State Deputy
There are good reasons for recruiting
Oct., Nov., Dec. 2015
A Busy Time
By Bob Collins State Deputy
A little about membership… Recruiting new members should be the foremost priority of every Grand Knight and Membership Director throughout this great State of Ohio. We have done a fair job so far in the first quarter of the fraternal year, but we all know we could do much better. Currently, about 30% of the councils around the state are carrying the load in new membership. If the State of Ohio is to improve our membership status and grow as a jurisdiction, we need the other 70% -or roughly 280 councils -- to step up and begin recruiting. Our goal in Ohio is 3,000 new members this fraternal year. You may ask why. I have tried to explain it around state at most “Town Hall” meetings and I’ll give it another shot here. It’s unfortunate that Ohio loses about 120 Brother Knights a month due to deaths. We have to replace them if our Order and State Council is to grow. We also loose on an average of 80 Brother Knights due to suspension or withdrawals. Again we have to replace them if we are to continue to grow. So we need 200 new members each month just to break even and keep our numbers where they are. An intake of 250 new members each month will keep pace with losses and give us a little growth and help us attain our goal of 3000 new members. Continued on Page 4
Supreme welcomes Pope, hosts Convention, provides help for Middle East refuges From the 133rd Supreme Convention in August, welcoming Pope Francis to the United States in September, and dealing with the tragic refuge crisis in Europe, Supreme Council and Supreme Knight Carl Anderson have been busy. The Supreme Convention, with the theme, “Endowed by Their Creator with Life and Liberty”, took on a somber tone when two archbishops from the Middle East spoke at the States Dinner about the persecution of Christians
in their countries. Most Rev. Bashar Matti Warda, Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, Iraq, and Most Rev. Jean-Clement Jeanbart, Greek Melkite Archbishop of Aleppo, Syria, told of the plight of Christians in that area of the world, and thanked the Knights of Columbus for its assistance. “You were among the first to come to our aid,” said Archbishop Warda. “Thank you for your charity. We ask you to continue with Continued on Page 3
NOW is the time to recruit new members By Nick Gresko
State Membership Director
We are into the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, and the time to recruit new members is NOW -- today, not later. Let’s start recruiting new members today and help keep the vision of our founding father, Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney, alive. We need to continue to work with our Bishops and Priests and provide them with our solidarity and support. Recruiting new members is essential to the continued growth and well-being of your council and the Order. Offering a man membership in the Knights of Columbus gives him the opportunity to Continued on Page 7
Sister Denise Marie Vlna (front row, center, with the three discerning women and Knights who helped refurbishing their “new” home.
Cleveland, Akron Knights help sisters refurbish their discernment home
The following was submitted by State Chaplain Fr. Edward Janoch, a priest at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Parma. Have you ever had the chance to meet a founder of a religious community? For many, the answer would be “no” because most of our religious orders began hundreds of years ago. For the members of two Knights of Columbus councils in the Cleveland Diocese -- St. Hilary Council 14551, in Fairlawn, and St. Charles Borromeo Council 16137, in Parma -- we have had the opportunity not just to meet a foundress of a new religious community but to help her prepare her first convent/house of discernment for her new community in the Franciscan Order. Sr. Denise Marie Vlna has been a part of St. Charles Borromeo Parish for more than 22 years -- born in Cleveland, raised in Parma and blessed to be an Ursuline Sister of Cleveland for 27 years. She has been involved teaching in our school, youth and young adult ministries, senior citizens, Legion of Mary, women’s spiritual organizations. She has helped with Communion calls and visits to the sick and elderly, the Youth Group Carnival Ice Cream Booth, the Youth Group Living Stations of the Cross, and so many more activities that one cannot remember them all. Sr. Denise has also been helping many women discern a vocation in the religious life. She listened prayerfulluy to the voice of the Spirit within and after a number of years Continued on Page 5
OR CURRENT RESIDENT Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus Buckeye Bulletin 32649 Surrey Lane Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642
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Page 2__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_______________________________________ October-November-Deecember, 2015
Reflections from Our Worthy State Chaplain
Ticket Distribution Meetings are set For 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Road Shows By Bob Byers
State Treasurer and 2016 Super Cash Bonanza Chairman
By Fr. Edward Janoch State Chaplain On Dec. 8, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception; Patroness of the United States, the Holy Year of Mercy will begin. Inaugurated by Pope Francis last March 13 during a Lenten Homily, he wants the whole world to experience the Divine Mercy of God, for only when we have been forgiven do we become truly free. We read: (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis presided over a penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday afternoon, during which he announced an extraordinary Jubilee dedicated to Divine Mercy. Below, please find Vatican Radio’s English translation of the Holy Father’s homily, in which he made the announcement. Dear brothers and sisters, I have often thought about how the Church might make clear its mission of being a witness to mercy. It is journey that begins with a spiritual conversion. For this reason, I have decided to call an extraordinary Jubilee that is to have the mercy of God at its center. It shall be a Holy Year of Mercy. We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord’s words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (cf. Luke 6:36)” This Holy Year will begin on this coming Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and will end on Nov. 20, 2016, the Sunday dedicated to Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe – and living face of the Father’s mercy. I entrust the organization of this Jubilee to the Pontifical Council for Promotion of the New Evangelization, that [the dicastery] might animate it as a new stage in the journey of the Church on its mission to bring to every person the Gospel of mercy. I am convinced that the whole Church will find in this Jubilee the joy needed to rediscover and make fruitful the mercy of God, with which all of us are called to give consolation to every man and woman of our time. From this moment, we entrust this Holy Year to the Mother of Mercy, that she might turn her gaze upon us and watch over our journey. Some may be saying, What is a Jubilee Year? According to the Dictionary of the Liturgy, by Rev. Jovian P. Lang, OFM, we read: Jubilee. A holy year designated by the Holy See, during which all who visit Rome and pray according to specified conditions may gain a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions. The term is derived from the Hebrew word for ram-horn that was blown by the priest to announce their Jubilee year. The Jews celebrated such a Jubilee year every fifty years considering it a year of thanksgiving, of liberty, of forgiveness and sanctification. Jubilation then expresses very well the feeling that should reign in this time of thanksgiving in the hearts of all Christians. Established in the year
