The Arch
Newsletter of The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Knights of Columbus – March 2021
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
The Arch is Beginning to Come Alive
W
elcome to March 2021! The time of year when many of us embrace March Madness, but more importantly it is our traditional winter/spring Membership Blitz Month! For councils hosting drive in fish fries, why not include a “recruitment” thank you card with orders? Now is also the time to place blurbs in church bulletins. Text is great but if you can get one of the nifty graphics available inserted in the bulletin, the would be even better. You’ll see a great ad in the March Catholic Telegraph featuring our own brother Knights from the Archdiocese. If you would like a copy, just email me (see last page of this issue) and I will send one to you. For more great membership insights make sure to read Tom Wuebker’s column in this month’s issue.
I
show you how you can achieve this with the Knights of Columbus. And as an added bonus, having a good number of your council members attend gives your council credit towards their insurance requirement for Star Council. It’s a win-win.
A
s State Chairman of the Father Michael J. MCGivney Guild I receive updates on membership in the Guild. As of 1/1/2021 there were a total 3,258 Guild members in our jurisdiction of Ohio. With nearly 56,000 members that means less than 6% of us are members. If you are not a member, take time to join online – it’s FREE! By joining via the Supreme website you will be kept up to date on the cause for the canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney. Father Gabriel O’Donnell, OP vice postulator wrote that “The Roman process of investigation into his life and holiness is nearing completion, and the investigation into a reported miracle is progressing. The Guild plays an important role in making Father McGivney better known and spreading the word about his powerful intercession.” Father O’Donnell concluded by stating, “The spiritual heritage of Father McGivney is his precious gift to yer K of C. We owe it to him and the church to share his gift with those we meet and with whom we work.”
Welcome to the
March BLITZ
t feels like things are finally turning around and it’s time to start thinking about those council projects we may have been putting off. The pandemic downright stopped us, as if we got stuck. And when we get stuck we often get comfortable. It’s time to break out of our comfort zone as our parishes come back to life little by little. As Knights of Columbus - the strong right arm of the church - we need to take the lead! Strong Men make Strong Families which makes for a Strong Church.
2021
Have you hosted a Fraternal Benefits Night? Once again the General Agents are hosting an evening seminar with Tom Henga, an award winning author and speaker who will share his approach to creating a secure retirement. Tom’s seminar last fall and was truly impressive. Tom offers advice on what you should do to secure your retirement, and when you meet with our Field Agent financial planners they will
F
inally, check to see if you are up to date with your Safe Environment Program requirements. To can find out by checking PSD Ken Girt’s Monthly Star Council Report or on your Supreme website account. Reach out to me if you have questions. Stay Safe – Vivat Jesus! Michael Felerski State Advocate
A Season of Rebirth
By Tom Wuebker
S
pring – a season of rebirth, new life, and nature just bursting out in color and light. It seems that Mother Nature is as tired of the grey days of Winter as we are. We can take some cues from this and open our minds to new ways to recruit members and embracing the new emembership and degrees. If you are struggling with recruiting now is the time to take stock of what is working and get rid of what is not working. Try new methods of recruiting and always remember – You have to ask your sons, grandsons, uncles, brothers, neighbors and friends to become a member. If they say no it does not necessarily mean no. It may mean not at this time. You can always go back and ask again later. Positivity plays a large role in attracting new members. Let your communities know of the many ways the Knights of Columbus has helped the community such as the Measure Up campaign with the money going to organizations that truly benefit. Perhaps the members of your community are not aware of the ultrasound initiative that is saving babies from being killed. Get the word out and begin conversations with the men that you know. Let these men know how much the Knights of
Growth
Columbus give to their communities and the rewards of being involved in that giving. It begins with a conversation and a question – Would you be interested in an organization that involves giving to the community, camaraderie with other members, and benefits you receive. The contest starts Monday, March 1. Who will be the top Diocese? The diocese with the highest percentage of increase during March will see their councils get $35 per new member. We can’t lose to those other dioceses!! We are the ARCH!! Spring – a season of rebirth, new life, and new members for our councils. Use the resources you have available to attract new members and don’t forget your insurance agents can help you with recruiting. If you are struggling please do not hesitate to ask your District Deputy, the Diocesan Membership Directors, or any of the State Officers for help. So, let’s be like Spring and burst forth with renewed energy in our recruiting efforts. We are the ARCH and we can do this!! Vivat Jesus Tom Wuebker Diocesan Membership Director, North
Super Cash Bonanza 2021 – Got Tix? The Super Cash Bonanza is the easiest way to increase your council’s Charity account! With fundraising events still being curtailed, this is a great way to bolster your charitable giving arsenal.
