December 2016 Voice of the Spirit

IN SERVICE TO ONE. IN SERVICE TO ALL MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR THE OHIO STATE COUNCIL

YEAR 2 MONTH 6 DECEMBER 2016

CHARITY - UNITY - FRATERNITY PATRIOTISM 1

STATE DEPUTY

Make Ohio Great Again Campaign Ohio Rebounds and Looking Strong Robert F. Collins, Jr. A little about membership…

Brother Knights we continue to rebound from several previous months of slow recruiting. It seemed like we pulled out all stops again in November and rose to the occasion and had a great month of new member intake.

Because of your efforts Ohio finished second in the November Supreme Membership Contest just being edged out by California. We finished with 7.47% intake and a full half percent behind California. Our cash award will fund some additional incentives in Ohio this month. See State Membership Director Nick Gresko’s article for details.

Gross Intake (New Member Recruitment): We are currently 35th of 74 Jurisdictions in the Order with a 31.07% of intake goal. To date we have recruited but 700 new members in the first five months of the Fraternal Year. This places us 4th among the Division 1 Jurisdictions, but only about 3% behind them. To put this into perspective we should be at 42% of gross intake or 945 new members. We will have to continue to step up our recruiting pace to get back on track in December. In real numbers we will need in Ohio 221 new members per month over the next 7 month to retain our Circle of Honor status. With just a little extra effort I know that together we can do this.

Net Intake (New Member Recr uitment less Suspensions and Withdrawals): We are currently 24th of 74 Jurisdictions in the Order with a 32.1% of intake goal. To date we have retained but 497 of those new members in the first five months of the Fraternal Year.

This places us 4th among the Division

1 Jurisdictions but again just several percentage points behind. Again to put this into perspective we should be at 42% of our net goal or 662 members retained.

Net/Net Intake (New Member Recruitment and Out of State Transfers): We are currently 53rd of 74 Jurisdictions in the Order with a -17% of intake goal. To date we haven’t retained any of the new members in the first five months of the Fraternal Year and lost and have lost an additional 17 members. This again places us 4th among the Division 1 Jurisdictions.

Again to put this into perspective we should be at 42% of our net/net goal or +42 members retained.

Again on the positive side we still have another 7 months to recover our losses. With a good membership plan and an aggressive approach to church drives and new council development we can get back on track. It does however raise the bar each month now to try to rundown and catch up with our goals.

Keep scheduling those 1st Degrees.

Every District Deputy is required to schedule and conduct a 1st Degree in his district every month. Our Degree Page on the State Website should be “Busting’ Out” and overflowing with degree information. Right now I see 20 Admission Degrees scheduled in the month of December and 14 on the books for January. This tells me still need a little work setting up Admissions Degrees in the majority of our districts. This is not the practice as laid out and requested of me by the Supreme Knight. We also will need each of those degrees to be productive so everyone may help us reach our goal

of 2,250 new members.

A thought on Degree Work: I have attended some degree work throughout Ohio and need to address one observation. An Admission, Formation, or Knighthood Degree is no place for a Stranger, Candidate or Brother Knight in t-shirts and shorts. Please have the respect to the Order and the Ceremonials to dress appropriately. Golf or polo shirts with Dockers type slacks are a minimum dress that should be worn to any one attending these degrees.

Please inform all attending degrees to dress the same.

New State Website feature: I have instructed State Web Master Robert Gilliland to release the needed software to allow Councils to file the Fraternal Survey Form 1728 on the State Web site. The feature will allow a fillable form with routing to the Supreme Council and State Deputy. Please take advantage of this new feature on our web site. As always the best policy please print a copy to retain for your Council Records.

Lingering Paperwork: Supr eme Council records indicate that 40 councils have not completed and submitted their Form 185. It also has indicated that 76 councils have not completed and submitted their Form 365. Look for a call in the near future from someone at the State Council to assist in completing these two forms.

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Council contributions to the “Voice of the Spirit”: One featur e of this monthly publication needs are events, programs, and human interest events from the local Councils throughout Ohio. Any Council wanting to submit an article of interest to the “Voice of the Spirit” for publication each month should send a finished article and photo if applicable to PSD David Helmstetter. Brother Dave will then edit and decide which articles are to be include in each month’s issue. Brother Dave’s email address is: dhelmstetter@bright.net More names and emails needed: We have the ability to reach every Brother Knight in the state with this monthly electronic newsletter, the “Voice of the Spirit”. If you are a Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, or District Deputy receiving this publication you may obtain a list of email from your council or councils and forward them to State Media Chairman Brother James Maslach at his email address; kofcdd19@gmail.com. Brother Jim will place you on the email list and then be able to receive this publication along with other important and informative memos from the State Council.

State Council Finances: Any late receipts of the 2016 Measure Up Campaign or State Per Capita will have their respective checks returned to them on or about the 15th of December.

Town Hall Meetings: “Town Hall” meetings throughout Ohio have begun with the following meeting dates, times, and locations. The meetings are open form and we may talk about whatever might be on your mind at evening.

The meetings have been posted on the State Website Calendar. Anyone from anywhere is welcome at any time to come to any one of the meetings.

Meetings are open to all 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Degree members, one day as a

Knight of Columbus or 80 years as a Knight of Columbus. All meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and last for about 90 minutes or so. Come and bring an open mind, your thoughts, and ideas and help each other become a better Knight.

We had great success in the Toledo Diocese in October numbering better than 22 attendees at each of the five meetings. I hope the trend continues and possibly improves in the Youngstown and Cleveland Diocese this month.

