The Knights of Columbus were recognized by the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 26, 2026 prior to the game with the Orlando Magic for their work in the communities in Northeast Ohio. Thank you for all you do!
Upcoming Events:
• SCB Roadshow @ February 7 (Various Locations)
• Bringing America Back to Life Conference: March 6 and 7 (Independence)
• Catholic Men’s Conference @ March 7 (Independence)
• Diocesan Free Throw @ March 8 (Stow)
The founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael J. McGivney was a central figure in the growth of Catholicism in America, and he remains a model today. His example of charity, evangelization and empowerment of the laity continues to bear fruit and guide Knights of Columbus around the world.
A MODEL FOR TODAY
In his Apostolic Letter that was read at the Mass for Beatification on Oct. 31, 2020, Pope Francis stated that Blessed Michael McGivney’s “zeal for the proclamation of the Gospel and generous concern for the needs of his brothers and sisters made him an outstanding witness of Christian solidarity and fraternal assistance.” The Holy Father set his annual feast day for Aug. 13, the day between Father McGivney’s birthday (in 1852) and the day he entered eternal life (in 1890).
The beatification ceremony in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Conn., was a high point in a long process that began with the opening of the Cause for Canonization in December 1997. Shortly after Father
McGivney was named a Venerable Servant of God in March 2008, Pope Benedict XVI cited him as a key figure in “the impressive growth” of the Church in the United States, stating, “We need but think of the remarkable accomplishment of that exemplary American priest, the Venerable Michael McGivney, whose vision and zeal led to the establishment of the Knights of Columbus.” Through the spiritual genius of Father McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has become a way for Catholic men to transform friends into brothers brothers who care for one another.
Just as those in need sought Father McGivney’s help in life, understanding
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
that he was a “Good Samaritan” figure, more than 2 million members of the Knights of Columbus and their families, and many others around the world, continue to seek out Father McGivney as a heavenly helper in times of need today. On May 26, 2020, Pope Francis approved a decree for a miracle attributed to his intercession, opening the way for Father McGivney to be beatified. A second approved miracle is needed for him to be canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church.
Those who knew him best in life saw in him both a “genial” countenance and a man with an “indomitable will” to achieve the good. In sum, his founding of the Knights of Columbus “attests to the love in which he held his brother man.”
In these pages, you will get to know Father McGivney better, and join us in praying for his intercession as well as his canonization. You also can read accounts by contemporaries of Father McGivney about his life, works and virtues.
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
That was one brutal month weather wise. I never thought that January was going to end. I am fond of the video showing how quickly a snow squall can hit turning a clear day into a complete white out. I can only recall that a few times over my years, but the power present to do that is just amazing.
This month, we are dedicated to the Holy Family. The Holy Family can mean so many thing depending on where God is leading us. This direction allows us to put into practice our core principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism the very heart of our mission lies the Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph who serve as a timeless model for all families seeking to grow in love and virtue.
The Holy Family epitomizes unwavering faith and devotion. In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions and challenges abound, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our spiritual lives. We encourage families to gather in prayer, reflect on our values, and strengthen our bond with God and one another. Just as the Holy Family faced trials with resilience and faith, modern families can draw inspiration from their example, cultivating a spiritual foundation that supports them through life’s difficulties.
positive impact. This encourages individuals to engage in acts of kindness, not only within their families but also in the wider community. Families inspired by this example learn that the act of giving and serving others strengthens their own bonds while fulfilling a higher purpose.
At the core of the Holy Family's story is a profound love characterized by selflessness and sacrifice. As Knights,
Together we foster a spirit of brotherhood and community that resonates with family life. We create spaces for men and women to gather, share experiences, and support one another. This sense of belonging is vital for families, encouraging open communication and mutual support. Inspired by the Holy Family's example, families are called to build strong networks that provide emotional and spiritual support, paving the way for healthier relationships both within the home and beyond.
We, the Knights of Columbus, embody the principles reflected in the Holy Family: faith, service, love, and community. We draw inspiration from these ideals, families can cultivate deeper connections, foster resilience, and inspire future generations. Let us celebrate the legacy of the Holy Family and the Knights as we strive to emulate their example, creating homes filled with love, faith, and a commitment to serving others. Each family has the potential to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, and through their actions, they can illuminate the path for others to follow.
