PARISH PRIEST & PASTOR
Father McGivney was assigned as curate (assistant) of St. Mary's Church, the first Catholic parish in the busy port city of New Haven. There he faced challenges related to a priest shortage, parish debt, illnesses, and hostility toward Catholics. The church became a lightning rod for antiCatholic derision, expressed in a New York Times headline, “How an Aristocratic Avenue Was Blemished by a Roman Church Edifice.” Against this backdrop, Father McGivney navigated relationships with non-Catholics gracefully, while striving to prevent the culture’s hostility from eroding the faith of his people.
Sought out for his wise counsel, and instrumental in a number of conversions to Catholicism, Father McGivney had a gift for touching hearts and leading souls to God.
In a notable case that gained widespread press coverage, he ministered to James “Chip” Smith, a 21-year-old Catholic who was on death row for shooting and killing a police officer while drunk. Father McGivney visited the condemned man daily to offer guidance, prayer and Mass in the city jail over many months, with a profound effect. The young man’s change of heart was so marked that local newspapers hailed Father McGivney’s ministry.
After Mass on execution day, the priest's grief was profound. Smith comforted him, saying, “Father, your saintly ministrations have enabled me to meet death without a tremor. Do not fear for me, I must not break down now.” Father McGivney walked with him to the end, leading him in prayer and blessing him at the scaffold.
In November 1884, Father McGivney was named pastor of St. Thomas Church in Thomaston, a factory town more than 30 miles from New Haven named for the clockmaker Seth Thomas. The parish served workingclass parishioners who had few resources beyond their faith. With prayerful acceptance, Father McGivney put his seven years at St. Mary’s behind him and moved from
PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY
God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue, may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church.
Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen
the bustling city of New Haven to the smaller town of Thomaston.
At his last Mass at St. Mary’s, Father McGivney offered a heartfelt farewell to an overflowing flock of parishioners: “For the past seven years I have been with you and toiled with you and no matter where I go the people of St. Mary’s will occupy the best place in my heart. Would that I could express my gratitude for the love and affection you have shown me. If I have offended anyone in the performance of my duty, I beg him to forgive me. People of St. Mary’s whom I leave now, good-bye. I trust that we may meet again in Heaven.”
In his six years at St. Thomas, Father McGivney was an admirable pastor who built strong ties with parishioners and cared for their spiritual and temporal welfare. He also cared for a mission church, driving his horse and carriage to celebrate Sunday Mass in both locations. He continued to serve as supreme chaplain, but like a true “Father” and pastor of souls, he trusted the leaders of the Order in New Haven to carry on the work he began among them, as the Knights of Columbus continued to grow beyond Connecticut.
The Father McGivney Guild.
You can play a key role in advancing
Father McGivney’s cause by joining the Guild for free and praying for his intercession and canonization. May Father McGivney intercede for you!
The Father Michael J. McGivney Guild serves as a source for information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild publishes a quarterly newsletter and offers a weekly Mass for the intentions of members. Click HERE to Join!
STATE OFFICER REPORT
Easter is a time for reflection, renewal, and hope, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of light over darkness. For us as Knights of Columbus, this sacred season is not only a celebration of faith but also a call to service, charity, and unity. We are inspired by the message of Easter to deepen our commitment to helping those in need and to living out the values of brotherhood and compassion in our communities. This connection between faith and action is at the heart of what it means to be a Knight, especially during this holy season.
We're entering the fourth quarter and approaching the end of the fraternal year. Let's review our current status as a diocese.
Growth
76% of the active councils have recruited at least one (1) new member. That is a total of 256 new brothers joining our ranks. That puts the Cleveland Diocese at 80.20% of our goal and in the lead amongst the six dioceses. Columbus, as usual, is close behind. Our overall growth since July 1st is at 3.40%. We are on our way to making our goal of 349 new members. We need to average one (1) new member a day and we will be there. Thank you for all that you do.