The Super Cash Bonanza Road Show Team is making plans to meet with all Ohio councils in February to kick off the 2016 “Grow Cash for Charity” Super Cash Bonanza Charity Campaign. Nine locations around the state have been selected to make every effort possible for representatives of all councils to attend one of the meetings. The team will share with you some thoughts about what is expected to conduct and accomplish a successful charity raffle at your Council. We look forward to meeting with you. The meeting sites, dates, and times are listed below. Thursday, February 18, 2016 Marietta Council 478, 312 Franklin St., Marietta, 7 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2016 Msgr. Dooley Council 4361, Legion Dr., Mingo Junction, 7 p.m. Saturday, February 20, 2016 St. Joseph-Randolph Council 2039, 2697 Waterloo Rd., Randolph, 10 a.m. Garfield Council 4130, 10806 Granger Rd., Garfield Heights, 1 p.m. Friday, February 26, 2016 Tiffin Council 608, 49 E. Perry St., Tiffin, 7 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 Msgr. Lang Council 1039, 111 Elliott Rd., Defiance, 9:30 a.m. Fr. Aufderheide Council 12912, ( St. Christopher Church), 435 National Rd., Vandalia, 3 p.m. St. Michael’s Council 3382 (St. Michael’s Church), 11144 Spinner Ave., Sharonville, 7 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2016 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Council 11187, 600 Hill Rd., Pickerington, 2 p.m.
Keeping Christ in Christmas
Supreme Council suggests that councils remind their community that Christmas is a holy day celebrating the birth of Christ through the Order’s Keep Christ in Christmas campaign. There are a number of ways to accomplish this: a Nativity Scene at your local church; sponsoring a Keep Christ in Christmas essay or poster contest; offering to help your parish prepare for Christmas by cleaning, making repairs or providing decorations or flowers. Support materials are available from the Supreme Council Supply Department. For more information, visit kofc.org/Christmas.
The Buckeye Bulletin
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Prayer for Jubilee Year of Mercy
Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: “If you knew the gift of God!” You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
State Chaplain Fr. Edward Janoch 5891 Ridge Road Parma, OH 44129 (440) 884-3030 ejanoch@stcharlesonline.org
State Deputy Bob Collins Jr. 10181 Tracy Trail Parma, OH 44130-5310 (216) 410-7174 rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
State Secretary Kevin Miller 1101 Arbor Oaks Lane Galloway, OH 43119-8507 (614) 853-2642 km8007@columbus.rr.com
State Treasurer Robert Byers 565 Indian Run Road Marietta, OH 45750-6693 (740) 373-7154 robert_byers@hotmail.com
State Advocate Mark Siracusa 1310 Markey Dr. Bryan, OH 43506 (419) 553-9552 cuzza@roadrunner.com
State Warden Larry Droesch 1758 Prairie Road Wilmington, OH 45177 (937) 383-3680 ldroesch@msn.com
Immediate Past State Deputy Ken Girt 6433 Lutz Avenue N.W. Massillon, OH 44646 (330) 837-6670 girtken@sssnet.com
Chief of Staff Richard Royle 12942 Olde Orchard Road Strongsville, OH 44136-8342 (440) 572-2506 rlroyle54@aol.com
Buckeye Bulletin Editor Harding Christ 32649 Surrey Lane Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642 Tel: (440) 933-8986 harding.c@oh.rr.com
The Buckeye Bulletin is published by the Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus and mailed via Third Class Non-Profit Postage, Permit No. 229, at Cleveland, Ohio. Any member of the Ohio State Council in good standing may subscribe free of charge. Editorial Content Forward all editorial content to Harding Christ, Editor, 32649 Surrey Lane, Avon Lake, OH 44012-1642. Subscription Status Address Change Forward all requests for new subscriptions, changes of address or cancellation to Harding Christ. New subscriptions must include the full 9-digit Zip Code.
October-November-December, 2015_________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 3
A busy time for Supreme Council Continued from Page 1
your support for us.” Archbishop Jeanbart said the Syrian Christians are in great danger. “We need your commitment to help,” he said. “I need your help. I need your support.” Since it was begun in 2014, the Knights of Columbus Christian Refuge Relief Fund has provided more than $3 million in humanitarian aid to Middle Eastern Christians. The Supreme Council also has urged members and their families to pray for those affected. And at the Supreme Convention, SK Anderson announced that the Knights of Columbus is undertaking a campaign to raise additional funds from councils in the Order and attract greater awareness of the refuge’s plight. “Our dollars provide housing and medical care,” SK Anderson said at the Supreme Convention. “But we can do more. Today I announce that the Knights of Columbus will redouble our efforts to bring aid to those victims. We will begin a new education campaign to expose the crimes against humanity that are being committed. It is time for a season of truth about what is happening to Christians.” “Our efforts are a concrete response to Pope Francis’ request for prayers and material assistance for those affected by this terrible persecution,” said SK Anderson. “We are asking our members, and all people of good will, to pray for those persecuted and to support our efforts to assist them by donating to this fund.” During his six days in the United States, Pope Francis visited the White House, spoke to a joint session of Congress and the United Nations General Assembly. His visit coincided with the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
Supreme Council prepared a number of displays for the meeting, and when the Pope celebrated an outdoor Mass in Philadelphia on Sept. 27, Supreme Council had printed 350,000 copies of the 24-page Mass program. The Order also provided 350 volunteers as ushers, security personnel and Communion assistants. Prior to the closing papal Mass, Knights served as volunteers at other events throughout the Pope’s visit. “Today I report that the Knights of Columbus has never been stronger and more relevant, SK Anderson told 2,000 persons at the Supreme Convention, which was held in Philadelphia on Aug. 4-6. “We are building a better world, one council at a time. We have set new records in charity, membership and insurance. “Millions of Catholics are now more secure because of the financial protection we provide,” he continued. “Millions of people around the world have been helped because of our service. Our parishes and
Most Rev. Charles Chaput, Archbishop of Philadephia, was main celebrant at the Opening Mass.
