Newsletter of The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Knights of Columbus – August 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
So Much to Cover (but not with masks) Hitting the Ground Running: So far the Supreme eMembership incentive of free membership for the year has been very successful, albeit sometimes confusing. When a council receives an email from Nick Gresko our State Membership Director, the council is encouraged to reach out to this eMember as ask them to join their council. Councils are chosen based on either the council number being entered then the eMember joins (online), by parish, or by location. On occasion the member might not be interested in transferring to your council in which case there might be another council closer or a council he has family. If he’s just not ready, just let him know he’s always welcome.
Remember an eMember is a “transfer” because he already is a member of the Knights and has a membership number. He does, however count as a +1 new member for your council’s Supreme Membership Quota when he takes his Degree. Social Distancing: There has been a lot of talk about social distancing and hosting gatherings whether they be council meetings or program projects. I have condensed some recommendations based on working from the “bottom up”:
First find out if your council members are comfortable with meeting in person. If the vast majority are not, then continue to meet virtually.
Second, find out the rules and restrictions of your meeting place. Some parishes have decided to close for any gatherings outside of Mass. Some have various restrictions based on what has been handed down from the Diocese. Determine if you can meet the facility’s requirements.
Third, follow any rules set in place by your local and the state government. You should also be aware of recommendations by the CDC.
Finally, please consider the safety of your brother Knights and their families when it comes to any activity. God willing, we will be out of this situation before the end of the calendar year.
The Safe Environment Program (SEP): Supreme established the Safe Environment Program around three years ago in response to protecting our youth. Completing the SEP is a requirement in order to earn the Star Council Award.
The Safe Environment Program MUST be completed by the following Officer and Chairmen:
• • • •
Grand Knight
Community Director*
Family Director*
Program Director
When your council submits their Form 185 and 365 the Grand Knight’s and the Director’s email addresses must be included on the form. These email addresses are sent a “link” to access and take the program. The emails will come from Praesidium, Inc. (praesidiuminc.com). *Background checks are required for the Community and Family Directors, they do not require disclosure of financial information.
You can find out more about the program by going to: www.kofc.org/safe.
There is a time requirement for completing the program. If for some reason you miss the deadline, the council can re-submit the Form 185 or 365 to restart the clock and you will receive a new email. Matching Funds Campaign: Letters have gone out to all the councils throughout Ohio asking for support of the 2020 Matching Funds Campaign which I am the chairman of. I fully understand that this might be a financially difficult year for some councils which is why Supreme has suspended Per Capita payments from this fraternal year (State per capita is still due). I hope this will help you to continue your support for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati through the Matching Funds Campaign. The sooner your donation arrives the more likely it will be matched! The letter and form is available on the State website.
Michael Felerski - State Advocate