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The Epiphany of the Lord: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2:2)
Empowering Catholic men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.
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FR. McGIVNEY GUILD
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JANUARY 2026
FIVE BLESSED YEARS This past October 31 marked five years since Father McGivney was beatified – and what a five years it has been! From the day of the 2020 Mass of Beatification in the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut, numerous favors attributed to the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney have been reported, some of them truly amazing healings or rapid recoveries. Our founder has proven to be a powerful intercessor before God for those most in need, just as he was an advocate for his immigrant flock who faced poverty, poor working conditions and rabid anti-Catholicism in 19th century America.
the areas where Father McGivney was born and ministered as a priest. On October 31, to mark the fifth anniversary, a Votive Mass of Blessed Michael McGivney was offered in his hometown parish of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut. Father James Sullivan, the rector who is also a Waterbury native, celebrated the Mass, offered a first-class relic for veneration, and then led a procession of relics of many saints through the city’s streets.
Last summer, Father McGivney was honored at the 143rd Supreme Convention in early August in Washington, D.C. At the Opening Devotion to Father McGivney has Mass, offered on August 5 by spread around the globe, even to Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the countries where the Knights of Archdiocese for the Military Services, Columbus are not formally present. In USA, a large banner with McGivney’s our world of rapid commu nications, image was suspended from the façade Catholics in South America, Africa, over the main entrance of the Basilica Australia, Ireland, Italy and Indonesia of the National Shrine of the have found out about him in social Immaculate Conception. A permanent media posts and Catholic websites. memorial was dedicated two years ago Like the Order he founded, Father when a statue of Father McGivney was McGivney has become an international placed in the basilica’s lower level, in figure whose appeal crosses borders recognition of his unique contributions and cultures, and he unites all people to the growth of the Church in in the basic principles of charity, unity America. and fraternity. The Supreme Convention’s Memorial Of course, devotion is most fervent in Mass, offered as a Votive Mass of 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
Blessed Michael McGivney, featured a procession of relics, including one of Father McGivney which was carried by Father Jeffrey Romans, the KofC Connecticut state chaplain. The main celebrant was Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore. The annual Blessed Michael McGivney Award was bestowed on Father Frank Donio, a member of the Pallottine religious community and State Chaplain for the District of Columbia, for “priestly zeal and exemplary service” in the spirit of Father McGivney. In blessing the statue at the conclusion of the Mass of the Holy Spirit that inaugurated the seminary’s academic year, the cardinal said, “We gather in faith and gratitude to bless this sculpture of Blessed Michael McGivney, Parish Priest and Founder of the Knights of Columbus. Through his ministry, he served the poor, defended the dignity of human life and strengthened families in the bond of charity. May this image, which will stand in the halls where these future priests will learn and are formed each day, inspire us to follow Christ more closely as he did, and to trust ever in the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
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!
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OHIO STATE COUNCIL
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JANUARY 2026
STATE OFFICER REPORT Happy and Blessed New Year from Kathy and I to you and your families. May the peace and joy we find in Christ be with you and your families in 2026! We have reached the midpoint of the fraternal year and we need to see where we stand. Growth For most of the first half of the year, we were in first place as a diocese. Unfortunately, we slipped to third behind Columbus and Cincinnati by less than 1%. We are at 42.35% of our goal which is about 8.61% behind where we would like to be or about 2-3 new members. I would like to thing that there were a couple of new members sent into Supreme that have not been processed yet. 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary has the largest percentage growth so far at 23.53% fantastic job and they are continuing to move forward. 3269 Father Ragan Council has the largest overall intake of 18-new members. There are only 25 -councils that have not brought in a new member this year. We will be discussing these councils and what we can do to help you at the state midyear meeting. Thank you for your continued efforts.
Administrative We continue to do a decent job of turning in our forms where we are above 80% for 185s, 365s, and 1295s. Remember, your 1728s are due on January 31st and there is NO February audit required by Supreme. There are 31-councils that are compliant with the Office of Youth Protection. This is a requirement if you are having any activities or events that involve the youth. You will also be required to be Virtus trained per the diocese if you are holding the event on parish grounds. The GK, Program Director, Family and Community Directors are REQUIRED to complete the training with the Community and Family directors having a background check. This also requires your 365 to be submitted. If you need any help with Safe Environment Training, please call, text, or email anyone on the Diocesan Team or your DD.