As Knights, we are deeply committed to charitable works, embodying the spirit of service that is essential for family life. Our involvement in various community initiatives showcases how families can come together to make a
we emphasize this principle, advocating that true familial love often requires putting the needs of others before our own. This ‘sacrificial love’ is what holds families together, teaching them that challenges can be overcome through unity and commitment. By emulating this ideal, families can navigate the complexities of life with grace, fostering environments where children grow up understanding the significance of love and responsibility.
PLEASE mark your calendars for the Diocesan Free Throw Championship. It will be on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic School in Stow (3163 Kent Rd, Stow). Note: Only district winners or the runner-up, if the winner is not availableshould be present.
Remember, “We Are Called” to be so much more to a world desperately looking.
Vivat Jesus, Jim
EVANGLEIZATION & FAITH FORMATION
State Chaplain’s February Message
Fr. John Paul Walker, O.P.
Each month Father covers some aspect of our Catholic faith. In this video, Father reflects upon and shares information about Confession.
Father begins his talk by discussing the WHY - that is, why Confession to a priest is needed. He talks about how sin separates us from God
and explains how Scripture underscores the need for Confession in John 20:21-23. Father goes on to remind us of the COMPONENTS of a valid Confession.
Additionally, we hear the reasons why our Confession MUST BE TO A PRIEST rather than simply talking to God. We learn the EFFECTS AND VALUE of participation in regular Confession and are reminded of the SEAL OF CONFESSION - how every priest is forbidden from revealing or using information heard in the confessional. Lastly, Father discusses some of the OBJECTIONS OR
CONCERNS we may have to Confession and how we can overcome them.
I am certain that these reflections will serve to help you as we approach the Lenten season.
Please take a few minutes to watch this video and consider sharing and discussing Father's message at council meetings. Visit the Ohio State Council website under FOR MEMBERS for the link to our YouTube Channel!
Thank you and God Bless each of you!
The month of February is
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of February 2026
The term “Cor,” Latin for "heart," embodies the spirit of love and service that the organization aims to cultivate among its members and in the broader community.
Cor encourages Knights to engage more deeply with their local communities through service projects, outreach programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Central to the initiative is the promotion of spiritual growth among members. The program includes resources for prayer, reflection, and faith-based activities that help deepen the Knights' commitment to their Catholic faith and values.
The initiative also focuses on
attracting new members by showcasing the benefits of joining the Knights, such as camaraderie, leadership training, and social events.
Cor places importance on cultivating leadership skills among members. This includes training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs that enable Knights to take on greater responsibilities within their councils and communities.
Recognizing the importance of family, the initiative emphasizes programs that support and strengthen family life.
Cor also aims to be inclusive, reaching out to diverse populations and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, feel welcome to participate in the Knights’ activities and
benefit from their services.
Cor reinforces the Knights of Columbus' commitment to living out their faith through action. By focusing on service, spiritual growth, and community involvement, the initiative addresses contemporary challenges and aligns with the broader mission of the Church to serve others. It creates a framework for members not only to contribute but also to grow personally and spiritually, fostering a vibrant and active Knights of Columbus community.
That’s all for this month Brother Knights. Thank you again and Vivat Jesus!
Ty
For children with incurable diseases.
Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
Jesus, who hast made Thyself obedient to Thy parents, to Thee be ever glory, with the supreme Father and with the Spirit.
dedicated to the Holy Family.
Less than two weeks until Ash Wednesday. Please continue to invite men to learn about the Knights and encourage them to sign up; First year is still free via BLESSEDMCGIVNEY code.
Currently there are two active Membership incentives.
1: 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 for presentation at the council. 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.
2: NEW Supreme Join
ASAP Council Incentive –Council recruits three new members during February 1st until 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
GROWTH REPORT
pregnancy resource center or maternity home they supported. The top 10 councils recruiting the most members will also receive an additional $750 for pregnancy resource center or maternity home, bringing the total incentive to $1000 for those winners.
For more information see here
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.