Immediate Past State Deputy Ken Girt (left), State Deputy Bob Collins and State Chaplain Fr. Edward Janoch get together with Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Ukrainian Eparchy of Parma, at the States Dinner of the Supreme Convention.
neighborhoods are better places because of the efforts of our nearly 1.9 million members.” In his Annual Report, SK Anderson announced that the Order has seen impressive membership growth, especially in such places as the Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland and South Korea. For the 43rd consecutive year, the Order has had membership growth, bringing the total number of Knights to 1,883,598. Other highlights of his Annual Report include: Charitable contributions increased last year by more than $3.4 million to a record $173,550,680. Charitable service set a new record of 71,560,617 volunteer hours. Knights continued support of Special Olympics, and last year councils donated more than $4.26 million to benefit those with physical disabilities. Last year the Order distributed 6,885 wheelchairs worldwide. The Coats for Kids program is providing thousands of children in need with warm winter coats. Last year 1,304 councils purchased and distributed 60,000 coats – an increase of more than 8,000 from the
previous year. Through Knights of Columbus funding of $1.7 million, approximately 1,000 people received prosthetic limbs last year. Last year the K of C added 256 new councils, including five in Mexico, 11 in Poland, 10 in Canada, 95 in The Philippines and 135 in the United States. There are now 15,117 councils throughout the Order. *
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State Deputy Bob Collins received some photographic exposure in Columbia Magazine. In its issue highlighting the Supreme Convention, Bob is seen as one of the State Deputies carrying the framed image of the Holy Family, the focus on Supreme’s new prayer program, during the Opening Mass ….. An Ohio Assembly – Fr. Nicholas Schneider Assembly 3188, New Franklin, won Supreme’s “To Be A Patriot” Award for its activity entitled “Honor Veterans at Blackford Senior Living”. The assembly members honored 17 veterans with a special Veterans Day event ….. Immediate Past State Deputy Ken Girt was among Past State Deputies honored for their tenure in office.
Father Ragan Knights celebrate Pope Francis’ U.S. visit with a special walk, prayer service
When Pope Francis’schedule for his visit to the United States was announced, Father Ragan Council 3269 (Cleveland Diocese) Chaplain, Fr. Gerard Gonda, had an idea and issued a challenge to members of the council. “The Pope is going to celebrate a Papal Mass on Sunday, September 27 supporting the role of families,” he said. I suggest we do something publicly to show our support for families, such as walking from our Hall to St. Mary’s Church and holding a prayer service there.” Council Grand Knight Kevin McHenry accepted the challenge and planning was begun. Publicity was generated in the local newspaper and in Catholic Church bulletins in Avon, Avon Lake and Sheffield. At 2 p.m. on Sept. 27 a Fourth Degree Color Corps led approximately 75 council members and area parishioners on a “Walk for Christian Families” -- 1.2 miles -- from the Father Ragan K of C Hall to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church. Among the marchers was Fr. Gonda. At St. Marys they met Fr. Thomas Cleaton, pastor, and assembled in a large circle in front of the Immaculate Conception statue, where the two priests led a beautiful
A prayer service was held outside St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, Avon.
prayer service. The marchers returned to the K of C Hall – some walking (including Fr. Gonda) and others riding in cars. At the Hall they celebrated the day with an Ice Cream Social.
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There are good reasons to recruit Continued from Page 1
Council, parish install Culture of Life monument
Prince of Peace Council 14111, Norton (Cleveland Diocese), has placed a Culture of Life monument at Prince of Peace Church. The council’s Culture of Life director and the parish’s Right to Life coordinator worked together to plan and direct installation of a statue of a baby wrapped in an angel’s wings with a plaque inscribed “In remembrance of all unborn babies and their families who have suffered.” Council members and wives provided the statue, stone, and labor. The monument was placed in a garden in front of the church. Fr. Jackson, parish priest and Council Chaplain, blessed the monument in a ceremony after a morning Mass with and their wives present.
Culture of Life
State program off to rousing start By Gary Anderson
State Culture of Life Director
The Ohio jurisdiction got off to a rousing start during the first few months of the fraternal year, with a strong contingent of councils jumping right into the state Culture of Life program. From the Fortnight for Freedom in early July to the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children and 40 Days for Life in September, councils have displayed their passion for defending the sanctity of human life. Among the new activities added to the program this year is one about which I am enthused: Promote Teen Chastity, Activity #52. With our youth undergoing increasing spiritual assault, this activity will help serve as a shield for them. By providing a 12-segment study program, Theology of the Body for Teens, for our schools and parishes, councils can go a long way towards protecting the innocence and wholesomeness of our youngsters before the stench and corruption of today’s secular culture can entrap and enslave them. The program is based on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body -- in which he outlined his integrated vision of the human person-body, soul, and spirit -- that he delivered through 129 catechetical lectures. The study program uses John Paul’s vision for love and life to answer the tough questions kids are asking about God, sex, and the meaning of life. It is available in both high school and middle school editions. October, now in the rear-view mirror, is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. There is no better weapon against the culture of death than Our Lady’s Rosary, which is credited for many Christian victories over the centuries. Today, once again, radical Islam, through its embodiment-ISIS-is metastasizing across the Middle East and into Europe, committing genocide against innocent Christians and threatening to take its murderous campaign even to our shores. So again, we turn to the Holy Rosary for protection of Christians and all people of good will, as well as for the defense of sacred human life in general. Those wishing to assist with the relief efforts can donate by visiting www.christiansatrisk.org or by sending checks or money orders payable to Knights of Columbus Charities at P.O. Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509-1966. The memo portion should indicate that the check is for Christian Refugee Relief. Now is the time to firm up plans to attend the March for Life 2016 on Friday, Jan. 22. The day kicks off with the noon rally while the march itself steps off at 1 p.m. Download a PDF of the March for Life Trip Planner at: http://marchforlife.org/mfl2016/trip-planner/. I hope to see you in D.C!
