Newsletter of The Archdiocese of Cincinnati Knights of Columbus – September 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
– Arch Councils Soldier On – I had so hoped that by now we would be seeing some light at the end of the tunnel but if there is a glimmer of hope it comes from the councils of the Archdiocese finding new ways to do what we do as Knights, in spite of the pandemic restrictions we find ourselves saddled with.
Councils in the Arch are not only finding ways to Leave No Neighbor Behind but also hosting carry-out fish fries, farmer’s market waffles, barbecues, and golf outings. It was easy to be paralyzed in the first few months of the pandemic but the Knights of the Arch soon realized that we could carry on, albeit in maybe a smaller capacity. We are hosting Rosaries and streaming them live. We are wiping down the church pews after every Mass for Father. New needs, new challenges. In the spirit of Father McGivney we will soldier on!
Good “news”: Do you feel like you’re receiving too many emails? It’s almost like opening my inbox is like getting lost in the weeds in a fishing boat. Well the state officers understand this and our worthy State Deputy has brought back the state newspaper/ newsletter. The newly reborn publication is called The Buckeye Blast and it will be mailed soon and should be reaching you the second week of September.
The Buckeye Blast is a concise quarterly publication which will only be four pages (eight sides) of pertinent state information and programs updates along with contact information. It’s something you can hold in your hand, read in the car and reference when you need to. We hope you’ll find it useful.
The Matching Funds Program has officially started and I have already received several checks from councils in the Archdiocese - for this, I thank you! There is still plenty of match money available and I encourage all councils, assemblies, and chapters to donate - and I’m proud to chair this great program.
Every dollar donated along with any money matched by the Ohio Charity Foundation stays right here and goes to the Archdiocese Office of Evangelization and Discipleship. I had the pleasure of meeting once again
with Sean Ater, the archdiocesan director and presented him a check at the District Deputy’s January mid-year meeting. Sean is extremely appreciative of all the Knights of the Arch in support of religious education. The money is used to support:
Evangelization and Discipleship
Graded Course of Study (Theology of the Body)
Contagiously Catholic Parish Alliance
The Holy Family School of Faith Institute
Totus Tuus (Totally Yours summer program)
The NCEA IFG ACRE program evaluating religious education programs in our Catholic schools and parishes
• Latino Catechetical Certification
• RCIA Support
• Religious Education for those with Special Needs.
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Continuing in this issue you’ll find a great article by our own membership Director up north, Tom Wuebker on growing our councils, and an article by our General Agent, Jason Staas and his thoughts on September being Life Insurance Awareness Month.
Finally you will find an appeal for donations, support, and prayers by our soon to be Former Master of District #2, Ed Ponder for an ultrasound machine in our newest Elizabeth New Life Center in Mount Healthy!
I think the great words of Thomas Paine are applicable here today:
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” In service to our country, our community, church, parish, councils, and of course our families. As Knights we must continue to Soldier On!
Michael Felerski - State Advocate