As your Diocesan Growth Coordinator, I receive any State eForm-100 communication for review and validation. https:// fs22.formsite.com/ stambrose/gssmboyytb/ index 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; Supreme and State strongly recommends using Member Management for any Fraternal administration; it is quick, easy, and accurate. If you need assistance with Member
Management or using the CANDIDATE or PROSPECT TAB, feel free in reaching out to me.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances, Councils, please do not expend any further energy on contacting eMember Prospects; 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 in Member Management. Please do not reject the Prospect, I will reassign the eMember Prospect. This will allow the Prospect to be reassigned and available to another Council's Prospect tab in the future.
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.
% 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. 4891 Holy Family Amherst (7.06%)
3. 3269 Fr. Ragan (6.41%)
4. 10936 Fr. Maruskin (5.45%)
5. 14551 St. Hilary (5.06%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 3269 Fr. Ragan (18)
2. 14551 St. Hilary (12)
3. 774 Elyria, 18565 St. Elizabeth (10)
4. 10936 Fr. Maruskin, 4847 Brunswick (9)
5. 4130 Garfield Heights (8)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (40)
2. DD #25 Mike Rauh (19)
3. DD #22 Robert Walsh (18)
4. DD #24 Tom Donovan, DD #30 Jerry Nowesnick (17)
Pray
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflect
The month of February has traditionally been dedicated to the Holy Family who provide for us a model of marriage and family life. Mary and Joseph perfectly witness to the gift of new life, welcoming the infant Jesus amidst difficult and challenging circumstances. God designed the love of husband and wife to be so complete, so ordered to a lifetime of communion with Himself and each other, that it is open to creating a new human being whom they will love and care for together. Part of God’s gift to husband and wife is cooperation with His creative power. In participating in this “great mystery” of love that is total, faithful, and fruitful, married couples become a sign of the love between Christ and his Church (Eph 5:32). Couples who cannot bear children still share in this cooperation. As St. John Paul II affirmed to such couples, “you are no less loved by God; your love for each other is complete and fruitful when it is open to others.”
While a couple does not need to seek to have a child in every act of intercourse, they should never act to reject the lifegiving power granted by God through the use of contraception. In deliberately acting to suppress their fertility couples harm their unity. For serious reasons, couples may choose to avoid pregnancy for a time or indefinitely. Natural Family Planning (NFP) can help married couples identify and utilize the naturally infertile times in a woman’s cycle, all while cooperating with God’s design.
In today’s culture, living out God’s plan for married love and opening our hearts to the gift of children can be difficult. It can often require great generosity and trust in the Lord. But as Christ repeatedly exhorted, “Be not afraid!” The Church’s teaching on married love is an invitation to let God transform our hearts, knowing God’s plan is far richer than anything the world can offer us.
Act (Choose one.)
• Offer a Prayer for Married Couples for this month’s intention.
• If you are married, participate in this 2026 At-Home Marriage Retreat anytime during the month of February.
• Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month’s intention.
One Step Further
Learn more about God’s plan for marriage and how husbands and wives are called to fully live out their vows in Married Love and the Gift of Life.
Monthly Prayer Guides | Respect Life. (2026). Respect Life. https://www.respectlife.org/prayer-guides
DISTRICT LEADERS
Wow What a Snow storm back to the good ole days Yet we survived !!! Yeah!!
Now is the time for us to plow forward into February. A Busy month with Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday Feb 18 followed by many councils holding Lenten Men’s retreats our traditional 40 can for 40 days food collection, our extended Coats for Kids program our District BB Free Throw contests , and out Super Cash Bonanza Kickoff meetings on February 7 and many, many more.
A few important dates are upon us:
Now The Cleveland Diocese is hosting the Silver Rose on JUNE 25 through 28 2026 a week earlier this year. Please contact our State Warden Stew Vetter if your council wants to host
Last year councils can join together to host i.e., District event.
Now The Sacred Heart Icon is now traveling throughout the diocese. Currently it is in District 30 traveling to Districts 31 , 32 and 33 this Spring. It is a great devotion. Has your council missed hosting? Contact your DD.
February 7 Super Cash Bonanza kickoff.
NO Semi annual Audit is required this year for Feb 15. Supreme now only requires one audit It is due August 15 each year.
