On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree recognizing a miracle attributed to the intercession of Father McGivney and opening the way for his beatification. On Oct. 31, the Mass for Beatification was celebrated in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn. An Apostolic Letter was read from Pope Francis that declared Father McGivney would now have the title of Blessed Michael McGivney. He is the third priest born in the United States to be raised to this honor, and the first priest to be beatified who spent his whole priestly ministry in a US parish.
The pope’s Apostolic Letter 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.”
A SAINT IN THE MAKING
was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI, and Father McGivney was given the title Venerable Servant of God. This important step occurred after years of
The Cause for Canonization for Father McGivney was opened in the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1997, when he was given the title Servant of God. On March 15, 2008, his heroic virtue
careful investigation of Father McGivney’s life, spirituality and holiness by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The declaration of
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
Venerable confirmed what those who knew him in life, and others who call upon him since his death, have believed about Father McGivney: He lived a life of heroic virtue with an extraordinary love of God and neighbor.
Having been raised to the honors of the altar, Blessed Michael McGivney has an annual feast day of Aug. 13, the day between his birthday (in 1852) and the day he passed into eternal life (in 1890). His cause has now entered the final phase toward canonization or sainthood. One more confirmed miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney is needed for him to be declared saint.
All Knights and their families, as well as all those devoted to Father McGivney, are asked to pray for his intercession in their daily needs, especially in cases of serious illness, and to report any favors and healings to the Guild. You may submit your reports here. Visit The Guild for more information.
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
September falls during the liturgical season known as Tempus per Annum or Ordinary Time (formerly Time After Pentecost), which is represented by the liturgical color green. Green is a symbol of hope, as it 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. The liturgical color green is worn during prayer of Offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
Month of Harvest
Since man is both a spiritual and physical being, the Church provides for the needs of man in his everyday life. The Church's liturgy and feasts in many areas reflect the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, fall and winter). The months of August, September, October and November are part of the harvest season, and as Christians we recall God's constant protection over his people and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest. The September Ember Days were particularly focused on the end of the harvest season and thanksgiving to God for the season. Ember Days were three days (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) set aside by the Church for prayer, fasting and almsgiving at the beginning of each of the four seasons of the year. The ember days fell after December 13, the feast of St. Lucy (winter), after the First Sunday of Lent (spring), after Pentecost Sunday (summer), and after September 14, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, after the Third Sunday of September (autumn). These weeks were known as the quattor tempora, the "four seasons."
The Holy Father's Intentions for September 2024
For the cry of the earth: We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.
Since the late 5th century, the Ember Days were also the preferred dates for ordination of priests. So during these times the Church had a threefold focus: (1) sanctifying each new season by turning to God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving; (2) giving thanks to God for the various harvests of each season; and (3) praying for the newly ordained and for future vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Since the reorganization of the Roman calendar in 1969 after the Second Vatican Council, Ember Days are still retained in principle, but how and when they are to be observed is at the discretion of each country's Episcopal Conference. There is no longer set Mass readings for the Ember Days in the current Roman Missal.
Another harvest feast is September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Before the revision of the calendar, this used to be only the feast of St. Michael. In many countries this day was referred to as "Michaelmas" and celebrated with traditional foods and customs.
By Jennifer Gregory Miller
(See also http:// www.popesprayerusa.net/)
O afflicted Virgin, O soul great in virtues, as in sorrows, both the one and the other spring from that great fire burning in they heart for God, the only love of thy heart! St. Alphonsus Ligouri
The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15.
STATE OFFICER REPORT
In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. James 1:18
The Gospel on September 1st, we heard about the discussion that Jesus and the religious leaders had. It is during this conversation that we learn about the rules Jesus lives by. They differ from the rules the leaders expect Jesus to follow. When reflecting on some of the rules that guide our actions, are there rules that you follow or rules that you make-up as you go along? The values that keep us centered help us find fulfillment in our actions. This Gospel is a reminder to never lose sight of the meaning behind our values and the reasons we choose to follow them.
As Knights of Columbus, we are guided by our four key principles charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. These principles when linked with our values as followers of Jesus Christ collaboration, love, excellence, accountability, and respect drive our mission and maintain our trust in each other and those we serve.
Thank you for all that you do for our members, families, parishes, and communities.
September is upon us and we enter the final month of the first quarter of the fraternal year. Growth continues to be progressing. With the start of 18527 St. Elias Melkite and potential new councils popping up in a couple of other locations,
Cleveland again should be able to maintain our growth.
