SAINTHOOD CAUSE
At a memorial service for Father McGivney, with delegations attending from nearly all of the 57 local councils that had been chartered in the Order’s first eight years, this tribute was given by a brother Knight who later became a priest:
He was a man of the people. He was zealous of the people’s welfare, and all the kindliness of his priestly soul asserted itself more strongly in his unceasing efforts for the betterment of their condition ...Oh, Reverend Founder. . .that act alone which gave life to the Knights of Columbus has surely secured for thee everlasting joy and eternal peace.
On the occasion of the centennial of the Knights of Columbus in 1982, initial steps were taken for the canonization cause. The body of Father McGivney was exhumed from the family burial plot in Waterbury, Conn.,
and reinterred in a polished granite sarcophagus in St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, where he had founded the Order. There the faithful could visit his tomb, pray for his intercession and invoke his spiritual strength.
Following years of preparation, the canonization cause was officially opened December 18, 1997, in the chancery of the Archdiocese of Hartford, under the care of then Archbishop Daniel A. Cronin, and the Knights of Columbus became the
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
leader or actor of the cause. Dominican Father Gabriel B. O’Donnell was appointed as the postulator (promoter). With approval from the Vatican (“nihil obstare”), Father McGivney was given the title “Servant of God,” the first step toward sainthood.
The appointed archdiocesan Historical Commission compiled a 700-page document on all aspects of Father McGivney’s life and times, and a Tribunal was convened in Hartford to take testimony and assess the evidence related to the cause. Father O’Donnell then set out to write the positio – an authoritative biography of Father McGivney and an exposition on his virtues of faith, hope and charity, with emphasis on his spiritual character and holiness of life. Running more than 1,000 pages, the document was delivered to the Vatican in the summer of 2000 and the cause officially began its Rome phase at the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
A new postulator based in Rome, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi, was appointed. Father O’Donnell currently serves as Vice-Postulator of the cause and Director of the Father McGivney Guild.
Visit Father McGivney Guild for more.
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
"Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart."
Luke 2:19
As we enter the month of August, we continue to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and reflect upon her Immaculate Heart a heart completely devoted to God's will, filled with love, humility, courage, and unwavering faith.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary reminds us that holiness begins within. Before Mary ever spoke a word or performed an act of service, she first listened to God. She trusted Him completely, even when she did not fully understand His plan. From the Annunciation to Calvary, Mary's heart remained faithful.
We are called to imitate that same disposition. Our Order was founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, and Patriotism. These are not merely organizational values; they are reflections of Christian discipleship. Like Mary, we are called to place God first, serve others generously, and remain steadfast during times of uncertainty.
The world today often encourages us to seek recognition, comfort, or personal success. Mary teaches us something different. Her greatness came through humility. Her strength came through obedience. Her influence came through faithful service.
Every Knight has opportunities to imitate Mary's heart:
• When we volunteer without seeking praise.
• When we support our parish and pastor.
• When we protect and strengthen our families.
• When we accompany a brother Knight who is struggling.
• When we defend the dignity of every human life.
• When we choose prayer before action and faith before fear.
The Immaculate Heart also reminds us of compassion. Mary stood beneath the Cross with Jesus, sharing in His suffering without losing hope. We too encounter brothers, neighbors, and families carrying heavy burdens. Our response should be Mary's response presence, compassion, encouragement, and love.
As we begin this month, let us ask ourselves:
• Is my heart becoming more like Mary's?
• Do I trust God when His plans differ from my own?
• Am I serving Christ through my family, my parish, and my community?
• Am I leading others closer to Jesus by my example?
As we look into Mary and how her heart can help transform us, we start the fraternal year on a high. Looking to plan the year ahead.
Thank you to all the councils and brother Knights that attended the July Tour stop in Brook Park. You learned that there are a lot of changes coming from Supreme and the State. A recap of those are available on the state website under ACTIVITIES > State Tour. Supreme and the State will be offering training sessions throughout the year to help you along. We ask for patience as we are also trying to figure these changes.
I have the pleasure of reporting to you
this month from the 144th Supreme Convention in Denver, CO. It is HOT! But the power of the Holy Spirit is here where Knights and their families from around the world gather in faith and fellowship. Thank you to Mike Incorvati as he is our delegate from the Cleveland Diocese.