There is one thing that Cleveland continues to do more than the other dioceses and that is host and report live, in-person Exemplifications. A total of 50 in-person Exemplifications with 89 new members, 3 priests, 30 eMembers, and 6 advancing have taken place so far. Awesome! We have added a number of teams across the diocese. Please make sure that
you post your Exemplification on the state calendar. If you do not have a team and would like to start one, again ask your DD or a Diocesan Team Member.
Administrative
The work is not complete unless the paperwork is done. You all have done a fantastic job so far as all numbers are above the state averages. There is still some work to do on Form 365s, 1295, and 1728s. Please get those submitted ASAP. If you need help, see your DD or contact any of us on the Diocesan Team.
Part of the administration is being
compliant with the Office of Youth Protection. 31 councils are compliant at this time with another 26 in pending status. Please make sure that your are up-to-date with your training and background checks. If you do not know if you are good or not, ask your DD or contact a Diocesan Team Member. We will be glad to assist.
Programs
Some of the best programs and council activities are done right here in the CLE! 66 of the 68 active councils have participated in the state general program with 59 actually submitting a program. From Essay Contests to
Free Throws and Easter Egg Hunts, you have done a great job reporting this year. Remember, your need to get your programs submitted by April 15 to be eligible for a state award. So, submit them soon. Clock is ticking away….
I do need to mention Aiden Callahan who at the State Free Throw Championship brought home the trophy for the Cleveland Diocese. We have gone, not counting the COVID years, four years without a winner. Thank you and Congratulations to Aiden and all the young men and women you participated. You did a great job representing the diocese.
Fraternal Benefits
Scheduling fraternal benefits has been difficult this year, but we can improve in the fourth quarter. Currently, 22 councils have reached or are near their FBE goals. Please coordinate with your field agent to set up an event for your parishes. If you don't know your field agent, contact your DD or Diocesan Team Member.
Remember that Super Cash Bonanza tickets are still available. If you need more, please reach out to me to make arrangements. Finally, you should be getting ready for the State Convention. Elect your council delegates and get registered by visiting www.kofcohio.org.
I commend your dedication and ongoing efforts. Wishing you a rewarding Easter season filled with hope and the spirit of renewal.
God Bless, Jim
EVANGLEIZATION & FAITH FORMATION
April 5th is Easter Sunday and the beginning of the Easter season. The liturgical color is white the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored).
EASTER and EVANGELIZATION
Hello and Happy Easter Brother Knights of the Cleveland Diocese! This is Ty Tyjewski, your Cleveland Diocesan Coordinator for Evangelization. Easter is upon us! The Source and Summit of our Faith. Easter weekend quite literally shook the Earth, Heaven, and “that other place”! The Crucifixion of our Lord, and Him Rising from the Tomb is the Greatest Act of Charity and Evangelization the World has ever seen.
Lets take a look into the greatest and most Holy 3 days in Human History …
The crucifixion of our Saviour is the central, definitive act of evangelization the ultimate message of God’s love and salvation to humanity. While evangelization often involves preaching and sharing the "good news," the cross is the "good news" in action. It is the most
powerful demonstration of divine love for us all. The crucifixion removed the barrier of sin, opening direct access to God’s presence. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The crucifixion is the supreme evangelistic message because it shows that God did not wait for humanity to become worthy, righteous, or improved before reaching out. Instead, He intervened at the lowest point of human rebellion and brokenness. The crucifixion looked like the ultimate defeat…but in fact, It is the greatest act of evangelization, because it tells the story of how God used the worst evil to accomplish the greatest good.
As the Apostles Creed states, “He was crucified, Died and was Buried. He descended into Hell, and on the third day, he rose again from the Dead”. By dying and rising, Jesus conquered the power of sin and death, and promising hope for eternal life for all that chose to believe in Him. ( and
between us Brothers, how I wish I could’ve been there when the Roman centurions rolled that stone away!). And even further, our Lord made approximately 40 more appearances after His Ressurection! Even after Death, He kept on Evangelizing, spreading the promise of Heaven and eternal paradise for all of those that will follow Him! The message of the crucifixion is not just to be believed, but to be lived. Evangelization involves calling others to take up their own cross, which means denying ourselves and following Christ. The crucifixion is the greatest act of evangelization because it is the most honest, costly, and loving message possible. It proclaims that we are loved beyond measure, that our sins are forgiven, and that new life is available through faith in the crucified and risen Savior.
