Therewerenewpositionscreatedforthisfraternalyearwiththe agreementwiththeBoardofficersthatwillfollowme,Idiscontinuedthe MIO (Membership and Information Officers) and replaced them with two different group of chairmen that concentrated on two objectives. Regional Chairmen (10) led by Regional Director Gord Edwards to focus on missing forms, Safe Environment progress and tracking the progress toward Star Council Awards. The other team led by Membership Director Dem Magmanlac are the (10) Regional Membership Chairmen (RMC). These RMC are all District Deputies themselves who have a good track record of growth and were willing to assist otherDistrictDeputieswithmembershipgrowth.
There were two mergers in the fall that began earlier in the calendar year that were approved by Supreme. Council 8191 into 1398 and Council 9239 into 3349. Currently there are two more councils awaiting approval by the Supreme Directors, Council 8619 into 1398 andCouncil8961into7570.TherearemoremergersawaitingSupremes’approval.
In August, Supreme sent a Blessed McGivney relic to Ontario and that 1st class relic visited over 25 councils and their parishes until I had to return it in early November. I received notice, in mid January, from Supreme that we could have the Blessed McGivney relic again untiltheStateconventioninAprilthenithastobereturnedtoSupreme.Thefalltourofthe relic was seen by over 1,400 people. I received a report from a pastor in Essex County that interviewed a woman that claims she was cured of an affliction of chronic pain that is documented for the past 20 years. She received the Eucharist the day of her visit with the relicofBlessedMcGivneyandlet’spraythatthisfavorisheardbySupremeandtheVatican.
In autumn, it is our annual Coats for Kids program and with the leadership of our Coats for Kids chairman, Mario Duguay and all three office staff, Ani Kaluzny, Liane Dumas and Todd Cowan, Field Agent Jay Nelligan and many others, we reached a first time highest record of 20,760 coats. How significant is this milestone. In 2016 our first goal was 1000 coats and Ontarioreached2676.Thebarwasraisedin2017to3000coatsandweattained5256coats. 05
Year In Review
In 2018 the goal was 7000 coats and we reached 6859. Then for 5 years from 2019 through 2023 the goal was 10,000 coats and the results were 7956, 8292, 7260, 8784 and finally in 2023 we surpassed our goal and reached 11,004 coats. In 2024 the new goal was 12,000 coats and Ontario reached an incredible 18,696 coats. This target was greatly surpassed with the help of BOGO (buy one get one free) cases from Supreme. Supreme offered BOGO again this fraternal year, with limits, a goal of 15,000 coats was set and the team and councils reached an incredible 20,760 coats. Congratulations to all the Councils that purchased these much needed coats in communities all across Ontario. Great team work.
At the first District Deputy meeting in July, I stated that my focus for my term as State Deputy was for more Councils reaching the prestigious Star Council award. Immediate Past State Deputy Bruce Poulin made big gains with Star Councils and Ontario reached 46 councils in his first term then hit 65 Star Councils last year. At the time of writing this report, June 19th, Ontario has 138 councils with 100% and greater of their membership quota, from which 34 are greater than 200%, 8 greater than 300%, 4 greater than 400% and 1 at 600% of their yearly quota, and 35 councils between 75% and 99%. My goal of 70 or more Star Councils is very possible as long as all the other requirements are met. The reason I created the Regional Director and 10 Regional Chairmen (RC) was to help councils to avoid disappointment if they reached their membership quota but failed to achieve the other requirements for the Star Council Award. I hope all councils that brought new members into their council to the level of 100% or more of their quota, submitted all the required forms and made their council compliant with the Safe Environment program and will be awarded the Star Council Award. They deserve this recognition.