“Town Hall” Meetings scheduled to date are as follows: Wednesday, December 7, Columbus Football Frenzy Fund Raiser: At this time I do not have a set of final figures to report on this year’s campaign. Chairman and Past State Deputy Gary Eckstein did report to me that statewide we sold a couple of tickets short of 16,000 tickets. This number shows a very significant increase in ticket sales over last year’s campaign even with the additional cost of a ticket. We sincerely “Thank You” for your efforts.

All State Per Capita credits will be based on 15,874 tickets sold as a percentage of the 35,960 maximum sales.

With respect to many Councils efforts around Ohio and a willingness to participate in this program I as State Deputy will increase the rebate per ticket from $5.50 to $6.00. Look for your Council to receive their rebate check sometime this January. Thank you again for your participation in this statewide fundraiser.

The Fraternal Planner: Please get in the habit of using your Fraternal Leader Success Planner. Every District Deputy has received 5 planners for every one of his councils. Each month in a calendar format important dates and deadlines are listed. The opposing page has a list of reminder notes and expected accomplishments for the cur-

rent month and the month to come. It is a great tool for success. Take every advantage of this Fraternal Planning guide. If you have not received your fraternal Planner please contact your District Deputy immediately.

District Deputy On-line Training: I would ask that the 61 District Deputies that have not completed the Orientation Seminar please do so prior to the January Midyear Meeting. This training is available on demand at the following web address. Simply copy this text below, paste it in your browser, and complete the required curriculum. http://goo.gl/AYjbgf District Deputy Midyear Meeting: District Deputies please reserve the weekend of January 7 & 8, 2017 for the State Midyear Meeting. Each District Deputy is expected to attend this meeting that will cover covering an array of topics. Membership, Programming, New Council Development, Star Council Requirements, and paperwork and forms compliance are just a few of them that will be covered.

This year the weekend meeting will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel at the Columbus Airport. A reservation email will be sent to all necessary state personnel before the end of the month.

In closing: May God continue to Bless you during this Christmas Season as you continue to 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. Have a Blessed Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years from all of us at the Ohio State Council.

God Bless Brothers, have a good month and a better month than the one before. Let’s all work to “Make Ohio Great Again”.

Bob Collins State Deputy 3

STATE CHAPLAIN

Reflections from Our Worthy State Chaplain Father Edward J. Janoch As a Christmas I gift, I thought that I would give you this reflection to help you “keep Christ in Christmas.”

A Christmas Reflection This day I invite you to visit the Holy Family. Move slowly. Let each meaningful event of the visit reach the deepest part of your soul.

Breathe deeply. Slowly go from where you are now to the temporarily, but cozy home of the Holy Family—the manger scene. In wonderment, you enter this holy place.

Emmanuel . . . Emmanuel . . .

Your whole body relaxes...

Your heart beats slower as the meaning of Christmas warms your soul...

Joy fills you as Baby Jesus wakes and smiles up to you...

He smiles again—right at you—you smile back...

Your God’s love surrounds you...

You pause a minute ...

For a while the whole world is far away as you rest in His love...

Then leave in beautiful peace— letting them live for ever and ever in your soul.

Radiant Mary comes to welcome you with a tender kiss and hug. The light of Christ shines in her face.

Beaming Joseph strongly shakes your hand and gives you a happy embrace. After talking a bit, Joseph shows you to a comfortable place...

You hold Him very close to your heart—He holds you in the palm of His hand—never to let each other go ...

Strength—a strength that is quiet and gentle covers you...

Fr. Edward J. Janoch Worthy State Chaplain

You sit down and immediately reach out your arms a Mary, in her happiness, gives you the soft bundle of blankets covering the Prince of Peace...

AN ETERNITY PASSES

My new address as of 1 January 2017 is:

From her humanity she gave Him, His humanity...

Your eyes meet for a second time and the joys and sorrows of many years to come quickly flash by...

Slowly your rise—walk over to Mary, God’s Mother, and lay Jesus gently in her arms…

Mary and Joseph quietly leave you awhile to attend to some chores...

Then she smiles the smile of faith...

You sit there a minute in awe...

Thankfulness and love pour from your heart...

You—are holding—the SON OF GOD...

You bring Him closer to you …

Have a Blessed and Holy New Year.

Vivat Jesus!

Fr. Edward J. Janoch Parochial Vicar St. Mary Church 401 North Street Chardon, OH 44024 (440) 285-7051 ejj5200@yahoo.com

You gently kiss Mary and her Son Jesus...

You embrace Joseph...

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This year I will be taking Matters of Faith and Catholic Knowledge from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is formatted into a question and answer format. I will give a question or two and its answer to matters of faith that are relevant for this month. Here are your questions for this month.

Question 102. How did God prepare the world of the mystery of Christ?

Question 103. What does the Gospel teach about the mysteries of the birth and infancy of Jesus?

God prepared for the coming of his Son over the centuries. He awakened in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming and he prepared for it specifically through the Old Testament, culminating with John the Baptist who was the last and greatest of the prophets. We relive this long period of expectancy in the annual liturgical celebration of the season of Advent. [See CCC #522-24]

At Christmas the glory of heaven is shown forth in the weakness of a baby; the circumcision of Jesus is a sign of his belonging to the Hebrew people and is a prefiguration of our Baptism; the Epiphany is the manifestation of the Messiah King of Israel to all the nations; at the presentation in the temple, Simeon and Anna symbolize all the anticipation of Israel awaiting its encounter with its Savior; the flight into Egypt and the massacre of the innocents proclaim that the entire life of Christ will be under the sign of persecution; the departure from Egypt recalls the exodus and presents Jesus as the new Moses and the true and definitive liberator. [See CCC #525-530, 563-564]

HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTIONS Offered in Solidarity with Pope Francis December 2016 Universal: End to ChildSoliders That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.