I require as requested by the Supreme Knight one 1st Degree per District per month. There are 80 districts in Ohio X 12 months = 960 1st Degrees; 3000 new members/960 1st Degrees = 3.125 members per degree. Please make every effort to make this happen. It’s a win-win situation for every council, district, and diocese throughout the state. District Deputies or Grand Knights should be listing all of the degrees on the State Website. There should be a minimum of 80 degrees per month posted on the State Website. If you schedule them they will come. Stay tuned to our Social Media. either through an email or through a Facebook account, to receive special unannounced membership incentives throughout the month. If you are not socially attached to the State Council through your email please send a request to Social Media Chairman James Maslach at kofcdd19@gmail.com to be placed on our list; or just like us on Facebook. A little about K of C Insurance… Earlier this fraternal year the State Officers sat down with the five General Agents of Ohio in an informal day-long meeting discussing how we can assist one another. Please take every advantage of these fine gentlemen with not only your insurance needs but with Parish Drives and Membership Promotion within your council. The General Agents include: James Valent, 740-319-5632; Dave Roberts, 330-6142063; Jeff Hearty, 216-592-8514; Chad Osterholt, 419-447-0404; Patrick Murphy, 513-847-1306. Squires Congratulations... Congratulations to our State Squire Circle. They stand on top of the Order with a percentage net gain of 7.12%. State Council Financials… The State Council has paid out all 2015 Super Cash Bonanza Rebates. The State Council has also paid to date all 2015 Measure-Up Grant Checks except to those councils that may have sent in a late check during the month of September or October. At first opportunity we will issue these Grant Checks and get them back to their respective councils. The State Council has also paid to date all 2015 State Convention Delegate Mileage and Per Diem checks. The checks have been set to the Financial Secretary of record. The only checks that may not be paid are the councils who have recently sent in the State Per Capita check. Remember that the 2015 Convention Mileage and Per Diem check is not paid until the State Council receives the State Per Capita check. A little about the Statewide Retreat… Please reserve the weekend of Feb. 4-5, 2016, for the Ohio State Council State Retreat. A Reservation Form, event costs, rooming and rooming availability will be available soon. Please look to the next issue of the “Voice of the Spirit” for details. Please make every effort attend this 24 hour day with your Brother Knights in some fraternity, meditation, and prayer. District Deputy Midyear Meeting… The District Deputy Midyear Meeting will be weekend of Jan. 8-10, 2016 at the Columbus Hilton at Easton. Supreme Council Membership and Programming Consultant Joe Ramirez and Supreme Council Training Consultant Tom Ciborski will lead the day of training on Saturday afternoon. Every District Deputy is not only expected but required to attend this weekend conference. www.kofcohio.org ….. The State Website is up and running for the first two General Program grading periods. Yes, we have had some web issues. All problems to my knowledge have been worked out with Webmaster Brother Gilliland on a person-to-person basis. He has taken to task the corrections of any deficiencies that may have come along. Remember, our website is only 120 days old so it’s just getting up on its feet. Please be patient with us. Look for more Website improvements to roll out in the upcoming months. “Town Hall” Meetings… The “Town Hall” meetings seem to be working well. I have attended four meetings in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. All of the meetings have been very well attended. There has been excellent dialogue and debate among myself, other State Officers, State Directors and the Brother Knights in attendance. All meetings start at 7:00 p.m. In closing… God Bless and continue to do the work you do in Jesus name. Dedicate everything you do for Him to the honor and glory of God and see what changes it will make in your life.