There are a couple of district meetings that are open to you. District #20 meeting is in Lorain on August 8 at 9AM and District #27 in Willowick. There are discussions on the changes and what Supreme and State are requiring for the 2026-2027 year. Bring your questions and concerns to either of these meetings or feel free to reach out to anyone on the Diocesan team.
May the Lord Bless You and Keep You Safe.
Vivat Jesus, Jim
EVANGELIZATION & FAITH FORMATION
Monthly Messages from Our Worthy State Chaplain
Father John Paul Walker, O.P. provides insight monthly to all brothers across the State of Ohio. These messages provide details about our Catholic faith and how we has Knights can continue His mission through the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. Visit our YouTube page via the state website.
Hello Brother Knights of the Cleveland Diocese! This is Ty Tyjewski, your Cleveland Diocesan Coordinator for Evangelization. I hope you are enjoying summer with family and friends. As the new fraternal year begins, COR is growing quickly, with 16 Cleveland Diocese councils now hosting meetings and more getting started. This is a great time to explain COR from the beginning. Many ask, “How do we start a COR group?” In this and future articles, we’ll answer that question step by step. All referenced materials are available at Supreme’s webpage, www.kofc.org/COR.
COR Quarterly Report Form, which keeps Supreme updated on COR councils and requirements: https:// survey.alchemer.com/ s3/7915911/Cor-QuarterlySurvey-FY-24-25.
If your Council is changing E.F.F. Directors or needs help with registration, training, or COR questions, contact me anytime at kofcclevelandeff@gmail.com or (440) 867-4503.
Starting a COR group can feel overwhelming, so here is a quick recap. According to Supreme’s webpage, www.kofc.org/COR, COR is based on Christ-centered brotherhood: men gathering in a flexible framework to explore, grow, and share our faith while forming authentic brotherhood.
meeting times, select content, and share responsibilities. In our Diocese, these committees range from 3 to 11 members. For details, see the Reference Guide.
A key part of COR’s success is inviting parish clergy to join the Steering Committee. Clergy provide blessing, spiritual guidance, content suggestions, and help promote COR through pulpit talks, bulletins, phone calls, and email blasts.
The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2026
For
Before we begin, let’s cover some housekeeping:
Make sure your Council E.F.F. Director is registered with Supreme so your Council receives training updates, new materials, and other important information. Register here: https:// www.kofc.org/resources/faith -formation/mens-faithformation/cor/eff-onboarding/
Please ensure your Council E.F.F. Director submits the
How does a Knights Council get started? Begin with the COR Startup Guide, which outlines what is needed. Successful councils across our Diocese often start by forming a Steering Committee: a small group of brother Knights who decide what will work best for their Council and Parish.
The Steering Committee helps nominate a Council E.F.F. Director, choose
I recently met with Lafayette Council #3970 in Independence and its Steering Committee, including G.K. Mike Grzincic, Father Matt, Deacon Vince, Deacon Tom, Frank, George, Mike, Jason, and others. After setting a start date, they asked Father Matt which content would best reach the men of St. Michael exactly the kind of guidance clergy can provide. After ninety minutes of prayerful discussion, the group was excited to launch in September. For more on clergy’s role in COR, see Working with Pastor, A Guide for Clergy, Clergy’s Role in COR, and the Parish Resource Guides on Supreme’s website.
evangelization in the city: Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
With Mary Immaculate, let us adore, thank, implore and console the Most Beloved and Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Last month, Supreme introduced the updated “Culture of Invitation –Church Drive Kit.” Councils can order it free through Supplies Online, with no shipping or handling cost. This kit builds on the “Brand Chambers Process” piloted last year, which helped Supreme see a 30% membership increase. I encourage every Council to order it while it remains free.
GROWTH REPORT
The kit supports the new Church Drive approach with two proven tools: a personalized pulpit announcement and membership enrollment cards, helping make each invitation more intentional and personal. It also includes the Membership Outreach Guide, a step-by-step resource for running a successful drive.
