Newsletter of The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Knights of Columbus – April 2020
Celina - Coldwater - St. Henry - Fort Recovery - Sidney - Versailles - Greenville - Russia Covington - Wapakoneta - St. Marys - Minster -Russells Point - McCartyville - Springfield Urbana - Bellefontaine Fairborn - Eaton - Huber Heights - Vandalia - Englewood - Piqua Troy - Tipp City - New Carlisle - Dayton - Xenia - Beavercreek -Centerville - Kettering Hamilton - Fairfield - Harrison - North Bend - Monroe - West Chester - Carthage - Sharonville New Burlington - Norwood - Shandon - Wilmington - Morrow - Mason- Lebanon - Milford - Loveland - Springfield Middletown - Miamisburg - Franklin - Trenton - Cincinnati - Ripley - Fayetteville - Hillsboro - Greenfield - West Union - Waynesville
Brother Knights of the Cincinnati Archdiocese,
To say we are living in unprecedented times is very much an understatement. We have definitely been thrown one heck of a curve ball. As I’ve said in the past, from January 1st until the end of May is the busiest time of our fraternal year. This is when we seem to be most active in our churches and communities. So what can we do? One thing is for sure, the brother Knights here in Ohio, and especially in the Archdiocese are extremely creative and agile.
We always talk about reaching out to our brother Knights, and in particular the ones who we don’t see as much. This is the time to make those phone calls to see if they are doing well in light of current circumstances or to see if they need anything. Care packages left on the front step is still an option. You could even drop a card in the mail letting them know you’re thinking of them. And let us not forget our council widows. They may need our support now more than ever.
Continue to reach out to the members vial social media, and email. Utilize services such as Constant Contact, Flock Note, Dial my Calls, WhatsApp, GroupMe or the good old calling tree. Keep your brother Knights engaged. They may have great ideas on what we can do to serve one another and our communities within the recommended restrictions on gatherings we find ourselves in.
Hold meetings via video chat services like Google Hangouts, Skype, GoToMeeting, Zoom, or WebEx. Use Google Forms, Survey monkey, or Doodle for remote voting. And don’t forget to submit anything your council has been able to do such as helping father with broadcasting Mass, or hosting an online Novena, or attending the Cincinnati “virtual” Men’s Conference to the state program.
Let’s reach out to partners for Super Cash Bonanza. There is still the option of mailing tickets, and your partners can do that too! Remember the first turn in has been moved out to April 24th, and with the virtual State Convention it is vital to have your tickets to our State Treasurer Jeff Kiliany by May 8th since they cannot be delivered at the last minute at the convention. Jeff’s contact information can be found on the last page of The Arch. The drawing will be held on the date indicated on the tickets and broadcast live.
Before the current circumstances our State Deputy and State Membership Director designated April as eMembership month to compliment the March Church Drive. In our current circumstances this has now become an invaluable tool - even for councils. You can find more information on this initiative in the “Growth” section of this month’s issue.
Finally, we are currently working with Supreme on best practices and technology to hold our virtual convention including caucus voting, etc. Unfortunately there is not solution for a virtual hospitality room which wouldn't be much fun, so we’re all on our own for that one. Things are changing day by day so continue to watch your email for the latest updates.
These are trying times and never in my life have I felt the connection with Jesus’ forty days in the desert as I have this Lent. Please keep your brother Knights in your prayers as well as our priests. This isolation has hit many of them very hard. May God bless you, your families, and our councils.
Fraternally yours,
Michael J. Felerski
State Advocate
Ohio State Council
Knights of Columbus