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Reflections from our Worthy State Chaplain
Knights help refurbish discernment home
Continued from Page 2
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of prayer and her own discernment, Sister Denise said “Yes” to what she believed the Lord was asking of her: to begin a new religious community community in the Diocese of Cleveland. With her devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and St. Therese of the Child Jesus, “The Little Flower,” Sr. Denise has chosen to call this new women’s religious community “Franciscans of the Little Way.” Over the past one-and-a-half years Sr. Denise has been working with the Most Rev. Richard G. Lennon, Bishop of Cleveland, and a number of diocesan personnel. With Bishop Lennon’s approval Sr. Denise began working on the legal and canonical steps needed to begin “Franciscans of the Little Way.” Sr. Denise asked three discerning women to live and pray together in community this year with the hope they will come to know more clearly the vocational path God has chosen for them. All three accepted the invitation to begin a new discernment home in the Diocese of Cleveland. These women are Sarah Liptak, Youth Minster at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cuyahoga Falls; Kelly Lilak, first grade teacher at St. Benedict School, Garfield Heights; and Amy Hoffmeister, sixth grade teacher at St. Raphael School, Bay Village. Sr. Denise searched many months, praying and asking the Lord, through the intercession of St. Joseph, to lead her to the place she and the three women would call, “Franciscans of the Little Way Discernment Home.” As Sr. Denise began to contemplate this new community, people began to ask if they could help her with this endeavor. Friends of Sr. Denise Marie, parishioners and the staff of St. Charles, including a few of her First Friday Communion calls, and others from around the diocese, donated furniture and other household items to her cause. Sr. Denise received bedroom sets, living room sofas, chairs, end tables, desks, kitchenware and almost everything else needed to furnish a home. With the help of many, she stored all these items in a donated storage unit until the right time would arrive when the Lord would lead her to the place He had chosen for her to begin this community. This place became a reality on June 15, 2015 -- the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus -- when Sr. Denise Marie accepted the invitation from Fr. Steve Brunovsky, pastor of St. Hilary Parish in Fairlawn (an Akron suburb), to make St. Hilary’s
Fr. Janoch and Sister Denise
former rectory their first “Franciscans of the Little Way” discernment home. Fr. Steve has known Sr. Denise since they both grew up at St. Columbkille Parish in Parma. He was willing and eager to help Sr. Denise begin her new community and become her “landlord.” The rectory needed to be cleaned, walls had to be painted, and utilities had to be checked to make sure they were in a safe, working condition. The furniture Sr. Denise had put into storage needed to be brought to this new location. Fr. Stephen Breck, parochial vicar at St. Hilary, helped with Sr. Denise’s move to Fairlawn. Fr. Breck also has a connection with Sr. Denise when he was assigned to St. Charles Borromeo Parish from 20052009. Fr. Brunovsky asked the St. Hilary council for help to refurbish the house. The council accepted the challenge. Sr. Denise returned to St. Charles Borromeo and asked the newly founded St. Charles Borromeo Council if they would help the St. Hillary Knights. They also accepted the challenge. It was decided that Saturday, July 25, 2015, and Saturday, Aug. 8, would be the days to clean and paint the new house of formation. This work was completed by 30 Knights from St. Hilary and St. Charles Borromeo councils. The day to move the furniture was Saturday, Aug. 29. The St. Charles Borromeo Knights rented a truck and loaded it with the furniture stored at a storage unit in Cleveland. It was Labor Day weekend that Sr. Denise and her three aspirants moved into their new home. Sr. Denise is very grateful for the, service of the Knights. Persons wishing to help in supporting Franciscans of the Little Way should send monetary donations to Sr. Denise Marie Vlna at 665 Moorfield Road; Fairlawn OH 44333.
1300, it was to be reiterated every hundred years. However, it was not long before, in imitation of the Jubilee of the Jews, the period was shortened to fifty years. Later it was shortened to twenty-five. Extraordinary Jubilees occur between the ordinary Jubilees. For instance in the 20th Century, there were extraordinary jubilees in 1904 on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception; in 1913 on the occasion of the 16th centenary of the peace of the Church given by Constantine; in 1929 for the 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Pius XI; in 1933 for the 19th centenary of the Redemption; and in 1974 when Paul VI asked for a year of prayer for reconciliation, peace, and social justice. Each Jubilee usually is accompanied by a call for more fervent prayer and devotion on the part of the faithful, especially through participation in the Eucharist and the Sacraments. The 1974 Jubilee was the occasion for the introduction of the two new Eucharistic Prayers for Masses of Reconciliation, which eventually became inserted into the Roman Missal. The opening and closing of each holy year is characterized by the opening and closing of the holy doors of St. Peter’s in Rome. Since 1500 the Jubilee indulgence may be gained at home, without traveling to Rome, under special conditions once the period for visiting Rome is over. * * * As your State Chaplain, I would like us to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” in our relations with one another whether it is in our families, parishes, schools and places of work, local community and in our State and Local Councils. How this happens, as Pope Francis states, is through “a spiritual conversion” of the soul. As we conclude the calendar year and also the liturgical year, it is always a time to reflect on our lives and to constantly change our hearts towards God. As Knights, we are called by our knighthood to be forgiving as our heavenly Father is forgiving. It is said in the Gospel of St. Matthew “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Matthew 10:8b) What we are given without cost is God’s gift to us, through the Sacrament of Penance, is Mercy and Forgiveness. That same Mercy and Forgiveness is to be given to others. Let us find ways to begin to practice Mercy and Forgiveness even before the Extraordinary Jubilee Year begins. One way is to forgive debts that may be owed by Brother Knights. Many councils do or should have set up resources to help their Brother Knights who may be in financial difficulty and cannot pay their dues. One of our State programs is to set up a fund and to hold a fund raiser to collect monies to fund this fund. During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we should withhold any suspension due to lack of dues payments or debts owed to a council. Some form of forgiveness needs to be given when the forgiveness is not financial but in our relationship with brother Knights. Wrongs or perceived wrongs occur among brother Knights all the time. We may have interpreted or more often than not misinterpreted something that was done or said by a brother Knight. It happens because all of us come from different backgrounds, ethnic groups or upbringing. We see things differently and can misinterpret something said or done. These are sometime great grievances but more than often they are minor grievances that probably had no intentions of offending or causing one brother Knight to be angry with another brother Knight. Whether they are great or minor grievances, they must be shown Mercy and Forgiveness as our heavenly Father shows that Mercy and Forgiveness to all who seek them from Him. This may also be the time to re-activate a brother Knight who left because of a grievance. That grievance may no longer be an issue within the council, yet a brother Knight still feels the anguish, pain and bitterness caused by the grievance. Invite the brother Knight back and show the Father’s Mercy and Forgiveness to him. God has done the same to us and for greater sins than a brother Knight may have done to us and we are to show the same to any brother Knight that asks for it or needs it. This year of Jubilee, Ohio Knights of Columbus Councils should have the lowest amount of suspension in their history for we are to show Mercy and Forgiveness, just as our heavenly Father is merciful. There is no time than the present moment to show God’s Mercy and Forgiveness. We are to do it NOW! Cincinnati Archdiocese welcomes new council Congratulations to State Warden Larry Droesch, District Deputy Bob Young and Diocesan Membership Director Richard Chunnic, who were instrumental in the founding of West Union Council 16348.
Page 6__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin________________________________________ October-November-December, 2015
General Program
Is your council reporting?