Of course, I have membership quota for Ontario set by Supreme but that conversation is between Bill Chasse (RGD) and my Membership Director Dem Magmanlac and his two online chairmen, Chris Dunn and Knolly Burnham. We began the fraternal year with a quota of 2350. After reaching two important goals of 20% by September 30th and 50% by December 31st, we were awarded two 2.5% reductions and we have a current quota of 2165. Ontario reached those goals on September 30th and December 11th. Ontario then qualified for the third goal of 75% by April 1st, and we reached that target on March 2nd, 29 days early. We will earn another 2.5% reduction from our year quota and something special for Ontario this fraternal year. On May 4th, Ontario achieved 100% of our membership quota. Supreme offered cash incentives to councils for membership growth between July and October, named the Fishers of Men, and eight Ontario Councils were in the top 25 councils that earned $250 for reaching 100% or better by October 31st. How impressive is this? There were approximately 2700 councils in the Alain Cayer territory and Ontario had the most of any State jurisdiction with 8 councils in the top 25.
Just as meaningful has been the way my daughters have been embraced by this brotherhood. Evelina, who is non-verbal, is met with genuine love, patience, and attention from the men in the council. They speak to her, include her, and treat her with dignity in a way that goes far beyond words. That kind of presence matters more than most people realize.
My youngest daughter, Calisi, has also found a place within this community. The brothers gooutoftheirwaytoincludeher,toletherparticipate,andtomakeherfeelwelcomeand important.Shelooksforwardtoit.Sheknowsshebelongs.Somethingassimpleasheading out for coffee after a meeting at Tim Hortons has become something she genuinely gets excitedabout,becausesheknowssheispartofsomethingbigger.
That brotherhood has meant more to me that l can fully put into words, and it has made meabettermanformyfamily.
Young fathers are often searching for direction. They want to lead their families well, but manyaredoingitwithoutstrongsupportormentorship.TheKnightsofColumbusprovides something rare, a brotherhood of men striving toward the same goal, to be better husbands,betterfathers,andbetterCatholicmen.
Through the council, young fathers are surrounded by men who have walked the path before them. They gain guidance, encouragement, and accountability in a way that cannot bereplicatedinisolation.
By: Family Director Fr. Paul J.F Wattson Council 8919 in Windsor | Field Agent with Sangemino Agency
WHY YOUNG FAMILIES NEED THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights is not just about meetings; it is about living the faith. For young families, this is critical. Children learn what matters not from what we say, but what they see lived out eachdayinthehome.
When fathers are involved in the Knights, their children see faith in action through service, charity, and commitment. Whether it is helping those in need, supporting parish life, or simply showing up consistently, these actions leave a lasting impact on the entire family.
The Order places a strong emphasis on family life. Events, programs, and initiatives are designed not just for members, but for their spouses and children as well. For young families, this creates opportunities to grow together both spiritually and socially. It provides a community where families can connect, support one another, and build lasting friendshipsrootedinshared values.
Our council is also striving to continue growing in this area by creating new programs and initiatives that are intentionally family oriented and attractive to young families. The goal is to provide a safe and welcoming space where Catholic families can come together, enjoy time with one another, and participate in activities without concern about their children being exposed to values that contradict our faith. This kind of environment is not onlyneeded,butalsosomethingmany youngfamiliesare actively searchingfor.
If the Knights of Columbus is to remain strong, we must be intentional about inviting young men to join. More importantly, young fathers need what the Knights offers. They need brotherhood. They need formation. They need a place where faith is lived, not just talkedabout.
As members, it is our responsibility to extend that invitation not as a recruitment effort, but as an act of service. We are offering something that can truly change the trajectory of aman’slifeand,inturn,thelifeofhis family.
Let us be intentional in reaching out to the young fathers in our parishes and communities. Invite them, walk with them, and show them what it means to live a life of faith,service,andfraternity.
The future of the Knights, and more importantly the strength of our families, depends on it.
Vivat Jesus, The King of kings!
FAMILIES THAT PRAY, PLAY, AND VACATION TOGETHER OFTEN GROW STRONGER TOGETHER.