Need more Tickets? Contact Mike Felerski Need more Posters? Contact Andrew Nuckols or Mike Felerski You can find their contact information on the last page of every issue of The Arch. The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 2 of 7
Training Additional Training Available in March COUNCIL EXPERIENCE
YOU ARE YOUR PROGRAMS
Why members join our Order, how to ensure we meet member’s needs. All Council Officers, Financial Secretaries, Membership Directors and Online Membership Directors/Chairman or anyone interested.
As we all know, a council without programs will not succeed. Our councils reputation depends upon our programs. This is what people see. This is what makes us who we are. All Council Officers, Program Directors, Faith-In-Action Directors, or anyone interested.
MARCH 8, 2021 @ 7PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
MARCH 16, 2021 @ 7PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
NEW COUNCIL MEETING FORMAT Take a deeper look into the new council meeting format and how it can help you to run smoother and more productive meetings.
MARCH 22, 2021 @ 7PM
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Regional Training Directors are a resource for councils in the United States and Canada. Regional Training Directors provide training for council and district leaders, both in person and online. Steve Cohen (PSD, Md) serves our jurisdiction of Ohio.
Presented by Steve Cohen PSD, Regional Training Director
Phone: 203-430-8528 | Email: steve.cohen@kofc.org
Financial Secretary Training is Coming for New and Seasoned FS’s Our Worthy State Deputy has been working on offering Financial Secretary Training from Supreme since the beginning of his tenure in office. Well I’m pleased to announce that training will be here soon! With the onset of eMembers, a lot of processes have changed with regard to the position of Financial Secretary. The upcoming training seminar will be hosted by expert brother Knights from our region. This training is open to new Financial Secretaries and seasoned veterans of the position. You’ll learn the best practices and processes to help make your job easier, and you’ll be able to ask those burning questions about Member Management such as how to handle prospects, bring in eMembers to your council, what to enter after they take their Degree (and why), and more. Watch for more information coming in your inbox or in the April edition of the Buckeye Blast.
The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 3 of 7
By Jason Staas
General Agent
T
his month marks one year under COVID-19 restrictions. I remember when the news of shutting the Supreme Office was announced. I, like many, thought this would last a couple of months and all of us would get back to normal. The reality is much different. Maybe some of you are working from home… maybe some will be working from home for the foreseeable future. I realize this has not been easy for many of you. When it began, I wondered how I would be able to help my brother Knights. But as restrictions were put in place, we were provided with a new way to meet with members virtually and we were given several tools to ensure that you, our members and your families, were served. Using these new tools, we have found that we are exceedingly more efficient. We save travel time and can have more meetings in a day. We’ve found that many of you like the idea of meeting virtually. It’s less stress for you to simply sit down in front of your computer, click on a few buttons and we can have a confidential conversation about your needs, wants and desires. For policy service calls, we can meet much more quickly and have all the forms we might need to help you right at our fingertips. We’ve had our e-Application process for a while, and with pandemic restrictions members have found it very valuable to be able to sign electronically when we meet virtually.
Fraternal Benefits A lot has happened in the past year. Indeed, we hired an additional 9 Field Agents and 1 Assistant General Agent for Western Ohio, and we are currently training another 7 Field Agent candidates and 3 Assistant General Agent candidates who are working to join our team in 2021. Moreover, we will have several exciting announcements that will be coming soon, so stay tuned! Lastly, we will continue to deliver timely and world-class financial information with our virtual Fraternal Benefit Nights – the next of which is coming March 23rd at 7:30pm with worldrenowned economist and PBS show host, Tom Hegna. Contact your council’s Field Agent or check the ad in this issue of The Arch for more information on how to register! I am most thankful to all of you. Many of you met with us this year and wanted to make sure your desire for financial security was up to date. It was our pleasure to take the time to analyze your situation and give you our recommendations. We look forward to meeting with many more of your in the months ahead whether virtually or face to face. Please contact us if you have any questions; we are here to serve you and your families. I pray you will be safe and healthy. Vivat Jesus!
Jason C. Staas, MS, FICF
General Agent
KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS
YOUR SHIELD FOR LIFE
LIFE DISABILITY INCOME LONG-TERM CARE RETIREMENT
The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 4 of 7
Fraternal Benefits
The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 5 of 7
Bicentennial Marian Pilgrimage Help us celebrate the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati with the longest Marian Procession in the United States. The Pilgrimage begins Sunday, May 16, 2021 with a Mass at the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Russells Point in the Northern area of the Archdiocese. From there, a small group of pilgrims will begin this historic pilgrimage with a special statue of Our Lady of Fatima, blessed by Archbishop Schnurr for this occasion. The pilgrimage will last for 33 days, making stops at parishes in every deanery of the Archdiocese, and will be highlighted by four cornerstone family events. The pilgrimage will end at the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains on the day of the bicentennial, Saturday, June 19, 2021 where the Archbishop will re-consecrate the Archdiocese to Jesus through Mary.