By Bob Walsh, State General Program Director The second grading period has ended, and I have a question: Is your council reporting? I know that many councils are active, doing programs to benefit their Church, Community, and Council. This is one of the ways for the State to keep track of councils that may need help. Supreme recognizes the Family with a special award and recognition. How many councils do the same? Remember to honor a family every month and turn in your nomination to Supreme. We have been averaging only three councils a month doing this. How many more councils could be participating? With the weather changing and the Christmas holidays coming quickly, we look at helping others out. The State program has some great activities to help our brothers and sisters in need. Coats for Kids for our Youth, Helping in a Soup Kitchen or Food Pantry for your Community. Also, remember our veterans and active duty military personnel. Helping at the VA to show how much their service to our country has meant to all of us, can brighten their day. The State Officers, Program Directors and myself are ready to help your council achieve all your goals, so please call them with any questions.
Youth Activities
Have you ordered your Free Throw Kit?
By Mike Nau, State Youth Activities Director Has your council ordered your Free Throw Kits? This should have been done in November. Supreme has the kits. Order them as soon as possible. The council level needs to be done by the end of January; district needs to be done by mid-February and the regional will be done by the end of February. The State Free Throw Championships will be held on March 19, 2016. The age levels are 9-14 years old. Last year 119,000 young people participated in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest. Let’s get out and promote the Free Throw. Let’s stop the trend, and get more participation. Don’t forget Youth Activity #60, Drug and Alcohol Abuse Poster Contest. This is a Supreme program to help bring the abuse of drugs and alcohol to the attention of the children in our communities. It gives them the chance to discuss these problems with each other and support each other not to use drugs. You need to order your Drug and Alcohol Abuse Poster Contest kit from Supreme Council to have everything in place for the council level competition in January. I know that everyone thinks our youth are important and that each council does activities to help them. Please take the time to submit the reports. The numbers of activity reports are down. However, there are some very good ones. This time of the year there are children who need coats. What a great way to show you care by giving coats to needy children -- Activity #56. And during the holiday season no child should go hungry. Hold a food drive for your local food bank. Or hold a fund-raising event to give more. That is Activity #55.
Vocations Activities
How are you promoting vocations?
By Joe Mackos, State Vocations Director What is your council doing to promote vocations? One idea is the RSVP program (Refund Support for Vocations Program.) Through it, for every $500 councils donate to assist vocations they receive $100 back from Supreme. If your council is unable to donate $500, consider a smaller gift. Perhaps during the year your council’s finances will change and you can give an additional gift. Grand Knights, has your District Deputy talked to you about filling out a Roundtable form? Has your District Deputy given you Form #2629 (Report of Roundtable Coordinator)? District Deputies have received enough forms for each of their councils. There is a Ohio State Council quota for the number of roundtables in the state. We have only 19 so far. We need 81 more. When I go to different councils I have taken the Form 2629 with me. District Deputies, please do the same. Let’s all work together to achieve this goal. 81 more roundtables are needed. We all need to work at it.
Council 12772 Grand Knight Bob Hess presents a rose and a rosary to a St. Joseph parishioner couple at the baptism of their baby.
Plain City council makes baptism a special rite
St. Joseph is a small parish located in Plain City, Ohio with active participation of about 200 families. The parish averages 18-20 new baby baptisms each year. St. Joseph Council 12772 instituted a Baptism Support Program approximately eight years ago in which the council has a representative at each baptism to make a presentation following the sacramental rite. The representative presents to the mother a white rose with a tag noting the child’s name, date of baptism and our K of C Council name. Each father receives a rosary enclosed in a leather pouch. A special certificate is read and then given to the family, noting the strong support of the Knights of Columbus for marriage, parenthood and family. Our purpose is to help make this sacred event a memorable experience for the family and to emphasize that our K of C Council stands strong in our spiritual support of family and parish.
Knights of Columbus Insurance
Protecting the breadwinner’s income By Jeffery Hearty, FICF, General Agent State Insurance Liaison
While jobs may be safer in 2015, accidents, injuries and illnesses that can impact your ability to work still happen. Most, in fact, do not happen on the jobsite or place of employment. Did you know that a 2011 study revealed that more than 95% of the long-term disability claims on file were not work-related? The Knights always have sought to protect member’s families from the “loss” of a breadwinner. I’m sure you know all about Fr. McGivney’s vision for our insurance program. But you may not know that Fr. McGivney also wanted to find a way to help members who couldn’t work because of an illness. After all, the “loss” of the breadwinner does not have to mean that person’s death; it also can mean the loss of the breadwinner’s income. Consider that loss for a moment. How would your family fare if a source of income suddenly stopped? Could a dual-income family manage on one income stream? What about young families with a working father and a mother who cares for the children? What if his income halted due to an accident or illness? I’ve heard some people say they have coverage at work, but too many aren’t sure what this coverage entails, how much income it would provide or for how long. Having this protection counts for something, certainly, but it isn’t “yours”; it’s provided by the company for which you work at their discretion. It could be eliminated tomorrow. That’s where a personally-owned disability income insurance product, like Income Armor, comes into play. It can offer valuable income replacement in the event of an injury or illness. If you have a job, you must know about this coverage. Your K of C agent can explain it to you.
Milestone highlights K of C financial protection
The Knights of Columbus has surpassed $100 billion of life insurance in force, marking an important milestone in its insurance program’s mission to protect the future of Catholic families. This milestone was achieved despite continuing adverse conditions affecting the insurance industry. The insurance program, which offers its line of top-rated products exclusively to its members and their eligible family members, manages $21 billion in assets and ranks 939 on the 2015 Fortune 1000 list, placing it among the largest life insurers in North America.