Evangelization: Europe That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.

Mother of Good Counsel Prayer

By Venerable Pope Pius XII

O Holy Virgin, to whose feet we are led by our anxious uncertainty in our search for and attainment of what is true and good, invoking you by the sweet title of Mother of Good Counsel, we beseech you to come to our assistance, when, along the road of this life, the darkness of error and of evil conspires towards our ruin by leading our minds and our hearts astray. O Seat of Wisdom and Star of the Sea, enlighten the doubtful and the erring, that they be not seduced by the false appearances of good; render them steadfast in the face of the hostile and corrupting influences of passion and of sin. O Mother of Good Counsel, obtain for us from your Divine Son a great love of virtue, and, in the hour of uncertainty and trial, the strength to embrace the way that leads to our salvation. If your hand sustains us, we shall walk unmolested along the path indicated to us by the life and words of Jesus, our Redeemer; and having followed freely and securely, even in the midst of this world's strife, the Sun of Truth and Justice under your maternal Star, we shall come to the enjoyment of full and eternal peace with you in the haven of salvation.

Amen.

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STATE MEMBERSHIP

Membership: The Gift That Keeps On Giving Nick Gresko If you are thinking about gifts to give another male family member or another male in your parish for Christmas how about giving them the gift that gives? You may be thinking to yourself what is that?

This gift is membership in our prestigious order the Knights of Columbus. Now you might be thinking, how is this the gift that gives? Wow, that is a great question! Membership in the Knights of Columbus is the gift that gives by once the new member makes their Admissions Degree they get the following: 1. Columbia Magazine - Free subscription to the Order’s award-winning magazine examining issues of concern to Knights, Catholics and families 2. Knights of Columbus rosary Blessed by the supreme chaplain, presented during the Admission Degree to each new member 3. Daily Mass of Remembrance at St. Mary’s Church - Mass for deceased members and their wives at the birthplace of the Order 4. Insurance - Access to a portfolio of top-quality life insurance, long-term care and annuity products exclusive for members and their families 5. Family Fraternal Benefit - For eligible families: a) pays $1,500 for the child who dies before the age of 61 days; b) pays $750 for the child who is stillborn at least 20 weeks after conception; c) offers guaranteed-issue

insurance - up to $5,000 - to any child under age 18 6. Orphan Benefit - $80 monthly allotment for orphans of eligible families; up to $7,000 in college scholarships available 7. Member/Spouse Fraternal Benefit - Accidental death coverage for member and spouse at no cost 8. Widow Benefits - a) continues to be covered under the Member/ Spouse Fraternal Benefit; b) may purchase life insurance, longterm care insurance or annuities up to one year after insured member’s death; c) receives a free lifetime subscription to Columbia; d) eligible with her children for scholarships, student loans, etc.

9. Scholarships - Scholarship programs for higher education available to members, their spouses and children 10. Leadership Development Opportunity to build personal leadership skills, public speaking ability, organizational skills, etc.

11. Fourth Degree - Eligibility to join the Patriotic Degree 12. Honorary Life Membership - At age 70 with 25 years of membership 13. Membership Card - Entitles participation in all Catholic, fraternal and social activities in member’s council and also in over 15,000 councils throughout

the world 14. Activities - participation in a variety of programs and activities conducted by your council Now you just need to go out there and ask a male in your family or one that sits in the pews near you at church. We must go out there and ask these men to join us. They need us and we need them! Make this happen and give the best gift ever, membership the gift that GIVES!!!

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New Council Development John Brown

Merry Christmas!

During this most blessed time of the year, a spirit of giving is in the air.

We celebrate the birth of our Savior by giving each other gifts. We give sweaters. We give shirts. We give ties and all manner of gifts. We even give gift certificates. Some are great gifts and others not so much so…

I’d like to suggest a gift for that special pastor in your life – a shiny new council.

Just think of the ways he can use a new council. He can get things repaired around the parish. He can get some help with multitudes of

projects. He will have a focused tool to lead the men of his parish to a stronger faith. A new council can bring manpower to bear on almost any problem or opportunity he faces.

A new council can go a long way toward making his life easier.

Imagine the smile when he sees it for the first time.

Act now - supplies are limited.

Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll find coal in your stocking and we all know how uncomfortable that can be. So, don’t delay in giving Father that brand new council - it’s the gift that just keeps on giving.

Seriously, I want to wish you and your families a blessed Christmas season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Now go out there and start some new councils…

Retention Michael Jordon / Bill Wirtz

RETENTION IS KINDNESS Brothers,

Vivat Jesus!

John Brown New Council Development Director trouter0523@gmail.com 330.610.0308

DVD Admissions Degree Worthy Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries it is extremely important that you are talking to your District Deputy and that he knows when you are planning these because he needs to submit a Form 450 and this is not happening all the time right now. Please get this information to your District Deputy so that he can do what he needs to do and to insure you get credit for the work that you are doing when it comes to degrees.

Holiday season will soon be upon us. Really!

