The founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael J. McGivney was a central figure in the growth of Catholicism in America, and he remains a model today. His example of charity, evangelization and empowerment of the laity continues to bear fruit and guide Knights of Columbus around the world.
In his Apostolic Letter that was read at the Mass for Beatification on Oct. 31, 2020, Pope Francis stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.” The Holy Father set his annual feast day for Aug. 13, the day between Father McGivney’s birthday (in 1852) and the day he entered eternal life (in 1890).
The beatification ceremony in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn., was a high point in a long process that began with the opening of the Cause for Canonization in December 1997. Shortly after Father McGivney was named a Venerable
A MODEL FOR TODAY
Servant of God in March 2008, Pope Benedict XVI cited him as a key figure in “the impressive growth” of the Church in the United States, stating, “We need but think of the remarkable accomplishment of that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McGivney, whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus.”
Through the spiritual genius of Father McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has become a way for Catholic men to transform friends into brothers brothers who care for one another.
Just as those in need sought Father McGivney’s help in life, understanding that he was a “Good Samaritan” figure, more than 2 million members of the Knights of Columbus and their families, and many others around the world, continue to seek out Father McGivney as a heavenly helper in times of need today. On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree for a miracle attributed to his intercession, opening the way for Father McGivney to be beatified. A
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
second approved miracle is needed for him to be canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church.
Those who knew him best in life saw in him both a “genial” countenance and a man with an “indomitable will” to achieve the good. In sum, his founding of the Knights of Columbus “attests to the love in which he held his brother man.”
In these pages, you will get to know Father McGivney better, and join us in praying for his intercession as well as his canonization. You also can read accounts by contemporaries of Father McGivney about his life, works and virtues.
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 entire month 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 arousesin 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 to Persevere
The days of summer have provided a welcome change of pace. However, while vacations afford us the time to relax and refresh, the change of habits and routines can also have a negative impact on our spiritual lives. As if to re-ignite us, the Church offers us in the plethora of August feasts vivid examples of the virtue of perseverance: six martyrs two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine and St. Monica, his mother; the humble patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, and the patron of deacons, St. Lawrence, who joked with his executioners while being roasted alive.
It is never too late to begin as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ's Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope the glorification which is Christ's" (Enchiridion on Indulgences).
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
This item 12553 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
Supreme Chaplain’s Challenge
Before the Fall, God put Adam to work tending the garden. Good men work hard to provide for their families, including their material wants and needs. These temporal necessities, however, must never become our highest priority. Our first obligation is to seek the path to eternal life for ourselves and for our loved ones. Jesus, the Bread of Life, the food that will endure.
Challenge: Our Founder, Father McGivney, worked tirelessly to serve God and man. I challenge you to pray the novena to Blessed Michael McGivney this month.
The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2024
For political leaders: We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.
With Mary Immaculate, let us adore, thank, implore and console the Most Beloved and Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
STATE OFFICER REPORT
Growing up during the 1970s and 1980s, there was a very popular late night TV program on Channel 8 called “Big Chuck and Hoolihan” and eventually it became “Big Chuck and Little John.” There was a very popular title sequence shown with the song “Here We Go Again.” Well, 2023-2024 is in the rearview mirror and the road in front of us, 2024-2025, is full of wonder. So, “HERE WE GO AGAIN!”
There was a lot that we accomplished in 2023-2024. We can now build upon that history and move forward. During the state tour meeting in July, you heard State Deputy Jeff Kiliany give us our marching orders of 2000 new members and 59 star councils. It is the responsibility of the Diocesan Staff and District Deputies to help you and your councils get to Star Council. Please feel free to contact any of us to assist.
There were two constraints last year for our councils to achieve Star Councils. First, Fraternal Benefit Events and the second was Youth Protection. In an effort to help, the Diocesan Team, District Deputies, and the Insurance team
met on July 31, 2024, to develop a schedule for Fraternal Benefit Events as well as tackle some other issues. We are in the process of finalizing that schedule and will be able to publish the local and diocesan fraternal benefit events to you next month. Stay tuned for more on that front.
Second, is Youth Protection. Your Report of Service Personnel (Form 365) is crucial to this process. Please submit to Supreme and State your Form 365 as soon as possible. Starting in September, if not sooner, Supreme will determine if there are any REQUIRED Safe Environment Training and send emails to the appropriate directors. The training is good for three years. So, there may be a chance, if you are returning director, that you may not be required today. You, and your DD, can keep track of your training expiration date. You do not want to be trying to get recertified in June 2025. To be early, is to be on time.
We are looking to schedule live exemplification, town halls, and training sessions. The first training sessions will be in September and will cover council officer duties. The DDs are looking for host locations in August. During your council planning sessions, please make time for a live Exemplification. If you do not have a team, let me know and the Diocesan Team will be glad to assist.