October-November-December, 2015_________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_________________________________________________________________ Page 7
We had a record membership October
To: Great State of Ohio K of C Members From: Inspector Membership Nick Gresko, State Membership Director. Inspector Membership here rewarding you all for a RECORD October! You accepted the mission, went out and showed the Order that Ohio IS The Membership State! Actually I should say the first four months have shown we are The Membership State!!! • July we finished 2nd in Division 1 with a gross intake of 144 new members. • August we finished 3rd in Division 1 with a gross intake of 139 new members. • September we finished 4th in Division 1 with a gross intake of 182 new members. October we Finished #1 in Division 1 with a gross intake of 247 new members. I would like to thank Brother Marty Schumacher, our State Squires Director, for having a net gain of 28 new Squires and sitting at 7.12%, which is No. 1 out of all the Division 1 Jurisdictions! These will be our future Brother Knights. In October, we finished with a Net of +490 and finished No. 1 of all the BIG jurisdictions.
Has that boy completely lost his mind? He’s giving away more of the state’s cash.
NOW is the time to recruit new members Continued from Page 1
improve his own life and his community. Membership allows him to experience the fraternal bond that Knights share while growing closer to his family and faith. Time and again Carl Anderson, our Supreme Knight, has stressed that we have nothing less than a moral obligation to offer membership in the Knights of Columbus to every eligible Catholic man. To accomplish this, he is asking dedicated Brother Knights like you to be ambassadors -- to reach out to Catholic men and their families and invite them to become part of our Order. The Servant of God, Fr. McGivney, founded our Order more than 120 years ago, and yet we have only just begun to realize our true potential. New members are essential to our success; the Order’s tomorrow depends on our recruitment today! We must be creative in our recruitment efforts, and our Supreme Knight -- along with his team of Supreme officers -- has given us a tool to aide us. Please encourage prospective members and their families to visit the “Why Join?” feature at their convenience and in the comfort of their own homes. In doing so, they can see why being a Knight of Columbus truly is an experience of a lifetime. So with record numbers in charity and charitable works, we as Knights should not relax on our charitable works this should be a call for all of us to strive to increase these numbers to even greater levels. To help keep us moving in the correct direction we need to look at all possible avenues to increase these numbers, for some it may be to help at one more event and for others it might be to bring in new members or ask non-members to help. As Supreme Knight Carl Anderson says we should offer the experience of being a Knight of Columbus to all eligible Catholic men over 18 years of age. When we do bring in a new member don’t just bring him in, but help mentor and listen to what they have to say. They may have a good idea of new events or even how to revitalize an older event if it has been declining over the last few times you have tried it. Remember to make all activities a membership activity. This can be as easy as just having a membership table at each event with pamphlets and information about your council. Our efforts should be focused on Recruiting, Retention, New Council Development and Council Retention. With these goals, we can surely keep the vision alive and ensure the continued growth of the Knights of Columbus. Thank you in advance for your efforts to bring new members into our ranks. Working together, we are confident that the Knights of Columbus will continue to thrive as the preeminent lay Catholic organization in the world and in our GREAT state of Ohio, “The Membership State.”
Supreme introduces 5th Sunday Rosary Program
The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has introduced for the 2015-2016 fraternal year a 5th Sunday Rosary Program. “I encourage your council to conduct a Rosary prayer service in your parish church or council meeting place,” wrote George Hanna, senior vice president, fraternal services, to council Grand Knights. “Schedule and promote your Rosary service among council members, parishioners and the community at-large.” Councils can claim the Rosary services under the Church Activity section of the Columbian Award Application. Rosary kits – which include a supply of Rosary rings as well as a reminder on how to pray the Rosary – are available from Supreme. For further information, call Supreme at (203) 752-4571 or send an email to: Jason.Porrello@ kofc.org.
He’s giving $10 to every DD if one of his non recruing councils brings in a new member. He’s also giving $2 to each DD for each member brought in by one of their councils, but there’s a minimum of five per district Wait a minute—are you serious??? You mean that 12 councils who bring in 3 members in November will win $75. How did he just up and double the number? Hold on, what do you mean he’s giving 10 proposers $50 each? He doubled this one too.
The Winners
The 5 Proposers who won $50 for October are: 1. Donald Beckman, Council 10863, Columbus Diocese. 2. David Helmstetter, Council 1592, Cincinnati Archdiocese. 3. James Vlach, Council 15901, Cleveland Diocese. 4. James Leone, Council 15959, Youngstown Diocese. 5. Dale Schroeder, Council 6373, Toledo Diocese. The new member each of these Brother Knights brought in will also get $50. • Diocesan Membership Director Incentive for hitting their Diocesan Membership Goal for the month win $50: Columbus Diocesan Membership Director George Jones. • Division 1 Top 5 Recruiting Councils: Council 3324 (20); Council 741 (14); Council 608, (12); Council 10941 (9); Council 500 and Council 4731 (8). • Division 2 Top 5 Recruiting Councils: Council 14551 (10); Council 637 (8); Council 11208 (7); Council 13608, Council 1195, and Council 1973 (6). • Division 3 Top 5 Recruiting Councils: Council: Council 6373 (8); Council 13429 and Council 789 (7); Council 5534 (6); Council 12359, Council 11915, Council 11216, Council 2584, and Council 1617 (5). • Division 4 Top 5 Recruiting Councils: Council 1162 (10); Council 15009, Council 14416, Council 11831, and Council 2280 (6). • Division 5 Top 5 Recruiting Councils: Council 12807 (25); Council 15824 (9); Council 12640 (6); Council 16137, Council 15942, and Council 15056 (5). Welcome back, Squires Circle 3773 Congratulations to St. Henry Council 2640 on the reactivation of Squires Circle 3773.