Form 100’s

It’s the time of the year when many of us give thanks, celebrate and plan to visit family. That should also be our goal with our Knights of Columbus family. Please take the time to seek out those Brothers, and their families, you may not see as often throughout the year. Give them a call or, better yet, pay them a visit. Let them know of upcoming gatherings, activities, or parties. Tell them how much they are missed and how their presence will be time cherished.

Within 3-5 days of a degree any Form 100’s should be emailed to the Supreme Council at membershiprecords@kofc.org and to the State Membership Director at greskon@sbcglobal.net and also include your diocesan membership director on those emails. Supreme is able to process the Form 100 much quicker this way and you have a receipt that they were sent in your sent mail.

Your acts of kindness are long-term investments in the health and status of your council and the Order. Do something nice every day and thank God for the ability to so.

Plus this saves your council the cost of a stamp every time new members are brought in. Also, please make sure that every part of this Form 100 is filled out or the Form 100 will not be processed Form 450 is like GOLD!!!

Council’s no longer fill out the Form 450C. There is only a Form 450 now and it is the responsibility of the District Deputy to fill this out. District Deputies please make sure within 3-5 days of holding a degree in your District the Form 450 is turned in. This is extremely important because this allows us to track if Supreme actually processed your Form 100’s! If your councils took the time to bring in a new member the State Membership Team wants to make sure these councils get credit for this hard work and effort. These should be filled in on line now at the State Website and then it is automatically sent to who it needs to go to. Take advantage of this!!!

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Membership Mission #18 Keep Christ in Christmas We have reached the midpoint of the fraternal year. You have accepted the missions to-date and have all responded. Ohio continues to have great success in membership thanks to all your efforts.

The Christmas Season is upon us. As we get ready to go shopping for those gifts this season, let us not forget one the best gifts that you could give. It is a gift that - if nurtured - it can grow into something that is so fantastic that you never would have thought. No, it is not a new plant or that special electronic gizmo you want. It is a Knights of Columbus membership!

Where else can you give someone a gift that is truly the "Experience of a Lifetime?" Look at all of the good that comes from being a member of the Knights of Columbus - growth in faith, fellowship and service - all things that can make someone a better son, husband, father, friend and so on.

One never knows where a priceless gift as membership can lead. Help someone reach their potential in the eyes of Christ.

To the left is your mission for December - if you so choose to accept.

Inspector Membership will be watching and making sure that we all do the best to "Keep Christ in Christmas" this season.

Inspector Membership Signing Off...

Click to view the video

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STATE GENERAL PROGRAMS

General Service Program Robert Walsh I would like to thank all the Councils that have submitted one report, over 300 councils have done so after the second reporting period.

There are still a number of Councils that have not yet done so. This would be a good time to review the programs that have been done and the ones that are planned for the rest of the year.

Domestic Church Program.

Also remember to review the information that has gone out about the Supreme Domestic Church Program. As you review your programs keep them updated to the ones needed to be designated for the

Looking ahead in January, the November/ December reporting is due by the 5th, form # 1728 the Annual Survey Of Fraternal Activity is due by the 31st. The March for Life is in January, how is

Church

Reenactments of the story of Christ’s birth have remained popular throughout Latin America and the southwestern United States as a means of sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Spanish missionaries referred to these ceremonies as Las Posadas — meaning “the inns” or “the shelters” — as they gave emphasis to Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Our Savior’s birth.

Jeff Kiliany “Keep Christ in Christmas” Campaign Remember our Keep Christ in Christmas campaign. As Catholic families, we can take a pro-active approach to the season by actively participating in a variety of campaigns. Public service announcements on radio, TV, newspapers, and billboards are always effective. Yard signs, car magnets, and bumper stickers are sold or even passed out free of charge as a means of spreading our “Keep Christ in Christmas” message. Many councils will set up a Manger Display at their parish, Council Hall, or local park. Some will even do “live” Manger scenes throughout the Christmas season.

Supreme offers a Christmas Poster Contest for Children ages 5 – 14.

By now you should have ordered the Free Throw Kits, and implemented the steps to succeed in this great program, check with your District Deputy, and Diocesan District Deputy Coordinator when they will have their level of competition.

For ideas on how to adapt this tradition to your own community, councils can turn to the Supreme publication, “Journey to the Inn: An Advent Celebration” (#9898).

Through this booklet, the Order hopes to bring a sharing of various cultural Christmas celebrations to all Knights and their families. Copies of the newly revised booklet — which provides all the information needed to conduct a Christmas celebration with your family and your Knights of Columbus council — can be ordered through the

your Council going to recognize this activity either at the National level or in your local area. Visit kofc.org/profile for complete details. January also has five Sundays, use the Fifth Sunday Rosary Program this month to support the marchers in Washington for their participation in the march, and their support for the unborn.

As we get closer to Christmas remember to keep those in need in your prayers and good deeds.

From my family to yours have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Supply Department by calling 203752-4214 or emailing supply@kofc.org. A digital and printable version of the booklet may be found at kofc.org.

To earn credit for this step, your council needs to participate in one or more of the activities listed in the “Through Him, With Him, In Him” church Activities Program and report it under Activity #3.

HAVE A JOYOUS AND BLESSED CHRISTMAS: We, as Knights of Columbus, support the “Keep Christ in Christmas” campaign to remind people that Christmas is above all else, a holy day to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. With this in mind, my wife Judy & I would like to wish you and your families, a very joyous and Blessed Christmas Season!

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Round Tables & Vocations Joe Mackos Council round tables are very important not only by helping the pastor of parishes but by promoting membership growth from other churches.