By: Denis Belanger, Family Director
Healthy families result in healthy parishes. Families that pray, play, and vacation together often grow stronger together.
Family prayer can take many forms, but the Family Rosary is one devotion that has truly stood the test of time through the centuries. As we unite together under our one Father in Heaven, we are drawn closer to Him and grow in intimacy with Him, much like a close friendship. June 12, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is an excellent opportunity for councils to hold the Consecration to the Holy Family program.
Summer brings many opportunities for families to enjoy outdoor activities together. Councils are encouraged to organize family-oriented events such as an afternoon at the park, a beach outing, attending a sporting event, or even a pickup soccer game where all family members are welcome to participate. These activities help strengthen family bonds and build stronger parish communities.
During the summer months, many students who benefit from the School Lunch Program may require additional support through the Food for Families program. Your continued generosity and involvement are greatly appreciated. Councils can also continue supporting families through the Knights of Columbus Family of the Month program. We congratulate the Du Quesnay family on being selected as the 2026 Ontario Family of the Year and encourage councils to consider nominating a family for next year’s award.
As you vacation and spend time together this summer, we pray that God will keep you safe in your travels and bless you with His rest, peace, and joy.
Vivat Jesus, The King of kings!
PAPAL MEDAL PRESENTED TO BRUCE POULIN FOR HIS YEARS OF SERVICE TO THOSE
MOST IN NEED
Bruce Poulin, a highly decorated veteran, communicator and non-profit leader, received one of the highest honours of the Catholic Church on April 24, 2026 – the Benemerenti Medal, bestowed by Pope Leo XIV in consultation with local bishops, at the Knights of Columbus Ontario State Convention heldinOttawa.BruceandhiswifeZoyehavebeenresidentsofStittsvillesinceApril2014.
“Each year, the Holy Father chooses to highlight the exemplary actions of Catholics who exemplify what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ,” says Archbishop Ivan Jurkovič, papal ambassador in Canada who presented the medal to Poulin. “Bruce has demonstrated exceptional selflessness over the years, and it’s a joy to be able to deliver this recognition to him among his fellow Knights, with whomhehasdonesomuchofhisgoodwork.”
Poulin has enjoyed a lengthy and noble career with the Canadian military, National Headquarters for the Royal Canadian Legion and Lockheed Martin Canada. In 2007, he joined the Knights of Columbus, the world’s premier lay Catholic men’s organization that has been involved in charitable efforts in Canada for 129 years. From 2023 – 2025, Poulin served as State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus inOntario.
In 2025, after completing his term as State Deputy, he began working as senior representative for Eastern Canada of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation, a registered charity that provides free, new wheelchairstopeoplewholackmobility,restoringdignityandindependence.
“The gift of a new wheelchair is so much more than providing mobility, a gift which more often than not was beyond peoples’ dreams,” says Christiana Flessner, Executive Director of the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation. “We witnessed how touched Bruce was by making dreams come true, restoringhopeandfaith.WecongratulateBruceforthisgreathonour.”
In March 2022, Poulin suffered a sudden heart attack which required emergency open heart quadruple bypass surgery at 59 years of age. The incident gave him a second lease on life, inspiring himtoinvestevenmoretimeandenergyintohelpingCanadians andthoseinneedacrosstheworld.Poulinhasalsobeen awardedtheQueenElizabethIIGoldenJubileeMedal(2002), theQueenElizabethIIDiamondJubileeMedal(2012),andthe Sovereign’sMedalforVolunteers(2016)andtheQueen ElizabethIIOntarioMedalforGoodCitizenship(2025)forhis significantcontributionstoCanadianslivinginOntario.
(Bruce Poulin, CD, OMC, of Stittsville, received the Papal Benemerenti Medal from His Excellency, The Most Reverend IVAN JURKOVIČ, the Apostolic Nuncio for Canada on April 24, 2026, at the Knights of Columbus convention in Ottawa. PHOTO: Poulin family archives.)