Thank you to all of the councils that have submitted their 185s, 365s, and 1295s. It is greatly appreciated. However, there are still a number of councils that, either Supreme has not verified or council has not submitted, yet. The 365s are critical for the Safe Environment Training. Without that, there is no chance at Star Council. If you need help with any form, please reach out to your District Deputy (see the last page for contact info) or anyone on the Diocesan Team.
Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity should start back up in a flurry. Cleveland led the stat last year in live, in-person Exemplifications. Let us continue that trend. Every council that conducts a live, in-person Exemplification either with their team or the Diocesan team and logs a Form 450, will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card. The card will be awarded at the July 2025 State Tour Meeting. So, plan those Exemplifications and recruit.
Currently, there are 31-eMembers active within our 90-day window. These members we should try to reach out to and see if they would like to join your council. However, we know that not everyone gets back to us. If you tried three times to no avail, then we will move him off your prospect list once the 90days hits.
Believe it or not, but the state convention is only 257-days away right here in Downtown Cleveland. We are assembling a team from around the state to help put on the best convention. If you or your councils would like to participate, please contact me at 440-785-9838 or via email at kofcjkm@gmail.com. The more the merrier.
There are opportunities during the month of September for your council and me to get together. If your council would like training on Council Officers and Operations, please let me know. We have scheduled one session on September 27 at Cuyahoga Falls and are looking for some additional places to host especially on the east and west sides of the river. If interested, please let me know.
Finally, just an FYI, Kathy and I will be in Washington state from September 18-25, 2024, to visit/ check-in with my parents and a little vacation. That does not stop me from taking calls, texts, and emails. Just note that there is a three hour difference. So there may be a delayed response.
May God Continue to Bless You and Keep You, Your Families, Councils, and our Order in His Most Holy Light.
Vivat Jesus,
Jim
Brother Knights,
GROWTH REPORT
Is your council “On Mission”? that was the theme of the 142nd Supreme Convention in Quebec City last month. Last year Knights spent more than 47 million hours in volunteer service. Knights of Columbus donated more than $190 million to those in need. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly said: We have what men Need, We are what men Wants, A brotherhood of Faith, A community of Purpose. When there’s a Need there’s a Knight! Next issue of Columbian Magazine will have a full recap of the Supreme convention. I hope everyone is having a relaxing Labor Day with your families. As the new school year starts, what is your council doing for elementary and high school children? Talk with your Pastor and Principle of the School and see what the Knights of Columbus can do. Maybe a pizza party for the HS students, or ice cream social. This is great way to make contact with younger families in your Parish, the future of our Church.
With September, we now have two full months of the fraternal year behind us, this is the last month for our Fast Start Incentives ending on Sept. 30. We need 140 new Brother Knights to make our Ohio Fast Start goal of 400.
Fraternally, Andrew Nuckols
State Growth Director
ORDER GROWTH
As of August 31, 2024
Ohio July 1: 55,313
Ohio Growth: 263 (13.15%)
% Growth: 0..48%
Cleveland July 1: 7,831
Cleveland Growth: 45 (16.94%)
% Growth: 0.57%
% 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. 15901 St. Adalbert (4.76%)
2. 16376 St. Bernadette (2.88%)
3. 3304 Geauga (2.40%)
4. 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (2.04%)
5. 2726 Windermere (1.90%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 3410 South Akron (4)
2. 3304 Geauga, 16376 St. Bernadette, 4847 Brunswick, 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony (3)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #22 Jim Maslach (17)
2. DD #19 Tom Goodhart (8)
3. DD #21 Patrick Gale (6)
4. DD #23 John Brown (4)
5. DD #24 Tom Donovan (3)
DISTRICT DEPUTY NEWS
Worthy District Deputy-
Please find attached the latest OSC Scorecard. We have FOUR active councils missing their Form 185 and TWENTY-SIX (26) missing active councils missing their Form 365.
Councils should be using Member Management to enter their officers or Service Directors. Also if a Council responds with, "I do not know who to select or ask," just have them appoint a person. To complete the task of "Council Submit 365", they just need to enter a member for the following:
• Program Director
• Family Director
• Community Director
• Membership Director
• Retention Chairman
I know it may be difficult to find members to fill the Community Director and Family Director due to the "background check" and training. Just know, once they select and input the five directors, the Council will no longer appear on the Supreme "Councils not submitting service program personnel report" I KNOW for a FACT there is NOT an automated check by Supreme to see if the position becomes vacant later in the year.
Second: Everyone should have entered them by now but 944's are due by September 15th for every Council within your
District. Please find attached 944 templates to utilize if you need assistance in entering them at: https:// survey.alchemer.com/ s3/7650441/DistrictDeputy-Annual-Reporton-Council-Status-FY24-25 Once submitted you should have received an automated receipt which includes the information you just entered; kindly forward this copy to me. If there is a discrepancy with your entry keep a copy ready. Please enter those 944s now. This is a required activity to earn Star District.
