A UNIQUE PRIEST
This past Founder’s Day, March 29, we remembered the time in 1882 when the Connecticut legislature approved the charter of the newly formed Knights of Columbus, and honored the foresight, planning and unique spiritual genius of Father McGivney. So many things could have gone wrong in gathering men together in a common faith and mission, as fallen human nature and good intentions gone awry can derail most any earthly project.
Indeed, the path was not smooth for Father McGivney even after the K of C was formed. At one point, he wrote, “the Order I was endeavoring to establish fell back almost lifeless but not dead.” It was far from surprising that a new organization would face challenges and roadblocks in the anti-Catholic atmosphere of 19th-century America. The truly notable fact is that Father McGivney was able to persevere amid these issues due to his unique character marked by an indomitable will and the gracious heart of a Good Samaritan.
priests in the United States at the time, why was Father McGivney the one to found the Knights of Columbus on such a firm footing that it continues to thrive today around the world in charity, unity and fraternity?
Today, we reap the benefits of such a strong and sympathetic character, a character that helps answer this deep and revealing question: Of all the
The Guild welcomes your answers to this key question that we are pondering more and more as we work toward Blessed Michael McGivney’s
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
hoped-for canonization. Please write to us to express what Father McGivney means to you. How has he touched your life or the lives of your loved ones? What would you like for him to pray for on your behalf? Would you wish to offer thanks for a favor you believe you received through his intercession?
Through the many heartfelt petitions and reported favors we receive at the Guild, we are confident in the powerful intercession of the blessed founder of the Knights of Columbus, who, from his place in eternity, has shown particular care for those of us seeking help in the following areas: 1) loss of jobs and employment; 2) family finances; 3) family reconciliation; 4) overcoming addiction; 5) conversion and return to the Catholic faith, and 6) recovery from serious illness.
Whatever your care, concern or question, the Guild would like to hear from you, at guild@kofc.org.
Thank you!
(2026), “A Unique Priest,” Father McGivney Guild Newsletter, pg 1 and 4
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
May is here and it is a month that we dedicate to the our Mother, the Virgin Mary. Mary has always been an inspiration to so many. She is and stands for so many things to us as Knights of Columbus.
The Virgin Mary stands at the heart of Catholic faith as a model of humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in God. Her quiet strength and total selfgift remind believers that true greatness is found not in power or recognition, but in faithful service. Mary provides both inspiration and direction for our work as Knights in our councils, parishes, and communities.
Mary’s life is marked by courageous “yes” moments most profoundly at the Annunciation, when she accepted God’s will without fully knowing what lay ahead. This spirit of faithful obedience mirrors the call of the Knights of Columbus to serve God, family, and community with integrity and courage. Just as Mary responded to God with trust, we Knights are invited to respond to the needs around us with generosity, even when sacrifice is required.
The Virgin Mary is also a powerful image of charity and compassion. Her presence at key moments at the Visitation, the wedding at Cana, and at the foot of the Cross shows her attentiveness to human need and suffering. We are known for our commitment to charity, evident in their service to the poor, defense of the vulnerable, and support for parish life. In Mary, we see a reminder that true charity flows from love rooted in faith, not obligation.
As the Mother of Christ and our spiritual mother, she embodies care, protection, and nurturing love. The Our Order emphasizes the importance of family, particularly the role of fathers as spiritual leaders. Mary’s example encourages all Knights to approach leadership not with dominance, but with selfless love, patience, and responsibility placing the good of others before themselves.
Mary’s enduring faith at the Cross speaks powerfully to the perseverance expected of Knights. Even in sorrow and uncertainty, she remained steadfast. In a world marked by moral
challenges and division, we are called to stand firm in our faith, guided by Mary’s example of hope and trust in God’s promises.
It is clear that Mary is not only honored by the Knights but actively shapes our identity. Her life challenges us to live out our principles with humility, courage, charity, and fidelity serving God by serving others, just as she did.
As we look to finish out the 2025-2026 fraternal year, visions of the 20262027 start to dance in our heads.