Faith In Action Programs Almost all the councils are participating in the state general program. This could be a little misleading as points are awarded for Administrative items. If we look at There are three councils that have met those that just submitted programs, 52 or exceeded their Supreme quota: -councils are participating out of the 18565, 3269, and 4891. There are 66 active councils. There are 100 days another six that are right there ready left in the state general program. So, to push over their line and another there is still time for you to enter your five that are right where they need to program and show the state what you be. are doing to put your faith into action. To-date, we have held 30 Exemplifications bringing in 148 members. Please schedule an Exemplification and recruit to that date. If you need help, please contact your DD or a member of the Diocesan team. We can come out to your place and do a live, in-person Exemplification to show you how easy it is to do.
Fraternal Benefit Events If there is an area that needs some attention it is Fraternal Benefits. There are only two councils that have met their FBE goals for 2025-2026. Please work with your Field Agent to schedule these events. The GK and DGK should schedule time, independently, to meet with the field agent as well. I will have a discussion
at the state mid-year meeting with our general and field agents to see what we can do here in the Cleveland Diocese. If you are hosting an event, please let me know so that we can make it available to other councils. District Deputies Our field force continues to lead the state in visitations to your councils. Being down a couple of DDs has not helped but I want you to know that we are here to help. Please reach out to us. We are trying to schedule time to visit. If you have not seen your DD at least once this year, please let me know so we can address that. Overall The Cleveland Diocese continues to lead the way in many categories at the state level. We have a strong team of District Deputies and Diocesan Staff that are willing, able, and ready to help you at a moments notice. Super Cash Bonanza Roadshow will be on Saturday, February 7, 2026. We will be broadcasting from St. Ladislas in Westlake. We are still looking for locations on the East and South side of the diocese to host a watch party. Please contact me if you are interested. God Bless, Jim
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OHIO CHARITY FOUNDATION
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JANUARY 2026
2025-2026 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Thank you to Past State Deputy, Robert F. Collins, Jr. for chairing the Ohio Charity Foundation Scholarship Committee. The Committee met and evaluated nearly 200+ applications to determine those students deserving of the a scholarship. The winners for the Cleveland Diocese are listed below. Jim Maslach, State Secretary, will be making arrangements with the schools, students, and parents for the distribution in January 2026. The next opportunity for scholarships will be September 2026. Look for an email from the Ohio State Council and the school with more information. Award Winner
High School
Year
John Devine
Archbishop Hoban
Junior
Max Gursky
Archbishop Hoban
Sophomore
Breah Hurley
Archbishop Hoban
Freshmen
Margaret Koch
Archbishop Hoban
Freshmen
Rebecca Nauman
Archbishop Hoban
Junior
Maximillian Seifried
Archbishop Hoban
Freshmen
Emily Currid
Gilmour Academy
Senior
Trinity Swinehart
St. Vincent-St. Mary
Senior
Emily Londarsky
Walsh Jesuit
Senior
The Ohio Charity Foundation, Inc. provides numerous $1,000 scholarships for Ohio Catholic students (grades nine through twelve) attending Catholic High Schools in Ohio. The requirements that will be considered for this scholarship are the student’s and families financial need, a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher, academic awards, community and/or parish involvement, and extracurricular activities. Preference may be given to students who are sons or daughters of a Knight of Columbus member in good standing; or a son or daughter of a deceased member. We have a particular desire to help students, who may be considering a religious vocation, stay in a Catholic High School to foster and encourage that calling. No more than one Foundation scholarship per Catholic High School will be awarded. Scholarships from other donations and private sources may also be made available. For more information, visit ohiocharityfoundation.org.
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FAITH FORMATION
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JANUARY 2026
EVANGLEIZATION & FAITH FORMATION starting a COR group with your Council, please contact me at any time at kofcclevelandeff@gmail.c om, . Also, you can visit www.kofc.org/COR for more information.