This is a very special year for the
Cleveland Diocese as we have the pleasure of hosting the 126th Annual State Convention and its return to Downtown Cleveland. You and your council have an opportunity to join in the fun. We are looking for members or councils that would like to work on the following teams:
• Friday Night Event
• Excursions
• Golf Tournament
• Euchre Tournament
• Hospitality
• State Deputy’s Banquet
• Men’s Luncheon
• Ladies Luncheon
• Convention Check-In
• Convention Program Book
• Liturgical
• Fraternal Lounge and Exhibition Center
Some of these tasks you will be working with a state officer and/or the wives. You will not be alone, but together we can show off Cleveland and all it has to offer. Contact Jim for more information. We will first meet in September 2024.
Please welcome our newest council to the Diocese, St. Elias Melkite Council #18527 in Brooklyn. We will be working over the next couple of months to get the council going and moving in the right direction.
It will be another great year here in Cleveland. Let’s have some fun along the way.
Vivat Jesus, Jim
GROWTH REPORT
2,000 new Brother Knights and 59 Star Councils are needed this year to make Circle of Honor again for Ohio. Let’s not forget about the first quarter Fast Start Incentives that were talked about during the Diocese Tour Stops, we need 400 Brother Knights by September 30th. We have brought in 111 new members so far during the month of July around 27% of our goal.
Congratulations to Cleveland Diocese with Ohio’s newest council, St. Elias Melkite Council #18527.
As you read this month’s article, the Ohio Delegates, State Officers and some of the State Directors/Staff will be heading to Quebec City, Canada for 142nd Supreme Convention to represent Ohio State Council. I hope you follow along via EWTN broadcast on Tuesday August 6 with Opening Mass 9 am eastern, then Opening Session with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly “State of Knights of Columbus” address at 1:30 pm, and Tuesday States Dinner starting 6;30 pm and sing along to “Hang On Sloopy” when Ohio Delegation is announced. Wednesday and Thursday Mass at 9:30 am, all broadcast on EWTN. The October edition of Columbia Magazine will have a full recap of the Supreme Convention, please use this as a recruitment tool for your Church Drive.
Our presence in our Parishes and Communities are needed during the summer. Please use Parish Festivals, Picnics and gatherings as a time to invite men to join. Help us point the world to Jesus Christ. “If we get the man right, we get everything right – the marriage, the family, the parish, the community. We need men who will say ‘yes’ to their Godgiven vocation.”- Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly
Fraternally;
Andrew Nuckols
State Growth Director
ORDER GROWTH
As of August 3, 2024
Ohio July 1: 55,313
Ohio Growth: 123 (6.43%)
% Growth: 0.22%
Cleveland July 1: 7,831
Cleveland Growth: 27 (10.17%)
% Growth: 0.34%
% 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 Excluding New Councils
1. 16376 St. Bernadette (2.88%)
2. 15901 St. Adalbert (2.38%)
3. 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (2.04%)
4. 947 Painesville (0.78%)
5. 774 Elyria (0.59%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 16376 St. Bernadette (3)
2. 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (3)
3. 774 Elyria (2)
4. 15901 St. Adabert, 947 Painesville (1)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #22 Jim Maslach (17)
2. DD #21 Patrick Gale (4)
3. DD #19 Tom Goodhart (3)
4. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (2)
5. DD #23 John Brown (1)
DISTRICT DEPUTY NEWS
Worthy District Deputy-
Time sure flies by, doesn't it? August is here, meaning you have 45 days to submit your form 944 for each of your Councils in your district. Please submit them as soon as possible. As stated previously, Supreme will only provide a few status updates informing State of missing 944's thus DD's will only have one maybe two weeks to enter any missing 944's. Supreme will stop processing any form submitted after September 15th.
Council Audits are due on August 15th. Please remind your Councils to have them submitted. Any consecutive non-compliance risks the Council FS and Treasurer bonding by Supreme.
Mark your Calendar, September 29th, will be the Diocesan DD meeting via zoom at 7 PM. Attendance is mandatory unless prior authorization has been made. The State Deputy and State District Deputy Coordinator may be in attendance. More information will follow.
Finally, October 12th is sorting and packing of Vocation Literature out at the Center for Pastoral Leadership just like last year. Attendance is mandatory unless prior authorization has been made. Keep in mind, the more volunteers the quicker the sorting will be completed by. More information will follow.
Once again and together "2000 new members and 59 Star Councils"
And as always if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in reaching out to me.
Thank you,
Teran
Important Reminders
• Complete an Annual Report on Council Status (#944) for each council in your district, whether functioning or not. These easy online reports should be submitted right after the District Organization Meeting and are due by September 15.
DD Incentives
• First Quarter: Every district deputy who attains 30% or better of his District Intake Goal by September 30, 2024, will receive a Custom DD Knights of Columbus Polo shirt and a coin/medallion depicting Charity.