Many councils should be into their officer elections by this point. Please look to conclude those by June 15th. Make arrangements with your District Deputy for the installation of officers. This is a very powerful opportunity for the officers, members, and families to see and understand the commitment we as leaders undertake.
I would like to announce the newest council in the state of Ohio, Council #18892 University of Akron. This has been another council in development for the past couple of years. The council meets at St. Bernard’s Newman Center and will work closely with Council 547 Akron on projects. This is a win-win for both councils and for the parish. Thank you to the current and former Diocesan Staff, State College Coordinator Erol Hosdil, and Supreme College Coordinator Matthew Salmone for putting this together.
As of today, 34 councils out of the 69 active are attending the state convention in Columbus. Even though this is not an election year, there are some very important issues and resolutions that deserve your attention now and for the future. Registration closes on Friday, May 8, if you are planning to attend. The GK and PGK are delegates per the By-Laws for the Ohio State Council. Visit www.kofcohio.org under ACTIVITIES -> State Convention 2026 for more information. I would love to see 100% participation from the our Diocese!
Lastly, there is so much going on at this time of the year. Please make sure you wish all the mothers in your life a very Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day.
Vivat Jesus,
Jim
EVANGLEIZATION & FAITH FORMATION
Monthly Message from the State Chaplain
Father
John
Paul
Walker
O.P.
Each month
Father covers some aspect of our Catholic faith. In this video, Father continues to
reflect upon and shares information about Confession.
In this month's installment, Father discusses the Sacrament of MatrimonyHoly Marriage. Father begins by discussing what a sacrament actually IS. In marriage, two people become one. God connects two people at the level of the soul. Father also discusses the requirements and obligations of the
Sacrament.
Visit the official YouTube Channel of your Ohio State Council and watch. Consider sharing and discussing Father's message at council meetings or family gathering. Thank you and God Bless each of you!
Visit www.kofcohio.org under FOR MEMBERS!
The month of May is dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary. BREAKING BREAD WITH BROTHERS AND BRETHREN IS BIBLICAL!
This time of year is among the busiest for the K of C. There’s so much happening around our home parishes and our Diocese! But before we get into the insanity of spring, lets take care of a couple “Housekeeping” items:
We encourage councils to ensure that the Council EFF Director is registered with Supreme. This keeps your Council “on the radar” for training and content updates from the Supreme Council. Visit the state website to register.
Currently, there are 16 councils with a registered EFF Director. I will be meeting with more Councils this month! The
Cleveland Diocese continues to steadily grow. Your hard work and dedication continues to keep the Cleveland Diocese among the top in our great State! A great big THANK YOU for all that you do to Spread the Gospel of our Lord to Men across our area!
For some of us, being a Knight is extremely busy during this time of year. For 4th degree Sir Knights, its even more so! Turnouts for Confirmations, 1st Communions, Easter Holiday, Weddings, Baptisms, and Exemplifications, the list goes on and on! I look at these gatherings in different way. Yes, as Knights, we are serving our parishes, our diocese, and beyond. In doing so, we get to see and re-connect with our Brothers. The Smiles and laughing when catching up and sharing stories, the handshakes and “Bro- Hugs” as I like to call it, can make a long road trip
well worth it. But even further, there’s usually 1 main thing in common at different types of Liturgical and K of C gatherings … the opportunity to break bread together.
Occasionally at some these gatherings, the “bread” is, shall we say, “less than desirable.” Not that we are not grateful by any means, but we all at some point or another, have stopped at a local establishment on the way back to the hotel, or on the road back home! But there is a point to this: At almost every meeting that Jesus had with his Disciples, there was always food. Food was, and continues to be, a way of sharing with our family and friends. A reason to gather, to re-connect, and to catch up on … well, life. Gathering around food gives us the opportunity to share, to listen, and to grow.
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The Easter season is represented by the liturgical color white the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored). The season ends on Pentecost, May 24. The remainder of the month (beginning the Monday after Pentecost) is in Ordinary Time which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of May 2026
For the use of the new technologies: Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
You are all-beautiful, O Mary! You are the glory, you are the joy, you are the honor of our people!
Thank you for your continued efforts in recruiting men to the order. Please continue to invite men to learn about the Knights and encourage them to join; First year is still free via BLESSEDMCGIVNEY code.