Hello and Happy New Year Brother and Sir Knights of the Cleveland Diocese! This is Ty Tyjewski, your Cleveland Diocesan Coordinator of Evangelization and Faith Formation. It is my sincere hope that you and your families had a blessed and safe Christmas season and a happy New Year! 2025 Showed tremendous growth in Faith formation and Councils starting COR groups across the Cleveland Diocese. But before we get into that, as always, some housekeeping items: •
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Now, lets kick-off 2026 with a question … Is It’s a happy new year or just another year ?
all the nations”. And even later on in the New Testament, With Saints Timothy and Titus, they went to the surrounding cities such as Corinth, Philippi ,and Thessalonica. In other words the letters of St Paul to Timothy and Titus were instructions on how to break out of our own comfort zone and o out into lesser known areas to evangelize and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why Is this important you might ask? St Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus laid the instructional pastoral groundwork on how to evangelize. These letters, Known as the Pastoral Epistles, explain The Foundational Guidance on Church Leadership, Organization, and Evangelization. In other words this was the “How-To Guide” On how to evangelize for the second generation of apostles.
Our Pastor At St. Ambrose in Brunswick gave a great homily on this question. Is this new Year going to be an opportunity for us to get out of our comfort zone and really evangelize to others, Or is it going to be the same old thing ; Talking to the same group of men at the same times, With little or even no evangelization taking place. Brother knights, Many evangelical leaders have said that brother hood moves at the speed of relationships. How do we foster brotherhood? If you have not already Through evangelization. In Now some of you might be done so, please make last month’s article I covered asking “Brother Ty why is sure your Council’s the importance of this so important”? Great E.F.F. Director has question. The answer is registered. This ensures evangelization and some simply this: We have the that your Councils E.F.F. very practical ways to opportunity to evangelize Director receives updates evangelize to those all around us, even on a daily literally every day. We have and communications the opportunity to share the from Supreme regarding basis. gospel with men all around Training, content and The first and foremost us; And COR is the perfect more. If you are an Mission of a Christian man way to gather men together, E.F.F. Director for your is to evangelize and bring to share, explore, and grow Council, and have not registered yet, please go other men into the fold of our in our Faith. Lord and Savior Jesus to Christ. We all know the That’s all for this month Info.kofc.org/EFFgreat Commission as stated Brother Knights. Thank you onboarding-LP to in the Gospel of our Lord again and Vivat Jesus! register. according to Matthew, “go If you, or anyone you forth And make disciples of Ty know, are interested in
The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, which is celebrated on January 3.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of January 2026 For prayer with the Word of God. Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.
Blessed be His Holy Name. This item 12538 digitally provided courtesy of CatholicCulture.org
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GROWTH
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JANUARY 2026
GROWTH REPORT 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.
the eMember Prospect, after 30 days, please notify your District Deputy and myself. I will move the eMember from your Council and they will no longer appear on your Council Prospect Tab in Member Management. As your Diocesan Growth Please do not reject the Worthy District Deputy, Coordinator, I receive any Prospect, I will reassign Grand Knight, Financial State eForm-100 the eMember Prospect. Secretary, Council communication for review This Membership Director and and validation. will allow the Prospect to Fraternal Leader, be reassigned and Reminder, any new or available to another Happy New Year. Please existing transfers Council's Prospect tab in continue to invite men to requires the Signature of the future. learn about the Knights both incoming Council and encourage them to Financial Secretary and If you have any questions sign up; First year is still the Grand Knight. The about eMembership, free via Council should Prospect Tab, Church BLESSEDMCGIVNEY also inform their Field Drives or anything code. Agent of the new or dealing with Member transferring member. Management, please feel Please note at time of free in reaching out to me. publication incentive (this Although this has been may change once the provided as a service to Fraternally yours, January District Deputy the Councils; Supreme Teran Taggart meeting concludes at the and State strongly beginning of the month), recommends using there is one active Member Management for Membership incentive: any Fraternal administration; it is Shining Armor Award – quick, easy and accurate. 11 Month Challenge: The If you need assistance first 100 completed with Member Shining Armor Award Management and cards turned into the using the CANDIDATE State Growth Director, or PROSPECT tab, feel will have their pins paid free in reaching out to me. for by the State Council and they will be entered Unless there are into a drawing to win extenuating $100. These pins will be circumstances, Councils, purchased by the State please do not expend any and sent to the Grand further energy on Knight for presentation at contacting eMember the council. Anyone that Prospects; If the sends in their completed Council has made a good Shining Armor Award faith effort in contacting
GROWTH FOR 2025-2026 As of January 3, 2026 Ohio July 1: 55,836 Ohio Growth: 875 (44.71%) % Growth: 1.57% Cleveland July 1: 7,539 Cleveland Growth: 148 (42.35%) % Growth: 1.96% % 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 (23.53%) 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. 10936 Fr. Maruskin, 4847 Brunswick (9) 4. 18565 St. Elizabeth, 4130 Garfield Heights (8) TOP-5 DISTRICTS 1. 2. 3. 4.