That’s all for this month. I want to wish all of you, your Families and Friends a Happy, Safe and Blessed Easter! He is Risen, Hallelujah!!
April boasts the most solemn and sublime events of human history: the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ – the Paschal mystery. Though the way to the Resurrection was the Via Crucis, the Sacrificial Lamb of God is now and forever Christ our Light, the Eternal high priest of the New Covenant. We the members of Christ’s Mystical Body exalt in the mystery by which we were redeemed. If in Baptism we were buried with Christ, so also will we share in his resurrection. By his death we were reborn; “by his stripes we were healed.” (Is 53:5) Easter, the epicenter of time, is the event that links time and eternity. It is indeed “the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.” (Ps 118:24)
The month of April is dedicated to The Holy Spirit
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of April 2026
For Priests in Crisis: Let us pray for priests going through moments of crisis in their vocation, that they may find the accompaniment they need and that communities may support them with understanding and prayer
The Spirit of the Lord hath filed the whole earth, alleluia.
Thank you for your continued efforts in recruiting men to the order. Please continue to invite men to learn about the Knights and encourage them to sign up; First year is still free via BLESSEDMCGIVNEY code.
GROWTH REPORT
Currently there is one active Membership incentive.
Shining Armor Award
– 5 Month Challenge: The first 100 completed Shining Armor Award cards turned into the State Growth Director, will have their pins paid for by the State Council and they will be entered into a drawing to win $100. These pins will be purchased by the State and sent to the Grand Knight. Anyone that sends in their completed Shining Armor Award cards after the first 100 will also be placed into a separate drawing to win $100. Program runs most of the year and ends on the Saturday of the Ohio State Convention, at which time the two drawings will be held.
Although Supreme Spring incentive ended last month, any Council who recruited three new members during February 1st and March 31st AND donates at least
$500 through the ASAP program any time during the 2025-2026 fraternal year will receive an additional $250 for the pregnancy resource center or maternity home they supported. For those qualifying Councils who have recruited three new members during February 1st and March 31st but not contributed yet, please contact your District Deputy for assistance.
If your Council is planning a growth drive, I would like to attend. Please either inform your District Deputy or contact me directly with the information.
In the next few weeks, the Diocesan Staff and State Officer will be conducting training on the latest Growth Program or the "Brandon Chambers Process." Although there are similarities to the Supreme Delta Church Drive, there are distinct differences and will be highlighted. Please stay tuned to announcements either via email, State website or District Deputy.
I receive any State eForm 100 communication for review. Reminder, any new or existing transfers requires the signature of both incoming Council Financial Secretary and the Grand Knight. The Council should also inform their Field Agent
of the new or transferring member.
Although this has been provided as a service to the Councils; it is recommended using the CANDIDATE or PROSPECT TAB available on Officers Online via Supreme website.
If the Council has made a good faith effort in contacting the eMember Prospect, after 30 days, please notify your District Deputy or myself. I will move the eMember from your Council and they will no longer appear on the Council Prospect Tab.
For clarification, when an eMember Prospect is ASSIGNED to your council, the eMember Prospect is not necessarily available on your Prospect tab. Please contact me if you want the eMember Prospect available on your Council Prospect tab.
If you have any questions about eMembership, Prospect Tab, Church Drives or anything dealing with Member Management, please feel free in reaching out to me.
Fraternally yours, Teran Taggart Diocesan Growth Coordinator, DD#28 440-665-4078
GROWTH FOR 2025-2026
As of April 4, 2026
Ohio July 1: 55,836
Ohio Growth: 1,525 (79.80%)
% Growth: 2.73%
Cleveland July 1: 7,539
Cleveland Growth: 256 (80.20%)
% Growth: 3.40%
% Growth is a measure of the YTD gain compared against the July 1st membership number.