Page 8__________________________________________________________________Buckeye Bulletin_____________________________________________ October-November-December
Our Pennies for Heaven funds at work By Past State Deputy Ken Girt Pennies for Heaven Chairman
As we continue our 2015-2016 Pennies for Heaven Campaign, we would like to highlight how our six diocesan vocation offices use your donations to support our seminarians and vocation awareness. I received information from vocations directors in three of the six Ohio dioceses – Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo -- for this issue of the Buckeye Bulletin. Cincinnati Archdiocese Fr. Dan Schmitmeyer, Vocations Director, and Wayne Topp, Associate We have used the funds to create new, high quality promotional videos that are shown to men at Andrew Dinners. In addition, we use the funds in other ministry settings to help open the doors to the possibility of studying at a seminary. We also make available funds to help college seminarians cover the cost of tuition on an as needed basis. Toledo Diocese Msgr, Charles Singlar, Director Here are some of the programs underwritten by the Pennies for Heaven funds: 1. Annual seminarian poster and poster of sons and daughters from the parishes of the Diocese of Toledo that are in formation for consecrated life. Funds cover the cost of printing and mailing posters to every parish, Catholic school, religious motherhouse. These are also distributed to every K of C council in the diocese. 2. Funds are used to underwrite portions of the expense to host annual summer retreats for young men in junior high and high school who may be thinking about a vocation to the priesthood. This would include design and printing expenses for registration brochures. 3. Funds help underwrite expenses incurred to host an overnight Men’s Discernment Retreat during the Thanksgiving Weekend. This includes expenses for room and board for the retreatants. Because of these funds, we are able to offer the retreat at no charge to the men who attend. 4. One particular project this current year was the expense to design a new logo for the office when we host promotional booths. Cleveland Diocese Fr. Michael McCandless, Director As our Holy Father mentions generosity in the lives of our religious brothers and sisters, I have a tremendous gratitiude each year for the generous gifts that we receive from the members of the Ohio State Council Knights of Columbus from their Pennies for Heaven Campaign. This year’s gift is yet another that continues your thoughtfulness and focus upon vocations in our Church. As I have mentioned in previous letters, I have asked myself before, “What would I do without these additional funds?” The Pennies for Heaven funds from this past year, along with the funds received this year, will be used to supplement a number of initiatives. I strategically attempt to use the funds for those discerning so that it benefits them from the beginning of the discernment process all the way through portions of their seminary or formation experiences. Some of the funding also provides opportunities to train and empower those priests, youth ministers, and parish staffs that work with a discerner prior to my meeting them. Thank you, for all your donations and prayers for our seminarians.
Dayton area Knights make ultrasound machine a reality for New Life Center
When the Elizabeth New Life Center approached St. Leonard Council 10215, Centerville, Culture of Life Director Charlie McCratty about the need for an ultrasound machine for its new mobile women’s health center, the council sprang into action. The New Life Center had purchased a van and outfitted it so that they could go to area colleges to offer young women counseling concerning their pregnancy. The ultrasound machine would allow them to show the young women their babies. Grand Knight Ed Ponder contacted the 26 councils of the Greater Dayton Chapter seeking help to raise the necessary funds. Councils responded with donations, some putting notices in parish bulletins for further financial help. The effort resulted in many generous donations. By Oct. 1, $31,000 had been donated, more than enough to ask Supreme Council to contribute one-half the cost of the ultrasound. On. Oct. 23 the machine was blessed by Cincinnati Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Binzer at Dayton Council 500. The van is now on the road with the mission of saving lives of unborn children.
Peg and Lee Brock
Lee Brock, his wife honored for their K of C service
Brother Knight Lee Brock and his wife, Peg, were honored by the Columbus Chapter at a testimonial dinner on Oct. 18 for their years of dedicated service to the Ohio State Council and especially councils in the Columbus Diocese. “This dinner is for Lee’s 50 years of dedication to the Knights of Columbus, with Peg always at his side,” commented Past State Deputy Gary Eckstein, one of the organizers of the event along with State Secretary Kevin Miller. Knights from around Ohio, including several Past State Deputies, attended the dinner, held in Columbus. “We all have one thing in common – respect and admiration for Lee and Peg,” Eckstein said. Immediate Past State Deputy Ken Girt presented a letter of appreciation on behalf of State Deputy Bob Collins, who could not be present, and a proclamation from 12th District U.S. Congressman Patrick Tiberi. Lee, originally from Hamburg, N.Y., and Peg moved to the Columbus area in 1964 for a change in jobs. He joined the Knights of Columbus Fr. Andrew Hohman Council 5253, Reynoldsburg, in 1965, where he served as Warden, Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. He also has served the Ohio State Council as Diocesan Membership Director, Diocesan Program Coordinator, New Council Development Director, Ceremonial Director and District Deputy. He also is a past president of the Columbus Chapter.
Holy Family Icon program is delayed
There has been a delay at Supreme in the printing and design of the Prayer Books and Online Program for the Holy Family Icon. Therefore please know that there will be a delay in the start of the Holy Family Icon traveling schedule in Ohio. The Prayer Books are currently in production. Supreme expects to ship them in the first week of December. The State Warden will forward the updated Icon Schedule, once there is confirmation that the Prayer Books are shipped from Supreme. We don’t want brothers to make Icon Prayer Service plans they have to change, so it is safest to wait until we have confirmation. Sorry for all the delay and disappointment this may have caused. Larry Droesch, State Warden and Ohio Icon Coordinator
2015 Matching Funds Campaign ends
The Matching Funds Program, which began last Sept. 15, ended on Nov. 15. In it, the Ohio Charity Foundation of the Ohio State Council matches the first $25,000 donated to this year’s program. Awards will be presented to District Deputies at the January Mid-Year District Deputy Meeting for distribution to their councils. Following are this year’s awards:
• The highest donation overall by a council; the highest donation by a council in each diocese; the highest donation per member by a council in each diocese; the highest donation by a chapter, an assembly, or a squires circle will each receive an award; and for those District Deputies with 100% council participation in their districts.