DD #20 DeWitt Gober (37) DD #25 Mike Rauh (15) DD #24 Tom Donovan (14) DD #27 Tim Daley, DD #30 Jerry Nowesnick (13)
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LIFE
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JANUARY 2026
Pray Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
Reflect More than three years after the hard-won reversal of Roe v. Wade, the tragic effects of five decades of nationwide abortion on demand largely remain. States reflect a patchwork of different laws defending or violating the right to life, yet abortion is legal in most of them. This fall voters in a number of states will face referendums on abortion, and the future of preborn children may be determined at the ballot box. At the national level, Congress acted heroically last year in largely defunding Planned Parenthood of federal taxpayer dollars. Yet the victory has been caught in a web of lawsuits. While the White House has restored multiple key pro-life policies, challenges remain, including the increased use of abortion pills. Continuing work is urgently needed to protect children, women, and families from the tragedy of abortion. Whether we reside in states with pro-life or pro-abortion policies, we are presented with opportunities and responsibilities to continue building a culture that welcomes, celebrates, and protects human life. Our prayer and action are essential to maintaining policies that protect life, where they exist, and preventing the spread of policies that lead to more abortions. As we once again mark the solemn anniversary of Roe v. Wade this January, recalling the tens of millions of lives that have been lost to abortion, may we recommit ourselves to the cause of life. In addition to our efforts to protect human life in law, we must redouble our efforts to serve women facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, offering them the compassionate support they need to lovingly welcome the gift of their children. We must do whatever we can in every sphere to ensure that life is welcomed, and mothers are supported. Act (Choose one.) • • • •
Sign up to join Catholics across the country in praying for the end to all abortion during the 9 Days for Life novena from January 16-24. Participate in a local, state, or national pro-life event during the month of January to advocate and pray for the protection of preborn life. (Check with your parish and diocese for information about events in your area.) Connect with your pastor to display pro-life materials in your parish. Visit our Respect Life Store for printed materials. Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month's intention.
One Step Further Get updates on state issues by signing up to receive information from your state Catholic conference or diocesan Respect Life office.
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LEADERSHIP
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JANUARY 2026
DISTRICT LEADERS • •
Welcome to 2026. A New year for Charity, Fraternity and Unity! Hopefully all DDs, their families and councils are celebrating a Joyous Christmas Season. Now that the celebrations are dying down its time to get back to work. A few important dates are upon us: • •
January 5 Due date for DD Expense reports for Oct, Nov and Dec 2025 January 9 to 11 Annual District Deputy Meeting in Columbus ( All
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DDs will be bringing back lots of good ideas and incentives for the rest of the year Don’t forget to ask them. January 23 Cleveland Diocese Annual Clergy Night at the Center for Pastoral Leadership. There is limited Seating so register now with our State Secretary Jim Maslach so you don’t get shut out. Of course invite your parish Priests and Deacons. Its still only $35 per Knight. The Clergy of the Year is awarded at this event. January 31 Survey of Fraternal Activity is due It can be submitted online. See our Ohio State Council website for details. NO Semi annual Audit is required this year for Feb 15 Supreme now only requires one audit. It is due August 15 each year. Feb 6 7 8 State council SCB Kick off. Stay tuned for exact dates and location in the Cleveland Diocese. March 7 or 8 Regional Basketball free throw contest. Venue and exact date to be determine.