March 8 Cleveland Dioceses BB Free throw at Holy Family Parish 3163 Kent Rd Stow starting at 1pm. DDs be there at 12:30 PM to do organization. Separate email will be sent out. Please make sure Ohio Youth Protection members are present.
April 1 All “Of The Year nominations are due to the Ohio Director responsible for the award i.e., Family of the Year Family director. Micheal Friel, Knight of the Year Life Director Michel Incorvati, Clergy of the Year Faith Director Chris Crum and Youth to the Year Community
Order Vivat Jesus 2026 Today!
The Vivat Jesus Spiritual Planner for 2026 is now available! Designed to help men develop and maintain a daily prayer routine, your council is encouraged to buy copies in bulk via Supplies Online (20 books for $100). Individual copies are available at shopcatholicinfo.com for $7.99 each.
Director Matt Smith These Applications are found on pages 39 through 42 in the State General Program manual. They are due April 1st.
DDs continue to report all CUFs in your district on the Form 450. This includes Live, Zoom or video If you have any question feel free to contact me for details.
Please share this newsletter with all councils sand council members at your next meeting. Many councils have GK or FS forward this newsletter to all their member. Others make hard copies for those brothers who don’t have internet access. As always the newsletter is available on the Ohio State Council Website ( kofcohio.org).
Vivat Jesus, Tom Donovan District Deputy 24 Cleveland Diocese District Deputy Coordinator
This year’s edition is updated with a special emphasis on giving men a space to plan their prayer routine. Additionally, the book is now in a larger format. Many men have reported to us how transformative Vivat Jesus has been in their faith life. Please consider ordering this year’s edition in bulk so we can help supercharge the prayer lives of as many men as possible!
What a month January has been? Starting with the snow and then the bitter cold. I lived through the blizzard of 1978 and I recall how cold and windy it was then. Even though we were not that windy, the snow and cold were just bone wrenching.
It is never easy to have to cancel or postpone an event like Clergy Appreciation Night. Even though the snow was manageable, it was the bitter cold that was the concern. The long walk for some of our elder members and clergy having to walk across the compound just was something we as officers felt was worth. Most of the checks that were sent to the Chapter have NOT been cashed. If you would like them back, please let me know. I will bring them with me to the February Meeting and if you like, you can pick them up there. Again, I am sorry for having to cancel the event this year.
longer do that at this event, we are open to other times and just make the dinner an appreciation for the clergy in the diocese. The officers will discuss the options, but if you have any thoughts, please feel free to contact any of the officers.
Our next event will be Nuns and Ladies Dinner on Sunday, April 26, 2026, depending on the availability of Garfield’s hall. We should have the definitive answer by the meeting.
Jim Maslach Chapter President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Vice President td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
With that, it opened the conversation with Fr. Turner about possibly doing something else. One of the thoughts was to have Sunday Mass at the CPL follow that up with a brunch. I am not sure how that will work with some of our clergy, but will see. I also suggest moving the event to a better time of the year. In the past, the Chapter and Councils would hand out RSVP checks to the seminarians. Since we no
Our next meeting is in-person and via Zoom on Friday, February 13, 2026. I would like to provide a live CUF Exemplification starting at 6:30 PM, followed by a Rosary, and then the meeting. If you have any candidates or members wanting to advance, please let me know so we can plan appropriately.
If you are interested in helping out with the Exemplification, please let me know. We are always looking for ways to have back ups and present our principles in a very professional manner. This will require a suit and tie, though. LOL
Finally, Chapter Luncheon Club is back on now that the renovations at Fuji have been completed. Join the gang on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2PM at 1930 Snow Rd in Parma. The cost is only $15 and the Chapter will pick up the cost for any clergy in attendance. Contact Frank Carangio for more info.
We look forward to seeing you all on February 13 live or virtual.
God Bless,
Jim
Martin Steward Chapter Secretary martinasteward@gmail.com
Patrick Graham Chapter Treasurer patrick_graham60@yahoo.c om
Chapter Meetings Second Friday of Month 7:00 PM Rosary 7:30 PM Meeting Visit www.kofccleveland.org
SUPER CASH BONANZA
Super Cash Bonanza 2026
Christopher Sarka, State Treasurer
Welcome to the 2026 Super Ca$h Bonanza Charity Campaign! We are excited to embark on another year of impactful fundraising that directly supports the charitable missions of your local council and the Ohio Charity Foundation.