During Supreme Knight Carl Anderson’s first address to the state deputies, he stated, “we have nothing less than a moral obligation to offer every eligible Catholic man the opportunity and the privilege of membership in our Order.” He also stated, “We must have a Knights of Columbus presence in every parish.”

Therefore, councils serving more than one parish are urged to implement Parish Round Table programs in each of the parishes.

Therefore establishing a Knights of Columbus presence.

If your council is a parish base council you can still go to other

Council Tom Buehner After hearing that the printed version of the Buckeye Bulletin was going away, several councils have asked me about submitting articles to get credit toward Activity #30 (Submit a Buckeye Bulletin Article). You can still do this!

In last month’s Voice of the Spirt, our State Deputy mentioned that councils can submit articles of interest to be considered for publishing to the Voice of the Spirit by submitting the articles to PSD David Helmstetter (dhelmstetter@bright.net). I’ll count these article submissions toward Council Activity #30!

churches to form a round table, that don’t have a Knights of Columbus Council. If you just meet at a church, like my home council, you’re then not a parish council.

(Example Marian Co. #3813 now meets at St. Anne Ukrainian Church, but our members have formed a round table in several different churches that don’t have a Knights of Columbus council. So we have at least 8 or 9 round tables.) This is then the same for other councils that meet in council halls.

I received an email from Stephen Hinckley, from supreme office; Stephen is the round table coordinator. He stated, “If a council doesn’t have a round table in other parishes within the area, then these parishes are open for New Council development and they may not be able to recruit from them.”

The Ohio State Council has a goal set by Supreme of 100 Round Tables; we are currently sitting at only 60 round tables. WHY? We’ve even made it easy to submit these articles via the State Web Site.

Just login to the State Web Site, select “Publications & Resources,” then “Newsletters/Magazines.”

From there, you’ll see a link for the “VOS/BB Article Submission Form” – that’s the Voice of the Spirt / Buckeye Bulletin article submission form!

Please go to www.kofc.org click on to forms go to #2926 Round Table , fill it out and with a church or two that one or more of your members can form a round table to support the knights presents at the church.

Save a copy to your computer and send me a copy, jjm_1303@yahoo.com I will then send our State Deputy and Supreme a copy .

Please, brothers we need your help to achieve the goal of 100 round tables for the State of Ohio.

RSVP PROGRAM: Supr eme RSVP program is coming to an end on the 31st of December. This program runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 yearly. I will then receive a detailed report the beginning of 2017 of what councils have donated to the program. So if you’re still considering a donation to the RSVP program send by the end of the year. submit the activity through the site to be graded so your council gets credit for it.

Please reach out to me with any questions! Have a Merry Christmas!

In order to get credit for Council Activity #30, all you need to do is submit the Activity through the State Web Site letting me know you’ve submitted an article to PSD Dave Helmstetter. Feel free to CC me on the article submission too (tom.buehner@gmail.com).

Regardless of whether your article is published, you’ll still get credit for the activity! Just make sure you 10

Culture of Life Brett Gissel As we prepare for Christmas during Advent, please take this opportunity to reflect on St. Joseph and how his role in meeting the needs of the unborn and the women that carries them.

We know from scripture (Luke 1:26 -45 and Matthew 1:18-25) that both Mary and Joseph were visited by angels prior to the coming of Our Lord. Mary’s consent allowed for the conception of Jesus while Joseph’s consent allowed Mary to live and fulfill her role. Mary goes to visit Elizabeth, who is also with child. Upon Mary’s arrival, the child John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb and announces the coming of Our Lord in Mary’s womb. This reminds us that children in the womb are human and we should remember to respect their life.

Joseph had a difficult decision to make regarding his relationship with Mary. Mary was betrothed to Joseph and she was found to be with child. He knew the child was not his and sought to divorce Mary qui-

Family Stewart Vetter Happy Advent!!! It's December and that means lots of family time. This is also a great time of year for your council to load up on some family activities. You can host a tree lighting event. You could host a work party to clean the church before the Christmas-Easter Catholics show up. How about a decorating party at the parish? Christmas caroling to shut-ins and at nursing homes.

There's always a family Christmas party (Santa loves to share the nativity story). What do your families

etly so as to not bring her any shame. Having been visited by the angel, Joseph took them as they were.

What shame do we cast on unwed women with children? Do we look in disgust as family struggling to pay their bills has another child?

Regardless of the circumstances, we are not their judge. Rather, we are called to help people in their time of need, not expose them to shame.

Praise God for choosing life!

If your council is looking for something to do that can help save an unborn child, consider reaching out to a pregnancy center that does not perform abortions (Councils in the Greater Columbus area will soon be receiving information from me on specific needs in the area). Find out what needs they have for women that choose life, but need assistance with items like baby clothing, diapers, bottles, etc. Such an activity can be reported under the Council Choice for Culture Of Life (activities 53 & 54).

the child (John The Baptist) leapt in Elizabeth’s womb to announce the coming of Our Lord, please consider holding a prayer service for the unborn. The Order Wide Day Of The Unborn Child (activity 49) will be on March 25, 2017. This is a day when we unite in prayer for a return of respect and protection of the unborn children.

The March For Life (marchforlife.org) will be held on January 27, 2017 in Washington, DC. If your council participates in this or a local rally for life at this time, make sure to report it under activity 48.

Finally, please note that the Culture Of Life program involves volunteering, educating, advocating, donating, and praying (http:// www.kofc.org/en/members/ programs/culture-of-life/ index.html). This should be your guide on what constitutes a Culture Of Life program. If you have any questions about Culture Of Life programs, please contact me at BrettGissel@gmail.com.