• Make sure council officers are receiving the Fraternal Leader Advisory. If necessary, have them subscribe here.
• Conduct the Installation of Council Officers for each council in your district.
• Second Quarter: Every district deputy who attains 70% or better of his District Intake Goal by December 31, 2024 will receive a Custom DD Knights of Columbus Jacket and a coin/medallion depicting Unity. District Deputies who qualify in all four quarters will earn the prizes for the Year Long DD Incentive
NEWS & NOTES
My Fraternal Brothers,
Greetings and salutations. First of all I want to thank the Immediate Past Chapter President SK John McQuillen and Vice-President Terry Weiler for their service to the Chapter and the Order.
After consultation with the Trustees and fellow officers, I volunteered to serve as President this year because I thought it would be unfair to ask our Diocesan State Officer and current State Treasurer to jump one chair AND be responsible for planning and managing next year's State Convention which will be hosted here in the Cleveland Diocese ALONG with running next year's Super Cash Bonanza, again.
I did not think I would be writing from this position so soon. But as our Chapter Warden and Trustee said to me previously "You cannot leave until you get it right". Well here I am.
One of the items the previous administration was unable to implement was rotation of Chapter Meetings throughout the Diocese. If you remember 2021-2022 was a difficult year, the nation was just coming back from the lock downs and our councils were just beginning to meet on a regular basis.
Well this year the elected officers agreed to try a Hybrid meeting model at some of the Chapter meeting. I would like to thank St Ladislas and Willoughby Councils for hosting August and September the Hybrid Chapter meeting. We will be broadcasting to all of the Cleveland Diocese to involve as many Councils and members. We would really like to get the word out about the Chapter and encourage other Councils to become a paid per capita member.
Nice segue, as a paid per capita Council member, the Council may nominate a fellow knight for the 2024 Chapter Knight of the Year. Nominations are due by the September 13th meeting
Knight of the Year will be awarded at the annual 2024 Chapter Columbus Day Dinner on October 13. The Chapter has opened RSVP signup via Chapter website here: https://fs22.formsite.com/stambrose/qk5pqokysp/index
I encourage all members to visit the Chapter website at https:// www.kofccleveland.org
If you have any questions please do not hesitate in reaching out to myself, any of the officers or trustees.
Thank you, Teran Taggart, Chapter President
Teran Taggart Chapter President adm5893@gmail.com 440-665-4078
Jim Maslach Chapter Vice President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Secretary td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
Martin Stewart Chapter Treasurer martinastewart@gmail.com
Chapter Meetings Second Friday of Month 7:00 PM Rosary 7:30 PM Meeting
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
August 19, 2024
8:00 PM
August 20, 2024
10:00 PM
Council Recovery Program
August 21, 2024
8:00 PM
Topic/Registration Link
The Council Recovery Program (CRP) provides councils with the knowledge and tools that will allow them to resume normal operations after a time of inactivity. The CRP will show councils how to inspire members and parishioners and to become reengaged with their parish and community. The CRP gives councils a basic framework that can be modified and built upon to fit their local needs. CLICK TO HERE REGISTER.
Working With Your Pastor
We will discuss the relationship between the Pastor and the Council. One of the identities we hold as Knights of Columbus is the ‘Strong right arm of the Church.’ This speaks to the necessity of building strong relationships with our pastors, so that we can assist them in strengthening and growing parish communities. In this session we will examine why we need each other, how to work together towards common goals, and how to build strong communication. CLICK TO HERE REGISTER.
Council Annual Program Planning
This webinar will discuss the operational advantages that come with planning programs on an annual basis. Brother Knights will be made fully aware of the tools and resources offered by Supreme to help councils put forth quality programs each Fraternal Year. CLICK TO HERE REGISTER.
August 27, 2024
8:00 PM
August 29, 2024
8:00 PM
Member Management Basics
In this training, we will discuss completing Council Administration tasks and edits to member information, including personal, fraternal, family and interests. You will learn to update the officers, directors and chairmen for the current and next Fraternal Years. We will also explore the Print Center and Email Tool with lots of helpful tips and examples. CLICK TO HERE REGISTER.
Member Billing Basics
In this training, we will cover the financial management of the members and of the council. By discussing edits to all aspects of dues, vouchers and receipts, you will learn how to enter member dues and print membership cards, as well as all the necessary transactions relating to receipts and all the bills relating to vouchers. We will also explore the Print Center and Email Tool with lots of helpful tips and examples. CLICK TO HERE REGISTER.
DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
STATE & DIOCESAN DIRECTORY
State Deputy
Immediate Past State Deputy Support Our Seminarians 2024-2025
State Secretary State Per Capita
State Treasurer / DD #22 733, 2643, 2790, 4217 Super Cash 2025
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, 2025 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