This campaign is more than a fundraiser it’s a call to action! Every $5 ticket sold not only contributes to our shared goal of raising $1,000,000 for charity but also empowers your council to make a tangible difference in your community. Of each ticket sold, $2.40 is retained by your council to support local charitable initiatives. Councils that exceed our rebate thresholds may receive up to $4.50 per ticket an incredible opportunity to amplify your impact.
We strongly encourage you to set ambitious goals and mobilize your entire council. Your leadership and enthusiasm are vital to the success of this campaign. Please review the enclosed campaign guide and begin planning your strategy today.
One of the most effective ways to expand your reach is through strategic partnerships. We urge you to collaborate with other non-profits, parish ministries, and community organizations. Invite them to sell tickets on your council’s behalf and share a portion of the proceeds to support their own charitable missions. This approach not only increases your sales and rebate potential, this also strengthens community bonds and multiplies the good we can do together.
Many of our past winners purchased tickets through partnering organizations proof that this model works. Let’s build on that success and make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Thank you for your continued dedication to charity, unity, and fraternity. Together, we can once again reach and exceed our goal of $1,000,000 in charitable support.
EAST
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Community Center 29850 Euclid Ave. Wickliffe, OH 44092
Is your council interested in selling more Super Cash Bonanza Raffle tickets this year? Our council has developed a close relationship to Giant Eagle. They have allowed us to sell the Super Cash Bonanza Raffle tickets in the lobby of some of their stores.
If interested please contact Bud Tetzlaff at budtetzlaff@aol.com for more details of the program. We had a total of 8 councils in the program last year and combined sold over 13,000 tickets at Giant Eagle, all for charity.
WEST
St. Ladislas Catholic Church Cullen Center 2345 Bassett Rd Westlake, OH 44145
If your councils is not listed above or you would like to change locations, please let Jim Maslach know by Thursday, February 5, 2026.
REPORT OF THE 4TH DEGREE
Worthy Faithful Navigators, Comptrollers, and staff,
On January 17 we held an Exemplification of Patriotism at St. Ambrose Parish. We welcomed 23 new Sir Knights to our district, including one Priest. We are starting to plan the next Exemplification which will be held on April 25th, 2026 in Leetonia, Ohio. I am looking to have a virtual District meeting in the next few weeks to go over this Exemplification.
On March 15, 2026 we will have our Biennial District meeting. I will share more on time and location a little later. Below you will find a table of all of our assemblies, and how many delegates each assembly is allowed to have. The election of these delegates should happen at your February assembly meeting, if you have not elected them yet.
Once your delegates are elected, please use the complete the form sent to your email to register them, so that I know who will be attending the meeting. Additionally, there is a line on the form in the event that you have more than just your delegates attending. Knowing the total number of Sir Knights in attendance helps us with planning for food.
Vivat Jesus!
Brandon D. Robinson Master – Ohio District 1 Fr. Hennepin Province
STAR COUNCIL REPORT
Supreme Council and Ohio State Council Records show the following as of January 1:
• 80 councils (22% of active councils) have not submitted Form 365.
• 21 councils (6% of active councils) have not submitted Form 185.
• McGivney Award: 142 councils (38% of active councils) have not recruited a new member this fraternal year. 227 councils have recruited a total of 880 new members. There are 19 councils who have achieved their Supreme growth quota.
• Founders Award: The latest Supreme Council report show 19 councils have achieved their FBE quota for Insurance.
• #1295 Audit. The Audit Status column will show the last audit submitted for those councils who are late with current audit. As of this report, 79 councils (21% of active councils) have not been credited with submitting their current audit.
• 2025-2026 S.O.S. Campaign State SOS Chairman and Imm Past State Deputy Jeff Kiliany report $69,022 was received from 88 councils (24% of active councils) for the SOS Campaign First Phase turn-in. Councils are reminded that the campaign concludes on March 15, 2026.
• Fraternal Survey Form 1728. Supreme reports 220 councils are missing the Form 1728. It may be that some submitted reports have not been reviewed yet.
• Per Capita. There are 32 councils (9%) still owing per capita. Please submit soon.