TOP-5 % GROWTH
YTD Gain against the July 1 Membership Excluding New Councils
1. 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary (29.41%)
2. 18527 Chariots of Fire (15.00%)
3. 16137 St. Charles Borromeo (10.17%)
4. 15056 Holy Family Parma (7.81)
5. 10936 Fr. Maruskin (7.27%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 3269 Fr. Ragan (20)
2. 14551 St. Hilary (13)
3. 774 Elyria, 4847 Brunswick, 310 Gilmour, 10936 Fr. Maruskin, 4168 Medina (12)
4. 5405 Wickliffe, 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 3213 Fr Carl Anthony (10)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (46)
2. DD #24 Tom Donovan (29)
3. DD #22 Robert Walsh (25)
4. DD #27 Tim Daley, DD #25 Mike Rauh (23)
April marks the beginning of the Easter season, a time for celebration across our community.
DISTRICT DEPUTIES
Congratulations to our Diocesan Basketball Free Throw Champions list below including our State Winner, Aiden Callhan from North Ridgeville Council #7970 for the Boys Age 11. We extend our gratitude to all brothers and their families whose contributions have played a pivotal role in our achievements.
Please note the following important dates:
• The Sacred Heart Icon is currently being transported throughout our Diocese. Councils are encouraged to stay informed regarding this devotion and coordinate with your District Deputy (DD) to schedule accordingly. The Icon will remain in District 32 until May 8th, after which its journey continues in District 33 from May 8th through June 12th. District DDs should liaise with one another regarding the transfer of the Icon. The schedule is available on the State website.
• The Silver Rose Icon will be present in our Diocese from June 25th to June 27th. Please contact your Diocesan DD to
reserve a time. This Silver Rose arrives from the Toledo Diocese, and will subsequently be handed over to Youngstown Diocese. Last year, districtwide devotions were organized to maximize exposure. The current Silver Rose itinerary is included.
• June 26: Open
• June 27: St. Bernadette (16376)
• June 28: South Akron (3410)
• June 29: Charles Reymann (4664)
• April 1: “Of the Year” nominations are due to the State. Forms can be found in the We Are Called State general program handbook.
• April 15: Submission for State Program reporting closes on April 15th; all programs must be entered by this date to qualify for State awards. To be eligible for any State award, a council must achieve at least 10 percent of its Supreme Growth goal. Currently, there are fifteen councils in our Diocese with zero growth while this is commendable, improvement remains possible.
• May 22–24: The Ohio State Knights of Columbus Convention will be held at Hilton Easton, Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open, and initial letters will be sent
out in March to Grand Knights.
As we enter the final quarter of this fraternal year, it is an appropriate time to reflect on our successes and identify opportunities for continued growth. Please consider whether you enjoyed your year as District Deputy, and if you are interested in serving for FY26-27. If you know any Knights interested in joining the District Deputy ranks, now is the ideal time to refer them. Our State Secretary will soon reach out individually to discuss options for the upcoming year.
Vivat Jesus, Tom Donovan, PGK, PFN, FDD Cleveland Diocese DDC
COUNCIL MESSAGE
Brothers,
Trying to achieve financial strength and stability can feel overwhelming, especially when life is already full.
This month, I want to share a simpler way to think about it: holistic financial wellness. You can work toward this goal by developing an overall financial strategy and determining how Knights of Columbus products can be a part of that foundation. This includes more than insurance. We also offer annuities with guaranteed retirement income as well as mutual funds from our affiliate Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors.
A good place to start is protecting your family through life insurance. Term life coverage can help with temporary needs, while whole life coverage can last your entire lifetime and build guaranteed cash value over time.
Next, let’s think about retirement. Whether it’s years away or right around the corner, having a strategy for income in retirement matters. The Knights of Columbus offers solutions that can be part of an overall plan you feel confident about.