MARTYR’S SHRINE TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
Compiled by Jerry Marcotte, Editor, from their website
“Over100,00peoplewillvisittheshrinethissummer,andthatincludeslargepilgrimagegroups including everyone from ethnic Catholic groups to school groups and lots of families as well” saidFr.JohnO’Brien,DirectoroftheShrine.
“Theycomeprimarilyforspiritualreasonsandtobeblessedbytheintercessionofthemartyrs. We have the bone relics of Brébeuf, Lalemant, and Grenier and through the five masses a day on weekends, there are blessings for healing by the relics of the people.” Martyrs’ Shrine commemoratesthe400-year–oldmissionoftheJesuitmissionariesinCanada.
It pays homage to the eight French missionaries (six Jesuits)—St. Jean de Borevbeuf, St. Gabriel Lalemant, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Charles Garnier, St. Noel Charbanel, St. Antoine Daniel who laid downtheirlivesduringthelate1600smissioningtotheWendat(Huron)people.
In 1994 Pope Jon Paul II celebrated a Mass at Martyr’s Shrine during his papal visit to Canada.
Although events have been taking place over the last number of months, a Centennial Mass was scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at 1:30 p.m. Preceding the mass, a procession including Knights of Columbus Honour Guard was to flow to the Polish altar. The mass was to be celebrated by the Very Rev. Donald Bolon, Archbishop of Regina. At 5:00 p.m. a concert featuringLEAHYastheheadlinerwastotakeplace.
Fourth Degree Honour Guard were invited to take part in this event. It is hoped to have an Honour Guard of 100 SKs. We hope that a good turnout resulted helped to celebrate the anniversary.
Events at the Shrine will continue throughout the summer. For knights and their families, it may be a meaningful destination. The Midland area is also most welcoming in the summer monthsasyouandyourfamilyrecallsomeofourCanadianandreligioushistory.Youmaywish tovisittheMartyr’sShrinewebsiteforinformation. 14
MARTYR’S SHRINE TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
Knights of Columbus Honour Guard, in good numbers, lead the celebrants and servers in a procession to the Polish Altar to commence the 100th Anniversary Mass. It is good to witness an increasing number of Honour Guards gathering in support of religious and community events.
This photo depicts the well attended 100 Anniversary Mass that took place on the Polish Altar at Martyrs' Shrine, Midland. The guest celebrants were Most Rev. Donald J. Dolen, Archbishop of Regina and Bishop John Boissonneau, the Auxiliary Bishop of Toronto. Thank you to Fr. John O'Brien, S. J., the Director of Martyrs’ Shrine and to Bro. Paul Rozario for sending these photos at 'press time' for the State Bulletin. We appreciate that this Anniversary year is a busy time for Shrine. th
Vivat Jesus, The King of kings!
Peaceful Settings, Invite Summer Visits.
The serene beauty of Martyrs’ Shrine and its extensive property as well as the nearby attraction of ‘Sainte– Marie Among the Hurons’ can make for a memorable and engaging family visit.
This ad was published in the Shrine 100th Anniversary Book as a gesture of support from Ontario State.
The Canadian Saints, Martyrs' Shrine Commemorative Medalion from a few years ago. The K of C has assisted in the rebuilding of the Saints Lookout and the Papal Altar.
International Free Throw and International Soccer Champions
By: Anthony Viresi, FDD, Ontario State Youth Sports Chairman
International Basketball Free Throw
Cruz Tucci
Sponsored by Council 13443 in Kleinburg 10-year-old category (23/25)
Amara Cooper
Sponsored by Council 17065 in Markham 11-year-old category (25)
Gavin Arnold
Sponsored by Council 1124 in Lindsay 14-year-old category (25)
International Soccer Champions
Boys 9
ZionSadiq–Council11271–Nepean
Boys10
DrewLamarche–Council11271–Nepean
Girls10
AdeleMorgenstern–Council11670–Kingston
Boys11
RowanFurtado–Council8233–Kingsville
Letters such as the one shown on the left, were issued from the Supreme Knight to all the international winners
As many families continue to struggle during these difficult economic times, there has never been a better time for Knights of Columbus councils to help by providing warm wintercoatstochildrenintheircommunitiesthroughtheCoatsforKidsprogram.
