention Tom Goodhart was named State District Deputy of the Year. Pat was selected as Delegate from the Cleveland Diocese and will attend the Supreme Convention in August. Congratulations to both.
Thank you,
TeranSTATE FUNDRAISING
OHIO REACHES $1 MILLION FOR CHARITY!
2024 Super Ca$h Bonanza
The Charity Campaign started in 1946 and through the years raised a lot of funds for charities in Ohio. The list of those that reached $1 Million includes: Clarence Potts (1985 and 1986), Robert Wilhem (1983 and 1984), and Ken Toigo (1987). The Charity Brothers led by Mike “Westside” Felerski sold 196,179 tickets for a total of $985,895 in 2023, almost getting to that magic number. You can see that it has been 37 years since we reached that plateau.
This year, Ca$hman and Cardinal, our caped crusaders for charity in Ohio, were challenged by a criminal genius in the Accountant. The Accountant was found traveling throughout the state, taking the money councils raised for charity for his own greed. His henchman, Bills, Taxes, and Inflation were found just taking bags of money right from the Financial Secretary and Treasurer. Ca$hman was called in by our Worthy State Deputy, Jeff Kiliany, to help save the day.
Brothers, you took our plan to heart, went out covering the far
reaches of the state and beyond to sell our charity tickets. There were tickets from Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and so on.
After all your efforts, Ca$hman and Cardinal apprehended the Accountant and his Henchman at the 125th Annual Ohio State Convention on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Covington, KY. The total number of tickets sold for the 2024 Charity Campaign was 202,714 making $1,013,570 for charity in Ohio.
Congratulations to all of Ohio for knocking down the $1 Million barrier and changing the heart of the Accountant.
More details will be forth coming at the State Tour.
Thank you, Ohio. There is no doubt that, when necessary, the Knights in Ohio have the dedication and heart to make it happen.
God Bless, Jim Maslach State Treasurer and 2024 Charity Campaign Chairman
SUPER CA$H BONANZA WINNERS
STATE CONVENTION AWARDS
Congratulations to all of state award winners from the Cleveland Diocese. All our councils continue to show that our Faith is in Action here in the Cleveland Diocese and throughout the State of Ohio. The Administrative Award Winners will be announced in the State Newsletter. For information on each of the awards, please consult the General Program Book available on the state website under PUBS&RESOURCES,
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
My name is William R. Anderson Jr most of the people that know me know me as Cle Own Cle Proud Cabby Bill I a created a group called Ohio Family Reunification Ministry!
"Bringing hope, healing and forgiveness one jailhouse visit at a time."
A Pastor once told me when you down the best way to pick yourself up is do something good for others.
What better thing to do then share the love of Jesus Christ with the families of the incarcerated. As a victim of a violent crime I was robbed, shot and left for dead it was a traumatic experience in my life but a experience that change me forever as a victim I don't believe I will ever be normal again since I have become Catholic and a member of the Knights of Columbus #4847 3rd degree looking forward to next year in April 2025 The day I become a 4th degree.
I don't want to be a victim I want to be a voice of change I want to share the same love that Jesus shared with on that day August 4th 2008 I want to share that there is hope, healing and forgiveness all you have to do is ask and mean it. that why I want to created Ohio Family Reunification Ministry.
Please join us August 17th 7-9pm thank you! Tickets online only we need to sell 100 tickets
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
June 5, 2024
10:00 PM
June 17, 2024
8:00 PM
June 25, 2024
8:00 PM
June 27, 2024
Topic/Registration Link
Transitioning Between Fraternal Years
In this session we will review best practices for putting the finishing touches on the current Fraternal Year, handing over the administration, operation and leadership to the next team, and preparing for the new Columbian year.
Click HERE to Register.
District Deputy Basics: Part One
District Deputy Basics: Part One will cover a basic understanding of the role of District Deputy, including such items as what a District Deputy is, who they represent, who they report to, and who they serve. We will also talk about some resources that will assist you in filling this important position.
Click HERE to Register.
Financial Officer Training
This training covers the relationship between those officers entrusted with the financial management of the council. Grand Knights, Financial Secretaries, Treasurers and Council Trustees should take this training. 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.
Click HERE to Register.
8:00 PM Grand Knight Basics: Part Two
The Grand Knight Basics: Part Two webcast training is designed to help you become a successful leader. This webcast will focus on two key management topics for Grand Knights: Growth and Programs. We will present several management tools and strategies that will empower all Grand Knights to become successful leaders.
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
State Treasurer Super Cash 2024
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
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
District Deputy #23 947, 3304, 14714, 15942
District Deputy #24 4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769
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
John Brown
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