It’s also important to prepare for the unexpected. Thinking ahead about how your family would handle an extended care need or a disruption in income due to disability is part of protecting what you have worked hard to build. The Knights has products to help ensure
your family’s life will not be financially disrupted in either case.
I imagine many of you joined the Knights because you want to give back, and for many of you, that includes charitable giving. Did you know that a donor-advised fund can be a taxefficient strategy for charitable giving? Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund, an independent 501(c)(3) charity helps donors align their giving with their faith, and you don’t need to be a member of the Knights to open an account.
Finally, consider investments. If you’re seeking competitive returns without compromising on Catholic moral principles, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors (KoCAA) can help. KoCAA screens companies for compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines, so you never have to wonder if your investments conflict with your morals. Investing with KoCAA is also open to all, regardless of whether you’re a Knight.
Attaining financial wellness doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. You can start right away by simply using our life insurance calculator at www.kofc.org/calculator. With a few key details, it will help you assess your insurance needs. Then, I can help you find the right coverage. No matter where you are on your financial journey, I’m here to help. Please come
see me after the meeting, and I would be glad to schedule a time to sit down and talk about your needs.
Thank you!
Larry Sutter, Advisor Spencer Agency 330-520-8669
Brothers,
A very Happy and Blessed Easter Season to you and your families from all of us here at the Greater Cleveland Chapter.
We are closing in on our final event for the 2025-2026 fraternal year Nun’s and Ladies Appreciation Dinner. Brothers, we need to make your reservations NOW so that we can appropriate plan on food. The last thing we want is someone to go hungry at a KofC function. Please contact me, Jim Maslach, via voice/text at 440-785-9838 or email at kofcjkm@gmail.com. Please look to invite those special Nuns and Ladies in your life for a Sunday out for dinner. See the flyer for more details.
The officers will start the discussion on events for the 2026-2027 fraternal year. I would certainly entertain any suggestions that you might have to bring us together in charity, unity, and fraternity. Bring your suggestions to any of the Chapter officers. Thank you in advance.
Are meeting for April is changing. I have a State Foundation Budgets & Investments Meeting April 10-11. Our Worthy Chapter Vice President, Tom Donovan, will be out of town on a pilgrimage. Therefore, we are moving the Chapter Meeting to Friday, April 17, 2026. I am waiting to see if Garfield Hall is available. If it is not, we will have a
virtual meeting via Zoom. There will be NO exemplification prior. Rosary will start at 7:00 PM followed by the meeting. We will send the Zoom link out prior to the meeting along with the minutes from our March meeting. I look forward to seeing you all one way or another.
It is also that time we need to pray for our councils, assemblies, and chapter officers as they will be discerning their roles for the 2026-2027 fraternal year. Leadership is challenging but
also extremely rewarding especially when you see so may great things our councils, assemblies, and chapter are doing across the diocese.
May the joy of the risen Lord bring you peace. Have a very Blessed Easter Season!
Vivat Jesus,
Jim Maslach Chapter President
Jim Maslach Chapter President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Vice President td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
Martin Steward Chapter Secretary martinasteward@gmail.com
Patrick Graham Chapter Treasurer patrick_graham60@yahoo.c om
Chapter Meetings Second Friday of Month 7:00 PM Rosary 7:30 PM Meeting Visit www.kofccleveland.org
PRAY
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
REFLECT
By the age of 45, as many as 1 in 4 women have had an abortion, and a similar number of men and family members have been involved. Those who have participated in abortion suffer guilt, grief, and regret often in silence wrongly believing abortion to be “the unforgivable sin” and fearing they are beyond God’s mercy.
Yet, the Sunday of Divine Mercy is an opportunity to share the message of Christ’s infinite mercy with all suffering under the weight of sin. In the 1930s, Jesus appeared to a humble Polish nun, St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, who recorded His messages in her Diary. On one such occasion, Jesus said to St. Faustina, “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners” (Diary, no. 699).