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE (BOGO) PROGRAM
For 2026-2027 campaign, just like last year, we are promoting the State Council BOGO incentive program from Supreme. Supreme will match the number of coats purchased by the state council as part of the coat distributions that take place. To qualify the Council, District or Diocesan Association, etc….must purchase the coats through the State Council and complete the BOGO Proposal Form. Once approved by the State Office the form will besenttoSupreme,andthecoatswillbedeliveredtotheaddressindicatedontheform.
We have a maximum of 20 BOGO forms attributed to Ontario and 700 free boxes. That represents 8,400 free coats that we can take advantage of. This is a generous donation of $276,500 from Supreme to Ontario. Due to the limit of 20 possible requests the State Office will evaluate the forms and select the biggest orders to receive the greatest number of free coats. It is important to note that all the coats ordered on a BOGO form can only be delivered to one physical address. Supreme does not permit more than one delivery address per form. You can download a copy of the form at the following link: BOGOFormoryoucancontactmeatmarioduguay.kofc@gmail.com.
We recommend that you pull your order together with other councils, districts or with your K of C Diocesan Association and get the coats delivered to a central area. For example, this year, the Ottawa Diocesan Association as agreed to coordinate the orders fortheircouncilsandthecoatswillbedeliveredtotheappropriateschoolboard.Thiswill allow us to maximize the 20 BOGO forms allowed by Supreme for this campaign. It would be a shame if Ontario did not take advantage of the 700 free boxes attributed to us for the2026-2027campaign.
Coats for Kids
con’t
It is very important that you budget early your Coats for kids donation for this campaign because the State Office will be evaluating the proposals received as a first come first serve.Ifyoucompletedaformlastyearandwanttotakeadvantageoftheofferthisyear, you simply need to update your form with the new quantity of coats and send it to the StateOffice. Ifyoudidnottakeadvantageoftheprogramlastyearandwanttotakepart, please submit your BOGO proposals by September 10. The reason for this, is so they can be reviewed, approved and sent to Supreme by September 15. After this date, Supreme will reallocate the unclaimed boxes from our cap of 700 free boxes to other jurisdictions. The BOGO form can be sent to me earlier and paid later. State Office and Supreme’s Fraternal Operations Department need to approve all BOGO proposals before September 15.
3.Each box is a standard prepackaged box, either a box for boys or a box for girls. Each box contains 12 coats in a variety of styles and sizes in the following size ranges: Toddlers,Youth,Teen,orAdult
Council purchases can be made online: https://ontariokofc.ca/community-pillar-coatsfor-kids/
If paying by check, please order online and print a copy of the form to include with yourcheck.Makecheckspayableto: KnightsofColumbusOntarioCharityFoundation (IncludeCoatsforKidsinmemoandyourcouncilnumber)andmailto:
1.Individual donations can also be made. A charitable tax receipt will be issued. (min. $20)
Coat boxes can be ordered online: https://ontariokofc.ca/community-pillar-coats- forkids/coat-for-kids-orders-form/
Individual donations of any amount can be sent to the following address: https://ontariokofc.ca/coat-for-kids/coats-for-kids/
Timeline:
ToqualifyfortheBuyonegetonefreeprogram,thebesttimetosubmityourBOGOform is the end of August or 1st week of September. Payment does not need to be made with the form. It can be received at a later date. Send the completed form to marioduguay.kofc@gmail.com with a cc to Ani at ani@ontariokofc.ca .You can start orderingyourcoatsinAugustforthe2026-2027campaign,sothatthecoatsarereadyand availableforthechildrenbeforetheweatherstartstogetcold.