The full kit includes:
Membership Enrollment Card (250) (item 11881) 24 Hours Can Change Your Life (250) (item 10099)
Fraternal Benefits Card (250) (item 11730)
Sacred Heart Icon Prayer Card 11520 (1,000)
Membership Outreach Guide (item 12012)
Each kit also includes a “What’s Inside” postcard with contents, tips,
additional resources, and a QR code to the Englishonly video How to Run a Successful Church Drive, where Brandon Chambers explains the Chambers approach and its success.
https://www.kofc.org/ resources/officerresources/engagement/ membership-growth/ #tabset=tabset-sticky-tabinviting-men-tojoin&tab=tab-block-27596
As Diocesan Growth Coordinator, I am here to help your Council grow through recruitment, membership forms, exemplification questions, retention, growth drives, eMembership, Officers Online, and Membership Management.
My goal is for every Council in the Diocese to
earn the McGivney Award or at least recruit one new member this fraternal year. Because every Council and Parish is different, I will first contact District Deputies, then Council leaders, to see how I can help.
This year’s State Growth Circle of Honor goal is 2,200 new members and 60 Star Councils. We can achieve it again. Please contact me with any questions about eMembership, the Prospect Tab, Church Drives, Officers Online, or Member Management.
Fraternally yours, Teran Taggart Diocesan Growth Coordinator, DD#23 440-665-4078
GROWTH FOR 2025-2026
As of August 1, 2026
Ohio July 1: 56,531
Ohio Growth: 107 (5.25%)
% Growth: 0.19%
Cleveland July 1: 7,475
Cleveland Growth: 18 (4.89%)
% Growth: 0.24%
% 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. 11464 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (6.90%)
2. 947 Painesville (2.31%)
3. 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1.96%)
4. 4498 Magnificat (1.90%)
5. 14111 Prince of Peace (1.28%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 947 Painesville (3)
2. 11464 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 774 Elyria, 14551 St. Hilary, 3213 Fr. Carl Anthony, 4498 Magnificat (2)
3. 16373 St. Ladislas, 733 Cleveland, 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 4130 Garfield Heights, 14111 Prince of Peace (1)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #19 Tom Goodhart, DD #23 Teran Taggart (3)
2. DD #30 Bill Christner, DD #27 Tim Daley, DD #22 Bob Walsh, DD #20 DeWitt Gober, DD #24
Dave Heilman (2)
Welcome to a new fraternal year.
DISTRICT DEPUTIES
Congratulations to everyone on a very successful year. The awards keep coming, and I am pleased to announce that Ron Snyder, District Deputy of District 26, has earned the coveted Star District Award for FY 25-26. Congratulations!
Now we begin again. Success builds on success. How many STAR districts will we have in Cleveland this year? The Star District Award honors outstanding achievement in membership, insurance, and overall excellence by the councils within a district deputy’s territory.
Membership Growth: The district must reach 70% of the combined council membership goals. District membership can be tracked on Officers Online.
Promotion of Our Insurance and Fraternal Benefits: At least 50% of the councils in the district must earn the Founders Award.
Overall District Excellence
• At least two councils in the district must earn the Star Council Award. Districts with one council are not eligible.
• Submit a District Deputy Annual Report on Council Status (#944) for
each council in your district by September 15. The report is required for all councils, including those that are suspended or inactive.
• Every council in the district must submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and Annual Audit (#1295).
Which districts will step up to join Ron and District 26 this year?
A few important dates to remember:
The Sacred Heart Icon continues to travel throughout our Diocese. It will remain in our diocese through December 2026. Did your council miss the chance to host this devotion? You are in luck. Contact Jim Maslach; dates are still available through December.
August 4-6, 2026: 144th Annual Supreme Convention in Denver, Colorado. Mike Incorvati is this year’s Cleveland Diocese representative. Have fun, Mike.
August 15, 2026: Form 1295, Annual Fraternal Audit, is due. Please note that the audit form has changed and is now an easy online submission no more chasing trustees for signatures, and no need to repeat membership data that Supreme already has.
September 15, 2026: The DD Annual Council Report (#944) is now available
online. Let’s get it done.
September 28, 2026: First-quarter DD wrap-up Zoom call.
October 10, 2026: Vocational literature distribution from Borromeo Seminary.
Ongoing: Council officer installations. Please note that any District Deputy may officiate at any council officer installation. If you are unavailable, contact another District Deputy for assistance.
Thanks again for a great year.