On this Solemnity, we contemplate the fullness of the Paschal Mystery. From the beginning of creation, throughout Scripture, and most perfectly in the life, Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus, God has revealed himself as love itself. In his infinite love for us, God desires nothing more than to wash away our sins and offer us his
mercy. Our celebration of the Sunday of Divine Mercy is a celebration of the forgiveness now available to all of us, by virtue of Christ’s Resurrection. We must only run toward the outstretched arms of Christ.
God desires to take the greatest of sinners and transform them into the greatest saints. No sin is beyond his mercy. He makes “all things new” (Revelation 21:5) through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us never fail to seek the mercy that God desires to freely give us. Jesus, we trust in you!
ACT (Choose One)
• Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 pm (the Hour of Mercy), with the intention of healing for all suffering from involvement in abortion.
• Jesus spoke to St. Faustina, “Reveal all the wounds of your heart. I will heal them” (Diary, no. 1487). Seek Christ in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and allow his healing mercy to reach every hurt and hidden pain.
• Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
ONE STEP FURTHER
Learn more about the experiences of those who suffer from having participated in one or more abortions and how you can be a messenger of God’s infinite mercy: usccb.org/ bridges-of-mercy.
Excerpts from Kowalska, Maria Faustina. Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy in My Soul. Stockbridge, MA: Marian Press, 2000. Used with permission of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
KofC Catholic Citizenship Essay Award Ceremony
Brunswick Council #4847
On Thursday, March 5th, 2026 the Knights of Brunswick Council 4847 hosted an awards Ceremony for the top five Eighth Grade Students from St. Ambrose School who took part in the 2025-2026 Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay. Knights that were present for the ceremony were Grand Knight Robert Zigmont, Deputy Grand Knight Anthony Comella, Community Director Stan Savich along with SK Richard Grabowski SK and Warden of Council 4847 Vic Urzycki, Assistant Principal and Knight Tom Krebs and Trustee Dave Heilman PGK. Also present were Principal of St. Ambrose School Lisa Cinadr Teachers Alyssa Beas, Julie Tackas, The Students and families.
Congratulations to Sophie, Grant, Cadence, and Jake and Special Congratulations to Collin whose essay was sent onto Supreme for consideration.
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Fraternal Trainers provide important support for Fraternal Leaders; training can be tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned officers, as well as any members who are interested in advancing to officer roles in the future.
Visit kofcohio.org under FOR MEMBERS to locate training for state, council, district and assembly officers, an archive of fraternal webinars, and important resources that will assist you in navigating your leadership role. Our helpful list of Suggested Training by Officer Role highlights the training sessions that are recommended for your officer position. Training is reviewed on a continuing basis, so you will always get the most up-to-date information. Best of all, these ondemand sessions are available to view at any time, on your own schedule, and the average length of each session is only 30 minutes!
OFFICER TRAINING
Fraternal Trainers provide important support for Fraternal Leaders. Training for State, District, Council and Assembly officers is available to view On Demand, providing the opportunity to review essential information and best practices on your schedule.
OPERATIONS TRAINING
Operations training provides valuable information to support council leadership in managing their time, organizing council functions, and handling financial responsibilities. A council secures its place in the parish and the community through the activity of its members, and a smoothly running council can focus more time on charitable output.
Training that focuses on three of the important aspects of leading a council: the administration of council duties; council finances; and guidance on finding and completing the forms that are necessary for reporting contact information, fraternal activity, and more.
GROWTH AND RETENTION TRAINING
Membership is every member’s responsibility: keeping active makes a council successful, and a successful council keeps growing. These training sessions will help with tips for recruitment strategies and membership retention, along with the steps and best practices for holding activity and church drives and conducting exemplifications.
PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEMENT TRAINING
Running successful programs and events involves advance planning, communication, and member engagement. Training sessions that provide tips and strategies for helping your council to plan and promote events and keep your members involved in council activities.