While we are reminded of the sanctity of human life in the womb as do on New Year's Eve? Why not provide and inexpensive, family friendly New Year's party? Don't forget the less fortunate. This is a popular time of year to collect Food for Families.

Have you planned for those future events yet? Hard to believe but Lent is right around the corner. Now is the time to work with your priest to start planning a family Lenten event that will enhance the solemnity of that period. Now would also be a good time to ask about a parish wide renewal of marriage vows on or near Valentine's day. As a kid, our priest did this at mass. I can still

remember all those couples standing up and holding hands while they renewed their vows to each other. It was touching even to a young boy.

There are so many great events we can host this time of year but please remember to keep in mind the true meaning of the season. Remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Remember that our one, timeless God humbled himself to come as a baby to a poor couple. We celebrate the creation of a family through the birth of a child. Merry Christmas and may God bless us in the new year!!

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Youth Mike Nau Hope all had a great Thanksgiving.

This fraternal year is almost half over. Let’s finish the year out in strong fashion.

The State Soccer Challenge is over.

Thanks for all who participated. The State winners are as follows: Boys Age 9 Tucker Hounshell from the Cincinnati Diocese Girls Age 9 Brooke Iuston from the Cleveland Diocese Boys Age 10 Connor Dalton from the Cincinnati Diocese Girls Age 10 Kate Stephens from the Cincinnati Diocese Boys Age 11 Peter Kennedy from the Columbus Diocese Girls Age 11 Rachel Thompson from the Columbus Diocese Boys Age 12 Aaron Staiger from the Cincinnati Diocese Girls Age 12 Anna Petre from the Cincinnati Diocese Boys Age 13 Oscar Marquez from the Columbus Diocese Girls Age 13 Sarah Ruetschle from the Cincinnati Diocese Boys Age 14 Austin Staiger from the Cincinnati Diocese Girls Age 14 No contestant Last year 119,000 young people participated in Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championships. The Council level needs to be done by the end of January. District needs to be done the mid-February and the Regional will be done the end of February. State Free Thrown will be held in March 2017. Remember that the age levels are 9-14 years old.

Let’s get out and promote the Free Throw. Let’s stop the trend, and get more participation. I will be sending a letter concerning time, directions and what each contestant will need

to bring with them to the DD coordinator in early January. Please make sure that each Regional winner gets a copy.

The Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest is open to 3 age groups.

Kits, rules and regulations can be found on the Supreme website. The age groups are as follow: ages 5-7, 8 -10 and 11-14. Local level judging should be done by 12/31/2016. Regional (Diocesan) by 1/15/2017. I need all Diocesan winners by 1/31/2017 so I can get the State winners to Supreme by 2/15/2017.

Check with the DD coordinators in our Diocese to see if they are having a Diocesan level contest. If they are not then just send the local winners to me.

Don’t forget 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 and overuse alcohol. You need to order your Drug and Alcohol Abuse Poster Contest kit from Supreme Council in November to have everything in place for the council level completion in January.

The age groups are 8-11 and 12-14.

This contest consists of two different contests. One is for Drug Awareness and Abuse and one for Alcohol Awareness and Abuse. Local level should take place in Feb. Check with our DD Coordinator to see if there is a Diocesan level contest. If so that needs to take place by late march. I need all local/Diocesan winner to me by early April as to pick the State winners and submit to Supreme by 4/30/2017.

Councils have claimed this under the Youth Program. Please encourage your council to make a donation to the Ohio Charity Foundation Scholarship Fund to help students continue with their Catholic Education.

I know that everyone thinks that youth are important and that each Council does activities to help the youth. Please take the time to submit the reports. The numbers of Activities reported are down. However, there are several very good ones.

This time of the year there’s always some kids that need coats. What a great way to show you care by giving coats to needed children. That would be Activity #56. During the Holiday Season no child should go Hungry. Hold a food drive for the local food bank. Or hold a fund raising event to give more. That is Activity #55.

Thanks for all your work. Activity #66, Sponsor or promote new or existing Squires Circle. Squire Circles are vital to the growth of our Squires Program and in turn benefit greatly the Knights through the long-time proven fact that Active Squires make Active Knights, who often take on leadership roles in councils once they become 18 years old.

Activity #68 Squire to Knight 1st Degree: We want to promote new membership through the Squires.

There is no better way to support our membership than signing up Squires to become a Knight.

Hope all have a blessed Holiday Season. Keep up the good work and take time to report those great activities under the Youth Program.

Activity # 58 Ohio Foundation Scholarship Fund. Don’t forget this important Activity. To date very few 12

Division Leaders State General Program DIVISION 1 741 Portsmouth 3269 Fr. Regan 1039 Msgr. Lang 4361 Msgr. Joseph Dooley 10863 St Brigid of Kildare 2798 Archbishop Purcell 554 Massillon 500 Dayton 3724 Fairborn 11187 Saint Elizabeth A Seton 968 Fr. Butler

DIVISION 3 14995 Monsignor Lawrence K. Breslin 11828 Saint John Newman Saint Caspar 8829 Geneva-Madison 5286 Marysville 5534 14400 Fr. Charles Mentrup 11915 Boardman MacGahan 1065 Saint Jude 3904 Holy Trinity 6373