• Columbian Award Application SP-7. No report. Form is due June 30, 2026.
• Super Cash Bonanza Tickets. Report column lists 2025 final tickets per council.
• 2025 Convention Attendance. 144 councils had delegates seated for the 2025 State Convention in Cleveland.
• 2025 Matching Funds. Campaign Chairman Tony Offenberger report that he has received $34,449 from 130 councils. The campaign has concluded and checks distributed at the Mid-Year District Deputy Meeting on January 10, 2026.
• 2025 Measure Up. 148 councils (40% of active councils) submitted $275,931 for the 2025 campaign. A little over a third of our councils donated to the Order’s “flagship” charity!
• Football Sweepstake Tickets. Campaign Chairman Gary Eckstein, PDS, has reported 22,208 tickets were sold by 229 councils (62% of active Councils).
• Council EFF Director: Council COR Evangelization and Faith Formation (EFF) Director Registered. We will monitor councils that have registered an EFF director registered with Supreme. Having an EFF Director is an important step is instituting the COR Meeting Initiative in all councils in Ohio. Currently there are 71 councils (19% of active councils) who have registered an EFF Director with Supreme.
• Council Growth Quota The column next to the May 1 Membership number will list the council’s Supreme Growth quota for the fraternal year for each council.
Please contact me if you have any questions. My email is girtken@sssnet.com and my phone number is 330-608-1729.
Vivat Jesus!
Ken Girt, PSD
State Star Council Director girtken@sssnet.com 330-608-1729
Criteria for the 20252026 Star Council Award
Membership Quotas 6% Net Growth. Minimum of FiveMaximum of Fifteen new members, based on total membership.
The Founders Award (Insurance). All council must participate in at least TWO Fraternal Benefit Programs, live or on line. SUM ATTENDEES OF TWO OR MORE
SEMINARS: Minimum of TEN members or Member-Eligible attendees for councils less than 100 members. Minimum of FOURTEEN members or Member Eligible for councils with 100 or more members. Grand Knight must submit Form 11077 on-line on Supreme website.
Columbian Award Application SP7. Supreme Council is requiring 16 activity reports. Four activities or credits in each of the Faith in Action categories (Faith, Family, Community, Life). Application must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Safe Environment Certification. Grand Knight is prohibited from serving more than two council chairman positions. (Grand Knight, General Program Chairman, Family Activities Chairman and Community Activity Chairman.) All chairmen are required to have a personnel email address; not a generic address, like grandknight15999@aol.com.
Form 185 Report of Officers. Form must be submitted by July 1, 2025.
Form 365 Service Program Personnel Report. Form must be submitted by July 1,
Form 1728 Fraternal Survey Must be submitted by January 31, 2026.
Visit the state website under FOR MEMBERS for more information on the Star Council Report.
Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in membership, insurance, programming, and overall operations. Earning a Star Award is the marker of a high preforming Knights of Columbus unit and the goal to which every council, district, and assembly should strive. Star Council, Star District and Star Assembly Awards can be earned by completing criteria designed specifically for each division of the Knights of Columbus.
The Star Council Award recognizes outstanding achievement in membership, insurance and programming. In order to achieve the Star Council Award, a council must earn the Father McGivney, Founders’, and Columbian Awards. Additionally, the council must submit both the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728), Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), and Service Program Personnel Report (#365). In the United States and Canada councils must also be fully compliant with applicable safe environment requirements.
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
Looking for Some History!
Hello, I am hoping to find some history regarding a Knights of Columbus boys’ summer camp dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. It was on a lake in Portage County, now known as Sandy Lake. I believe another name was used back then, possibly Lake Sta ord. The reason is that I am a member of a club that took over the camp in the early 1950s. My understanding is that it was a joint camp for the Youngstown and Cleveland chapters. One of the original bunk houses still stands. My dad was an original member. Is there someone who might be able to help with this? It would be great to find some photos. Thanks very much.
Harry Sigmier (harry_signier@progressive.com)
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
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
Jim Maslach 4927 Autumnwood Ln Brunswick, OH 44212 440-785-9838 kofcjkm@gmail.com
State Treasurer Super Cash 2026, & 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 mbainvorvati@hotmail.com