The mission of Cor (Latin for “heart”) is to help focus Catholic men on Jesus by building Christ-centered brotherhood through a simple, flexible framework of prayer, formation and fraternity. Learn more about starting and supporting Cor in your council through these informative videos.
TRAINING AUDIENCES AND REQUESTS
Fraternal trainers provide officer training at state, district and council level, online and in-person. Sessions are tailored to meet the needs of both new and seasoned officers, as well as any members who are interested in advancing to officer roles in the future.
To quickly look up which on-demand sessions are related to your officer role, check out the Suggested Training by Office infographic.
Looking for a specialized in-person training opportunity for your jurisdiction, district, or council? Training can be requested using the Fraternal Training Request Form.
DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
STATE & DIOCESAN DIRECTORY
State Deputy
Mike Felerski 1580 Gelhot Dr #234 Fairfield, OH 45014 mfelerski@icloud.com
Immediate Past State Deputy Support Our Seminarians Jeff Kiliany 559 Walnut St Leetonia, OH 44431 jtktg@yahoo.com
State Secretary, District Deputy #32 State Per Capita 789, 3541, 5506
State Treasurer Super Cash 2026, & 2027
State Advocate Matching Funds 2026
State Warden Measure Up 2026
State Life Director
Jim Maslach 4927 Autumnwood Ln Brunswick, OH 44212 440-785-9838 kofcjkm@gmail.com
Chris Sarka 7239 Winterbek Ave New Albany, OH 43054 c_sarka@hotmail.com
Tony Offenberger 15200 Muskingum River Rd, Lowell, OH 45744 tonyoffenberger@gmail.com
Stewart Vetter 706 Northwest St, Bellevue, OH 44811 betterwithvetter@hotmail.com
Mike Incorvati 330-671-1490 mlbinvorvati@gmail.com
Growth Coordinator Teran Taggart 440-665-4078 adm5893@yahoo.com
Ohio District 1 Master 4th Degree Brandon Robinson 216-374-2682 BDRobinson@kofccleveland.org
Past State Deputy (2015-17)
Robert Collins, Jr 216-410-7174 rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
Past State Deputy (2003-05) Roland Bator 330-225-7354 rbator4591@msn.com
General Agents
Jason Staas John Spencer 800-484-0304 740-444-9632
jason.staas@kofc.org john.spencer@kofc.org
Diocesan EFF Coordinator Ty Tyjewski 440-867-4503 kofceffcleve@gmail.com
State Website Director Tom Buehner 216-554-0722 tom.buehner@gmail.com
District Deputy #19 3213, 3410, 4664, 14111, Tom Goodhart 330-773-9379 MLTRG@ATT.NET
District Deputy #20 637, 774, 3269, 4891, 7970, 8369 DeWitt Gober 440-541-3317 DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #21 4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376
John Brown 330-610-0308 trouter0523@gmail.com
District Deputy #22 733, 2643, 4217, 18527, 18565 Robert Walsh 216-533-1134 rewalsh731@aol.com
District Deputy #23 947, 3304, 14714, 15942 OPEN OPPORTUNITY, IF INTERESTED CONTACT TOM DONOVAN OR JIM MASLACH
DD Coordinator / District Deputy #24 4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769 Tom Donovan
216-650-4213 TD3430@ATT.NET
District Deputy #25 2362, 3529, 5613, 10936, 13517 Mike Rauh 330-256-3038 MIKERAUH58@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #26 3970, 14406, 15056, 15614, 16137, 16279
Ron Snyder
216-396-1200 SNYDERCRESTON@AOL.CO M
District Deputy #27 2886, 3164, 4498, 4801, 5405, 13755 Tim Daley 216-486-1298 tdaley1861@aol.com
District Deputy #30 547, 14054, 14255, 14551 Bill Christner 330-604-7189 williamchristner16@gmail.com
District Deputy #31 2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831 Jerry Nowesnick 440-336-0039 nowesnick@gmail.com
District Deputy #33 310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737 George Metz 440-449-0081 georgegmetz@aol.com