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.
• Make sure council officers are receiving the Fraternal Leader Advisory. If necessary, have them subscribe here.
Third: September 29, 2024 is the Diocesan District Deputy virtual Meeting, attendance is mandatory unless prior arrangements were made. The State Deputy will be in attendance along with State District Deputy Director and possibly other state dignitaries. Agenda will be sent out soon (tm) which will include talking points.
Fourth: October 12th is our annual trip out to the CPL (Seminary out in Wickliffe) to separate vocation literature for the Cleveland Diocese. This is also a mandatory activity unless prior arrangements were made. Please invite your Councils to attend to help out. This could be counted as a State or Supreme Program.
Fifth: Council visitation
reports reminder. DD's are required to visit their Councils at a minimum once per Quarter AND file Council visitation reports within FIVE days of the visit. We have 25 active Councils which are missing visitation reports. Please enter your reports.
Sixth: Only one DD has asked or inquired about hosting the September Training for Council Officers and Town Hall. Please socialize this upcoming event. We want as many interested parties to attend.
Finally: Diocesan or Regional Free throw will be held March 1st or 2nd LOCATION WEST SIDE Too be Determined
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend with your family.
God Bless and Thank you, Teran
• Conduct the Installation of Council Officers for each council in your district.
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.
• 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
Worthy Chapter Delegates, Grand Knight, Financial Secretary and Fraternal Leader of the Diocese of Cleveland-
Good Afternoon. Wow, has the Summer flown by and I hope you had a Safe and Enjoyable Labor Day weekend with your family. As a reminder, the September 13th Chapter meeting will be held at Willoughby Council located at: St Joseph Hall Address is 37940 Euclid Ave Willoughby, OH 44094 and Broadcast live at 7:30 PM.
Chapter Agenda will be sent out soon. Key topics are Columbus Day Reservations, November/December planning and Clergy Night. Please RSVP no later than Friday October 4th Payment at the door.
Please RSVP for the Columbus Day Dinner by clicking HERE.
If you have not considered, the 2025 Cleveland State Convention Planning Committee is still looking for volunteers. Let's help our very own State Officer and Chapter Vice President out to make the State Convention a huge Success. If interested, please Contact Jim or any of the Chapter officers.
Once again, I encourage all Councils to schedule and host Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Please use the State Website to Schedule your event. If you have any questions, please reach out to your District Deputy or any of the Chapter Officers.
Thank you and God Bless. Chapter Officer's
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 Visit www.kofccleveland.org
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 in-person. To sign up for training sessions from Supreme, visit the state website (www.kofcohio.org) under FOR MEMBERS and scroll down to Training Opportunities or click the registration links below.
Also, check out the additional training opportunities on the state website under FOR MEMBERS. There is state specific training for eMembership and Member Management and Billing. There is also a link to Supreme’s Fraternal Video Library that is full of answers to your everyday questions.
Date/Time
September 4, 2024
10:00 PM
September 9, 2024
8:00 PM
September 17, 2024
8:00 PM
September 18, 2024
8:00 PM
Topic/Registration Link
Enhancing Member Experience
This session will look at how to ensure that all council members have a positive and fulfilling membership experience that leads to a greater involvement in your council, parish, and community. During this training presentation, we will: highlight the important relationship between member experience and member engagement; introduce the Council Engagement Assessment; and discuss specific tools to improve your council engagement skills. Click to Register.
Introducing Families to the Knights
Your council’s latest recruitment efforts are complete, and you have some men interested in learning more, especially about how their families can be involved. What’s your next step? Invite them to an Open Social or Open House style event. We will share how to get men AND their families interested in joining your council, including best practices to highlight how you can offer something for every member of the family. We’ll show you some proven processes and successful strategies to help grow your council. Click to Register
Council Membership Growth
Our communities need active Councils. What is your Council doing to support the parish and community? Are you supporting your priest’s vision for his parish? The programs we do are so needed. If not us, then who? “What you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me” (Matthew 25:40). Together we will discuss the value and share some ideas on how growth can help your Council follow the teachings of Jesus and follow the path of Blessed Michael McGivney. Click to Register.
Conducting Church Drives
Join us as we discuss a new and streamlined way for councils to host a church drive, and an easier way for councils to host a Church Recruitment Drive. Membership Growth is a critical aspect of every council. What does successful recruitment look like? This session on Church Drives will guide your council down the path to creating a culture of sustainable growth and development. Click to 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