Longest Marian Pilgrimage in the United States Parish stops in every Deanery • 33 days long • Over 300 miles
Cornerstone Events
• May 16, 2021: Opening Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Russells Point OH • May 21, 2021: Evening Procession, Holy Hour and Movie Night at the Maria Stein Shrine • May 29, 2021: Family Concert at the Dayton Dragons Stadium • June 19, 2021: Family Concert at Fountain Square, Cincinnati with procession to Cathedral Basilica.
Highlights
• 100,000 copies of 33 Days to Morning Glory distributed to every parish in the Archdiocese. • A dedicated webpage in which the Statue of Mary can be tracked in real time, and Marian prayer resources can be found. • Specially designed prayer cards for the Bicentennial distributed by Pilgrims and host parishes.
www.mary2021.org
Marian Pilgrimage Route 1 Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Russells Point 2 St. Mary of the Woods, Russells Point 3 Immaculate Conception,Botkins 4 St. Joseph, Wapakoneta 5 Holy Rosary, Saint Mary’s 6 Holy Redeemer, New Bremen 7 Maria Stein Shrine 8 Sacred Heart of Jesus, McCartyville 9 Holy Angels, Sidney 10 St. Mary, Piqua 11 St. Patrick, Troy 12 Sacred Heart, New Carlisle 13 Mary Help of Christians, Fairborn 14 Our Lady of the Rosary, North Dayton 15 Emmanuel, Dayton 16 St. Benedict the Moor, Dayton 17 Immaculate Conception, Belmont 18 Incarnation, Centerville 19 St. Mary of the Assumption, Springboro 20 St. Francis de Sales, Lebanon 21 Our Lady of Sorrows, Monroe 22 St. Julie Billiart, Hamilton 23 St. Maximillian Kolbe, Liberty Township 24 St. Margaret of York, Loveland 25 Jesuit Spiritual Center, Milford 26 Holy Trinity, Batavia 27 St. Bernadette, Amelia 28 Mount St. Mary's Seminary & School of Theology, Anderson Township 29 St. Gertrude, Madeira 30 St. Cecilia, Oakley 31 Resurrection, Bond Hill 32 St. Ignatius, Montfort Heights 33 St. William, Price Hill 34 Sacred Heart, Cincinnati 35 Holy Cross Immaculata, Mt. Adams 36 Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains
The Archdiocese has reached out to us for support of this huge event. I know there are councils who will be present and lending support through manpower. The Knights also have the opportunity to be a sponsor. However, the lowest level of sponsorship begins at $2,500. Raising that amount of money diocese-wide is a daunting task as we are still feeling the financial pinch from the pandemic. My hope is that councils located at and around the pilgrimage stops will be able to make their presence known supporting the event. —MJF The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 6 of 7
Cincinnati Archdiocese Quick Reference Guide 2020-2021 State Sites… State Council Website: Facebook Page:
www.kofcohio.org
www.facebook.com/OhioKnightsOfColumbus/
Arch Sites… Dayton Chapter: Cincinnati Chapter: Facebook Page:
www.daytonkofc.org
www.cincykofc.org
www.facebook.com/ArchCincykofc/
The Arch…
A newsletter featuring relevant news and information for Knights in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati published eleven times a year. It can be viewed and downloaded at:
http://www.daytonkofc.org/DayCh_Arch_Newsletter.html
Or at kofcohio.org > For Members > Diocesan Pages > Cincinnati
To subscribe for delivery directly to your email inbox, please contact Michael Thomas at:
michaeldthomas@aol.com
2020 Matching Funds
2020-21 Support Our Seminarians
State Advocate Michael Felerski
1580 Gelhot Drive, #234
Fairfield, OH 45014
Immediate Past State Deputy Kevin Miller
1101 Arbor Oaks Lane
Galloway OH 43119
mfelerski@icloud.com
km8007@att.net
2020-21 Measure Up
Archdiocese Membership Team
State Warden Jim Maslach
4927 Autumnwood Lane
Brunswick, OH 44212
kofcjkm@gmail.com
Tom Wuebker I-70 North wuebker@hometowncable.net
Michael Thomas Dayton [Chapter area] michaeldthomas@aol.com
Dan Warnock Cincinnati [Chapter area] danjowarnock@yahoo.com
2021 Super Cash Bonanza State Treasurer Jeffery Kiliany
559 Walnut Street
Leetonia, OH 44431 jtktg@yahoo.com
Retention
Michael Freil [Ohio West]
mcfreil2019@gmail.com
State Community Director
2020-21 State Per Capita Payments
Tim Mangan
tjmangan@icloud.com
State Secretary Mark Sirausa
15398 Silver Pine Court
Perrysburg OH 43551-1261
District Deputy Coordinator
cuzza52@gmail.com
Andrew Nuckols anuckols@cinci.rr.com
The Arch - March 2021
On Facebook: ArchCincyKofC
Page 7 of 7