Vivat Jesus, Tom Donovan, PGK, PFN, FDD Cleveland Diocese DDC Td3430@att.net
FRATERNAL BENEFITS
Hope that your summer is going great! It certainly has been another fast and hot one this year.
We will be meeting on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Garfield Heights. We will offer an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity at 6:30 PM, followed by Rosary, and then a quick meeting. Part of that meeting is that we will be electing the Chapter Officers for the 2026-2027 Fraternal Year. Here is your opportunity to have a voice in the future of the Greater Cleveland Chapter.
There are changes a coming. You may have heard what the Supreme and State changed if you attended the July Tour. The Chapter is also following suit. We are looking to see what we can do to improve the Columbus Day Dinner, Memorial Mass, Clergy Appreciation, and
Nun’s and Ladies Appreciation Dinner. We were disappointed in all that took place with these events in 2025-2026 and do not want to repeat. So, if you want to have a say, please attended.
We are also looking for some additional projects that we can do together. Ideas that have been tossed around include:
Guardians, Cavs, Charge, or Monsters Game
Build a Bed (Supreme Program)
Community Clean-Up Project
And more
Please come with ideas that can help forge our future.
I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or any of the Chapter Officers.
Vivat Jesus, Greater Cleveland Chapter Officers
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
Please join us for the Race for Glory 5K Fun Run & 1Mile Walk taking place on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, at Buckeye Woods Park.
The event is presented by Thomas Schmidt (race director) as well as race board members from The Society; Medina County Special Olympics, Ohio; Integrated Community Solutions and the Knights of Columbus Council #4168.
Participants can register online at this website OR mail-in the paper registration form which is also included in the tab on this website.
Race Day Packet Pick-Up and Registration begins at 8:00am. The 5K begins at 9:00am. The 1-Mile Walk begins immediately following the 5K start. Both races are professionally chip-timed by GCXC Racing - Youngstown.
Awards presented to the top 5K male and female runners overall and the top three 5K male and female runners in the following age categories: (14 & Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30 -39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Up).
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 #28 State Per Capita / Inactive Councils Jim Maslach 4927 Autumnwood Ln Brunswick, OH 44212 440-785-9838 kofcjkm@gmail.com
State Treasurer Super Cash 2027 Chris Sarka 7239 Winterbek Ave New Albany, OH 43054 c_sarka@hotmail.com
State Advocate Matching Funds 2026 Tony Offenberger 15200 Muskingum River Rd, Lowell, OH 45744 tonyoffenberger@gmail.com
State Warden Measure Up 2026 Stewart Vetter 706 Northwest St, Bellevue, OH 44811 betterwithvetter@hotmail.com
State Life Director Mike Incorvati 330-671-1490 mlbincorvati@gmail.com
Growth Coordinator / DD #23 947, 3304, 14714, 15942 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
DD Coordinator / District Deputy #32 789, 3541, 5506
Diocesan EFF Coordinator
Jason Staas John Spencer 800-484-0304 740-444-9632
jason.staas@kofc.org john.spencer@kofc.org
Tom Donovan 216-650-4213 TD3430@ATT.NET
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
District Deputy #21 4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376 John Brown
District Deputy #22 733, 2643, 4217, 18527, 18565 Robert Walsh
District Deputy #24 4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769 David Heilman
District Deputy #25 2362, 3529, 5613, 10936 Mike Rauh
District Deputy #26 3970, 14406, 15056, 15614, 16137, 16279
Ron Snyder
District Deputy #27 2886, 3164, 4498, 4801, 5405, 13755 Tim Daley
District Deputy #30 547, 14054, 14255, 14551, 18892 Bill Christner
District Deputy #31 2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831 Jerry Nowesnick
District Deputy #33 310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737 George Metz
440-541-3317 DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
330-610-0308 trouter0523@gmail.com
216-533-1134 rewalsh731@aol.com
380-222-4467 davidpheilman24@gmail.com
330-256-3038 MIKERAUH58@GMAIL.COM
216-396-1200
SNYDERCRESTON@AOL.CO M
216-486-1298 tdaley1861@aol.com
330-604-7189 williamchristner16@gmail.com
440-336-0039 nowesnick@gmail.com
440-449-0081
georgegmetz@aol.com