DIVISION 2 14502 Blessed John XXIII 14504 Fr. Francis X. Hoffer 13608 Saint John the Evangelist 478 Marietta 1973 Dover 947 Painesville 10215 Saint Leonard 7970 North Ridgeville 7978 Perrysburg 14551 St. Hilary 733 Cleveland 10792 Saint Francis of Assisi 11208 Saint Brendan

DIVISION 4 5628 15458 12772 15905 1944 11188 14416 3541 4212 1641

Community Tom Forstoefel Advent Season is upon us and we should all be preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ. Christ came into the world to help us in our daily lives to teach us that helping our neighbor and the less fortunate should be at the top of our daily actions. I received a post card that was mailed to me from the Supreme Office at the end of November. The post card was to remind us of filling out and reporting our own individual fraternal survey. The fraternal survey is our own report card of what we have done for the homeless and less fortunate within our lives. At the top of the post card is a quote from Pope Francis. “How marvelous would it be if, at the end of the day, each of us could say: Today I have performed an act of charity towards others.�

DIVISION 5 15056 Holy Family 15533 St. Dominic-Delhi 16137 St. Charles Borromeo 14111 Prince of Peace 10820 Fr. John Kempf 8369 Fr. Mitchell Cieslik 15086 Immacolata 12939 Fr. Margaret Cortoma 15901 St. Adelbert's Our Lady Queen of the Most 16264 Holy Rosary 14714 St. Cyprian

Immaclate Conception St. Michael the Archangel Saint Joseph St. Joan of Arc Oak Harbor Miraculous Medal St. Mary's of the Falls Fr. Mahon Jefferson Cambridge

15447

St. Mark's

14882

Msgr Gilligan

How active is your council in response from this quote from Pope Francis? Does your council have a plan to help the veterans, adopt a highway, and participate in a soup kitchen or to help with Habitat for Humanity? If your council has not acted in any of these areas it is not too late to start. There have been many councils reporting on these activities on a monthly basis but as an organization that was formed to help the less fortunate with our charitable activities there are tons of activities we can still do.

For my own council we have a busy month of December. We help with a breakfast with Santa for the young and old in the community. We have purchased coats for kids through the Supreme Office. We have an activity to honor the widows of our deceased members from all the previous years. We will adopt a family to

help out at Christmas. This is just a list of some of the items we hope to accomplish in the month of December. As an individual there are still many things you can do to help someone in need.

As your council completes the month of December you will be at the half way point of the fraternal year. Continue to complete the good activities your council has planned.

Recruit new members and ask them for some fresh new ideas for ways you can help the less fortunate in your community. A lot of new members have joined the Knights of Columbus because they have witnessed other individuals helping others in need. Encourage them to feel wanted in your established council and be willing to have an open mind for new ideas.

May you and your family have a very merry Christmas with many 13

STATE WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA

You’re One Click Away Robert Gilliland Submitting the Fraternal Survey (Form 1728 due January 31) and the NEW Columbian Award (SP7) due by April 15 to the State Council.

Worthy Grand Knights and Worthy Financial Secretaries, your Council can submit the Fraternal Survey online through the State website and it will be electronically submitted to Supreme Council, the State Deputy, your District Deputy, and a and a copy mailed back to yourself for Council records.

Note that you must be a Council Grand Knight or Council Financial Secretary to have access to these forms.

From the Main Menu, Select Forms, then at the bottom of the Forms page, under “Council Forms”, click on “Council Administrative Forms”.

Fraternal Survey (Form #1728) due by January 31, 2017 to Supreme Council.

Survey form (#1728), you will have three options. First, you can simply save the data and come back to complete the form in the event you do not have all of the information by clicking on the “Save Form” button at the bottom of the page.

Secondly, you can print the Fraternal Survey form on your printer after saving any changes you have made on the form by clicking on the “Print Form” button on the bottom of the page. When you print out the form, a PDF document of the Fraternal Survey form with all of the fields filled in will be downloaded to your computer. You can then print out the PDF document on your printer (see form image below).

It is important to note that “a minimum of four (4) of these programs must be designated as Domestic Church activities.

Domestic Church activities can be attributed to any category and there can be multiple Domestic Church activities conducted in a single category. Please visit kofc.org/domesticchurch for a list of qualifying programs” (from new Columbian award form – see highlight in next image).

Lastly, you can submit the completed Fraternal Survey form by clicking on the “Submit Form By Email” button at the bottom of the page. When you click Submit, a PDF document of the competed form is sent to Supreme Council, The State Deputy, your District Deputy, and a copy mailed back to yourself.

Once the Council Administrative Forms page comes up, select the Form 1728 for Fraternal Survey form, or Form SP-7 for the NEW Columbian Award as set forth by Supreme Council.

When you completed the Fraternal

Supreme Council has released a NEW Columbian Award (Form SP-7) for use in the Columbian Award application process.

New Columbian Award (Form SP -7), due by April 15 to the State Council. The State Council Website will automatically submit this form to Supreme Council.

When you completed the Columbian Award form (#1728), you will have three options. First, you can simply save the data and come back to complete the form in the event you do not have all of the information by clicking on the “Save Form” button at the bottom of the page. In each of the activities that you select for the Columbian Award, you MUST check the box to the left of that program to designate that it is a “Domestic Church 14

Activity”. Your checkboxes will appear on the completed form as well.

Secondly, you can print the Columbian Award form on your printer after saving any changes you have made on the form by clicking

New Email Address Robert Gilliland Please note my new email address of bobgkofc@gmail.com for use with any of the Knights of Columbus emails.

Email addresses are not case sensitive so you can type it uppercase or lowercase or any combination thereof.