If you have any questions, please email marioduguay.kofc@gmail.com or contact me at 613-227-5331.
For more information on coats, order forms, and other details, please visit: https://ontariokofc.ca/community-pillar-coats-for-kids/
Reportyouractivity:
Immediately after each session of your program, complete the Fraternal Programs Form (No.10784).
To further assist councils with raffle ticket sales, for example, in conjunction with council events, Point of Sale (POS) handheld devices are available to borrow, for free, from Ontario State Office for two-week periods. State Office is happy to assist and providefurtherdetails.
Let’s keep working together to make our 50/50 Raffle more and more successful!
Remember.... The winner gets one half!
At June 25th, the Jackpot was at $12,830.00
Vivat Jesus, The King of kings!
CANADA DAY FLOAT CONSTRUCTION
Members of the Fr. McGivney Statue Site Steering Committee in Windsor, prepare the 20 foot float for Windsor’s Canada Day Parade on July 1st. A 10 ft. high maple leaf with the wording ‘.....the True North strong and free .... ’ will be accompanied by a rotating K of C emblem. Two long fishing poles with foam cubes suspended with carry a mosaic of K of C images. Another large graphic entitled ‘Fishers of Men’ and picturing young knights will help to carry an inviting message. The float is equipped with its own sound system to play ournationalanthemaswellasotherCanadianselections.Thenamesoftheprovincesand territorieswillbeattachedalongeachside.AbannerfromtheSangeminoAgencycovers thebackskirting.HonourGuardfromDistrictMichigan1,willbejoiningintheparade.
Third and Fourth Degree Knights are asked to accompany the float. A large Canadian Flag will be carried horizontally by Third Degree members. Following the parade, a light luncheonhostedbyDeanWagnerAssembly0862willensueatSt.AlphonsusChurch.
For more than two decades, the members of St. Edith Stein Council 13049 in Rockland, Ontario, have quietly lived out one of the fundamental principles of the Knights of Columbus charity by supporting Canadian Blood Services and helping to save lives throughoutCanada.
Since 2002, Brother Knights, assisted by their spouses and family members, have volunteered at the five to six blood donor clinics held annually in Rockland. Their role may seem simple, but it is an important one. Council members staff the Recovery and RefreshmentArea,wheretheywelcomedonorsaftertheirdonation,offerrefreshments, thankthemfortheirgenerosity,andencouragethemtoreturnforfutureclinics.
These volunteers provide more than coffee and cookies. They offer gratitude, encouragement, and a warm community presence that helps make every donor feel appreciatedforsharingtheirpreciousGiftofLife.
Over the past 24 years, the Rockland clinics supported by St. Edith Stein Council have heldanestimated132donorclinics.Basedonhistoricalcollectionaverages,theseclinics havelikelycollectedbetween13,000and15,000unitsofblood.
The significance of these numbers becomes even more impressive when one considers that a single blood donation can be separated into components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. These components are often used to help different patients, meaningonedonationcanpotentiallyhelpuptothreepeople.
Asaresult,thebloodcollectedthroughtheseclinicsmayhavehelpedasmanyas40,000 to 45,000 Canadians facing surgery, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries, chronic illnesses,andothermedicalemergencies.
Behind every unit collected is a story: a child undergoing treatment, a mother requiring emergency surgery, a cancer patient receiving life-sustaining transfusions, or an accidentvictimwhoselifedependsonthegenerosityofstrangers.
Brother Tim Halderson and Brother Glenn Standen at a clinic in 2004
ThatiswhythepartnershipbetweenCanadianBloodServicesandSt.EdithSteinCouncil remains so important. Through their faithful volunteer service, Council members help ensure that these community clinics continue to succeed and that donors are welcomed andappreciated.