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
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
District Deputy
Grand Knight
Financial Secretary
Schedule your district midyear meeting. This should be held as soon as possible after your jurisdiction midyear meeting. Our recommended agenda will ensure your meeting is effective and efficient.
Make plans to attend yours district midyear meeting and ensure that all of your key council officers are able to attend.
The Member Billing section of Officers Online provides an easy and costeffective way for councils to process dues assessments. Your council can save time and money by using this tool. Learn more by watching our short tutorials.
Every council must submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) by January 31. This short training video explains the simple process of online submission. Please share this information with your councils and follow up to ensure your district has 100% compliance. Midyear meetings serve as a great reset point in the fraternal year. Please help by spearheading the collection of essential Cor council data, specifically: Council EFF Director Submission Form Cor Quarterly Report Form
The Founders' Award and Star Council Award require councils to promote and participate in two fraternal benefit seminars. In order to ensure your council is properly credited, it is essential that you complete the Fraternal Benefits Familiarize yourself with the Faith in Action programs form reference guide and share it with your programs team.
Send the Individual Member Worksheet (#1728A) to council members for reporting their volunteer hours and charitable donations made during the year on behalf of your council. This information is necessary for completion of the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (#1728) due January 31.
4th Degree The Fourth Degree will host the next training session in January. District Master and Assembly quarterly training will be on January 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM EST: "Programs that activate and motivate your assembly members." We will invite the Vice Supreme Masters, District Masters, Marshals, and ALL Assembly Officers to this meeting. District Masters can email any questions to: Michael J. Porter, Fourth Degree Director of Training: MJPKNIGHT9282@AOL.COM
Please ensure that Council EFF Directors are given dedicated time at council meetings and an appropriate budget allocation.
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A very Happy and Blessed New Year to you and your families. May this year bring you health, peace, and joy that we receive from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
be no reservations at the door. Reservations close on FRIDAY, JANUARY Thank you to all the 16, 2026. members and families for Contact any coming to our Annual Chapter Christmas Party back in Officer for December. I am sorry that I more was not able to attend due to information a State commitment, but a or see the very special thank you to Vice flyer. President Tom Donovan for organizing and overseeing The second the event. We will be looking event is on at the date for 2026 and try MONDAY, to schedule so that it does not JANAURY interfere with schedules. 26, 2026 where we Our meeting this month will will be be on FRIDAY, JANUARY having a 16, 2026 at 4130 Garfield and Knight with the will be available via Zoom starting at 6:30 PM with an Cavaliers. Exemplification of Charity, Join us for a Unity, and Fraternity. This family night is NOT our normal date. The out as the State Mid-Year Meeting is on Cavaliers our normal date and since will take on both Tom and I are attending the Orlando that, we will need to move Magic. See the flyer on page the meeting. Same time, 12 for more information. The same sandbox—just a cost is only $39 each. Looking forward to seeing different day. you at the game. There are two key events coming up in January that All Chapter events and you need to know about. meetings are open to all First, is our Annual Clergy members of the Knights of Appreciation Dinner. There Columbus in the Cleveland is a flyer on page 10, but the Diocese and District cost is $35 per seat. There Deputies. Each Chapter are seven (7) seats per a table meeting starts with a Rosary (on average). The Chapter is and usually a short meeting to go over upcoming events picking up the cost for the seminarians and CPL staff in across the diocese. Please attendance. YOU MUST join us. You will be glad you PRE-REGISTER. There will did!
Jim Maslach Chapter President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Vice President td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
I look forward to seeing all of you at our next meeting on the 16th, at Clergy night, and the Cavs game. Have a great month.