I have selected this new email address to better communicate with and serve the Knights of Columbus. It is dedicated to sending and receiving Knights of Columbus emails. I can receive these emails on my phone just like before and respond to them just like before. This is also easier to remember as it utilizes Gmail’s name in the email and is familiar to everyone.

Please update your address books, links, websites, and other places that you have me listed to make sure that bobgkofc@gmail.com is in place for my email address.

If you have any problems, or need any help, please feel free to email me at bobgkofc@gmail.com.

on the “Print Form” button on the bottom of the page. When you print out the form, a PDF document of the Columbian Award form with all of the fields filled in will be downloaded to your computer. You can then print out the PDF document on your printer (see form image below).

Lastly, you can submit the completed Columbian Award form by clicking on the “Submit Form By

Email” button at the bottom of the page. When you click Submit, a PDF document of the competed form is sent to Supreme Council, The State Deputy, your District Deputy, and a copy mailed back to yourself.

If you have any problems, or need any help, please feel free to email me at bobgkofc@gmail.com.

Father McGivney Guild Ken Girt Are you a Members of the Father McGivney Guild?

As the process of investigation into the life of Fr. Michael McGivney is nearing completion and a reported miracle is being investigated, the members of the Knights of Columbus continue to pray for his canalization process. One way to keep up on the investigation is to join the Fr. McGivney Guild. Of our 58,000 members of the Order here in Ohio, there are only 2,985 members registered for the guild. There is no cost for joining the guild and it is simple to register by visiting the Supreme Council www.kofc.org website.

As members of the guild, you will be mailed monthly updates on the investigation into his life and saintly cause. We owe it to our founder to help spread his life and mission. Please register today.

Ken Girt Immediate Past State Deputy State Fr. McGivney Guild Chairman.

Vivat Jesus!

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INSURANCE

A Nontraditional Gift Idea James B. Valent, General Agent

The initial reaction for many people when you mention life insurance as a gift is a quick step back and a questioning stare. “How morbid,” they think. While it may seem that way when you first mention it, life insurance is really a thoughtful gift that can be a financial life preserver in tough times.

The problem with life insurance is the general perception. Many think of death instead of the great benefits it provides, and the security that it offers – even while you’re alive. Life insurance should be thought of as a precautionary protective measure for a family unit. The purchase of this product can mean saving your home, sending your children to college, and preserving your spouse’s quality of life in the event of your death.

One of the times you may want to purchase life insurance for someone is when a family has a new baby. It’s a great, low-cost way to set money aside for the future (i.e. college tuition, housing, business start-up, etc.). Of greater importance, it ensures these children will have insurance as adults, in case an illness later in life makes him or her uninsurable.

Newlyweds are also ideal recipients for life insurance. As they join their lives and financial responsibilities, young couples need to make sure that their early investments are fully protected. If something were to happen to one of them, the other may be faced with serious financial hardship. A life insurance policy is an ideal way to ensure their future and protect their assets.

As we approach this Christmas season many people are thinking of gift ideas; and as nontraditional as it may be, life insurance is a wise and caring gift to purchase for people of all ages and provide a peace of mind.

God Bless and Merry Christmas!

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FOOTBALL FRENZY

5th WEEK WINNERS HIGH SCORES Rank Name 1 John Noga 2 Bill Coleman 3 Les Nichols 3 Greg Omdesky 5 David Neuzil

Location

Council

Ticket #

Points

Prize

Cleveland - Cleveland Columbus - Columbus Rockford - Cincinnati Columbus - Columbus Parma - Cleveland

3087 11216 1991 11311 15056

3892 7149 32062 27606 3928

154 152 150 150 149

$400.00 $250.00 $212.50 $212.50 $177.50

5 7 8 9 9 9 9 13 13 13

Bill Gauntner Danna Holtz

Independence - Cleveland Gibsonburg - Toledo

4217 2280

4342 46251

149 148

$177.50 $125.00

Barb Krafcik Don Homan Robert McLaughlin Michelle Curenton Michael Ellis Jamie Simonis Marie Vacen Jevick Sarah Huber

Cleveland - Cleveland Kettering - Cincinnati Sandusky - Toledo Cuyahoga Falls - Toledo Pickerington - Columbus Mentor - Cleveland Madison - Cleveland Cincinnati - Cincinnati

16137 4022 546 1344 11187 4801 310 3861

65949 22013 48329 49242 53696 2526 2620 19101

147 146 146 146 146 145 145 145

$100.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $75.00 $44.29 $44.29 $44.29

13 13 13 13

Jerry Ossenberger Skip Downey Phyllis Perz Robert Copenhaven

Marietta - Steubenville Stow - Cleveland Avon - Cleveland W. Manchester - Cincinnati

478 14551 3269 3698

50320 60643 68744 71044

145 145 145 145

$44.29 $44.29 $44.29 $44.29

5th WEEK WINNERS LOW SCORES -1 -1

James Berdis Ted Ripploh

Erie, PA - Cleveland Minster - Cincinnati

547 2158

4401 15691

38 38

$37.86 $37.86

-1 -1 -1 -1 -1

Matt Craig Nick Dilworth Rich Bielak Tom Cuddy Mike Grabowski

Morrow - Cincinnati Fort Recovery - Cincinnati Steubenville - Steubenville Akron - Cleveland Chardon - Cleveland

5128 3324 11828 360 3304

16450 30322 51650 52409 66582

38 38 38 38 38

$37.86 $37.86 $37.86 $37.86 $37.86

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