The Knights of Columbus are often recognized for their visible works of charity, but sometimes the most profound impact is measured not in dollars raised or buildings constructed,butinlivestouchedandlivessaved.
For 24 years, the members of St. Edith Stein Council 13049 have helped make that impactpossible onedonor,oneclinic,andonelifeatatime.
As Knights, we are called to serve our neighbours in need. Through their unwavering support of Canadian Blood Services, the Brother Knights of St. Edith Stein Council have demonstratedthatserviceinoneofitspurestforms:helpingtoprovidethegiftoflifeto tensofthousandsofCanadians.
This was a very successful clinic with 109 units of blood collected.
October 2020 Blood Donor Clinic was held at the River Rock Inn in Rockland. The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions meant that only 2 volunteers were required. DGK Tim Halderson and his niece Mireille assisted with donor check-in and refreshments. Tim did a great job organizing the snacks!
The April 2022 Blood Donor Clinic was held at the River Rock Inn in Rockland. The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions mean that only 2 volunteers were required. PGK Carl McDiarmid and his wife Bev assisted with donor check-in & refreshments.
This was a very successful clinic with 108 attendees and 90 units of blood collected.
Vivat Jesus, The King of kings!
Brother Knights volunteering at a clinic in 2018
The
FROM ASSOCIATE TO INSURED: THE BENEFIT YOU ALREADY HOLD
Michael Mullin, CLU, FIC, General Agent
This spring I knelt at the tomb of Father Michael McGivney, in St. Mary's Church in New Haven where our Order began. At the end of Mass, the priest looked out over a sea of name badges, General Agents and Knights who had travelled from every corner of North America, and said something I haven't been able to set down since. Wherever you've come from, he told us, here, you are home.
Father McGivney built that home for a reason. In 1882 he gathered working men around a single, unbearable question: if I am gone tomorrow, who will protect my wife and children? The Knights were his answer. Insurance wasn't an add-on to the Order — it was the reason for it.
This is why the Founder's Award matters, and why its 2026–2027 requirement is worth understanding plainly. A council earns it when a number equal to 10% of its associate members, counted on the July 1 roster, sit down individually with a field agent for a financial review. The floor is five reviews; the ceiling is fifteen. And here is the part worth underlining: the award is earned by the meeting, not the sale. Not by who buys. Not by who converts. By who shows up to the conversation. A council earns full credit whether or not a single policy is ever written.
So, what actually happens in that financial review? Let me take the mystery out of it, because the unknown is the only thing that keeps a good man from saying yes. What to expect. It runs about 20 to 30 minutes, and it's exactly what it sounds like, a personalized check-in. You don't bring documents. You don’t need to bring a cheque book. Your agent looks honestly at where your family stands today, helps you spot any gaps that have opened up since you joined, and walks you through the benefits and financialprotection options available to members now. At the end he asks one question, would you like to explore solutions for this? Say yes, and you keep talking. Say no, and the review ends, with no pressure and no obligation. That's the whole promise.
Why make yourself available? Because many associate members have no idea what they're entitled to. You joined the Knights for the faith, the fraternity, the charity — and the founding benefit, the one McGivney built the Order around, sits unclaimed. Scripture is blunt about the stakes: "Whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for his own household, has denied the faith" (1 Tim 5:8). Twenty minutes is a small price to know, with certainty, that your household is covered. These reviews can happen at your kitchen table oroverascreen—whicheveriseasier onyourfamily.
To our council leaders of our brothers — invite them to a table where offered. Two things make it work. First, lead by example: Grand Knight, and the Financial Secretary sit member ever again hears from leadership that he "doesn't Second, reviews count toward the award when they'r the council's job to report each completed review as progress. Some brothers will walk away insured; many won't, andthat'sfine—thecreditisintheconversation.
That priest in New Haven was right. Wherever a man comes from, here, he is home. Let's makesureeveryassociatememberknows thathome wasbuilttoprotect him.