Martin Steward Chapter Secretary martinasteward@gmail.com
Vivat Jesus, Jim
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
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PROGRAMS
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JANUARY 2026
KNIGHTS IN ACTION Want to Increase Your Super Cash Bonanza Rebate?
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 If interested please contact Bud Tetzlaff at for the Youngstown and Cleveland chapters. One of the budtetzlaff@aol.com for more details of the program. We had original bunk houses still stands. My dad was an original a total of 8 councils in the program last year and combined member. Is there someone who might be able to help with sold over 13,000 tickets at Giant Eagle, all for charity. this? It would be great to find some photos. Thanks very much. Harry Sigmier (harry_signier@progressive.com) 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.
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PROGRAMS
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JANUARY 2026
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
To Martin and Jeanette Steward, PGK Lakewood Council 2643 and Chapter Secretary on the birth of Edmund Phillip Steward. Mom and Baby are doing well. 14
PROGRAMS
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JANUARY 2026
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
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PROGRAMS
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JANUARY 2026
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
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TRAINING
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JANUARY 2026
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. Fraternal Trainers provide officer training at both the district and council level, online and in-person. To sign up for training sessions from Supreme, visit the state website (www.kofcohio.org) under FOR MEMBERS and scroll down to Training Opportunities or click the registration links below. Also, check out the additional training opportunities on the state website under FOR MEMBERS. There is state specific training for eMembership and Member Management and Billing. There is also a link to Supreme’s Fraternal Video Library that is full of answers to your everyday questions. 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.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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JANUARY 2026
DIOCESAN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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DIOCESAN INFO
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JANUARY 2026
STATE & DIOCESAN DIRECTORY 1580 Gelhot Dr #234 mfelerski@icloud.com Fairfield, OH 45014
State Deputy
Mike Felerski
Immediate Past State Deputy Support Our Seminarians
Jeff Kiliany
559 Walnut St Leetonia, jtktg@yahoo.com OH 44431
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 tonyoffenberger@gmail.com Rd, Lowell, OH 45744
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
Growth Coordinator
Teran Taggart
440-665-4078
adm5893@yahoo.com
Past State Deputy (2015-17)
Robert Collins, Jr
216-410-7174
rfcollinsjr@gmail.com
Past State Deputy (2003-05)
Roland Bator
330-225-7354
rbator4591@msn.com
General Agents
Jason Staas John Spencer
800-484-0304 740-444-9632
jason.staas@kofc.org john.spencer@kofc.org
Diocesan EFF Coordinator
Ty Tyjewski
440-867-4503
kofceffcleve@gmail.com
State Website Director
Tom Buehner
216-554-0722
tom.buehner@gmail.com
District Deputy #19
3213, 3410, 4664, 14111, Tom Goodhart
330-773-9379
MLTRG@ATT.NET
District Deputy #20
637, 774, 3269, 4891, 7970, 8369
DeWitt Gober
440-541-3317
DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #21
4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376
John Brown
330-610-0308
trouter0523@gmail.com
District Deputy #22
733, 2643, 4217, 18527, 18565
Robert Walsh
216-533-1134
rewalsh731@aol.com
District Deputy #23
947, 3304, 14714, 15942
OPEN OPPORTUNITY, IF INTERESTED CONTACT TOM DONOVAN OR JIM MASLACH
DD Coordinator / District Deputy #24
4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769
Tom Donovan
District Deputy #25
216-650-4213
TD3430@ATT.NET
2362, 3529, 5613, 10936, Mike Rauh 13517
330-256-3038
MIKERAUH58@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #26
3970, 14406, 15056, 15614, 16137, 16279
Ron Snyder
216-396-1200
SNYDERCRESTON@AOL.CO M
District Deputy #27
2886, 3164, 4498, 4801, 5405, 13755
Tim Daley
216-486-1298
tdaley1861@aol.com
District Deputy #30
547, 14054, 14255, 14551
Bill Christner
330-604-7189
williamchristner16@gmail.com
District Deputy #31
2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831
Jerry Nowesnick
440-336-0039
nowesnick@gmail.com
District Deputy #33
310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737
George Metz
440-449-0081
georgegmetz@aol.com
20