GROWTH REPORT
the Saturday of the Ohio State Convention, at which time the two drawings will be held.
money and support a worthwhile Life cause.
GROWTH FOR 2025-2026
As of May 2, 2026
Currently there is one active Membership incentive.
Shining Armor Award – 5 Month Challenge: The first 100 completed Shining Armor Award cards turned into the State Growth Director, will have their pins paid for by the State Council and they will be entered into a drawing to win $100. These pins will be purchased by the State and sent to the Grand Knight 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
Although Supreme Spring incentive has ended, any Council who recruited three new members during February 1st and March 31st AND donates at least $500 through the ASAP program any time during the 2025-2026 fraternal year will receive an additional $250 for the pregnancy resource center or maternity home they supported. 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 those qualifying Councils who have recruited three new members during February 1st and March 31st but not contributed yet, please contact your District Deputy for assistance. Supreme rarely provides or sets aside money to be matched. Please take advantage of this free
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.
Save the date, During the month of June (Monday June 8th, 15th and 22nd) Diocesan staff will present virtually, information on the on the latest Growth Program or the "Brandon Chambers Process." Although there are similarities to the Supreme Delta Church Drive, there are distinct differences which will be highlighted. Please stay tuned for more information via email, the State website or your District Deputy.
I receive any State eForm -100 communication for review and validation. Reminder, any new or existing transfers requires the Signature of both incoming Council Financial Secretary and the Grand Knight. The (Continued on page 12)
Ohio July 1: 55,836
Ohio Growth: 1,736 (90.84%)
% Growth: 3.11%
Cleveland July 1: 7,539
Cleveland Growth: 310 (97.12%)
% Growth: 4.11%
% 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 (35.29%)
2. 18527 Chariots of Fire (15.00%)
3. 11834 SS Cosmas & Damian/ OLOG (10.67%)
4. 16137 St. Charles Borromeo (10.17%)
5. 4217 Trinity (8.43%)
TOP-5 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS Excluding New Councils
1. 3269 Fr. Ragan (21)
2. 774 Elyria, 14551 St. Hilary (14)
3. 10936 Fr. Maruskin, 4168 Medina (13)
4. 310 Glimour, 4847 Brunswick, 18565 St. Elizabeth of Hungary (13)
TOP-5 DISTRICTS
1. DD #20 DeWitt Gober (50)
2. DD #22 Robert Walsh (31)
3. DD #24 Tom Donovan (30)
4. DD #32 Jim Maslach (26)*
5. DD #25 Mike Rauh (25)
* - Started New Council 18892 University of Akron
The flowers are blooming as we begin May as are out Districts and Councils.
DISTRICT DEPUTIES
This month is our State convention at the Columbus Hilton Easton At the convention we celebrate our accomplishments, renew old friendships and even come home with a few ideas to make our Distircts and Councils continue to thrive.
There is still time to become a Star District or Star Council.
A Council needs to:
1. Earn the McGivney Growth Award. We have 2 months left to recruit) Your Kof C agent is available to assist you.
2. Earn the Founders Award, hold 2 FBEs and have minimum attendance. There is an online FBE on May19 register now hold a watch party, work with your KofC agent, or work with your agent to held an FBE at your Council.
3. Earn the Columbian Award by filing your SP-7 ( record of your programs). Your DD is waiting to assist you.
4. Your council must have achieved Youth Protection. The new Supreme website is easy to navigate to the required Youth protection site.
5. File your 185, 365 1728 and 1295 as required.
Accomplish the above steps and YOU are a STAR Council Our District and State teams stand by to assist all councils achieve STAR!
DDs will be reviewing the council Star Status this month with their GKs.
A few important dates to consider:
The Sacred Heart Icon in currently traveling in our Diocese. Inform your councils of this devotion and schedule with your DD. It will be in District 32 until May 8th It concludes it journey in District 33 form May 8 through June 12th. The District DDs should contact each other to transfer the Icon. The Schedule can be found on the State website.
The Silver Rose Icon will be in our Diocese on June 25 to 29th. St Adalbert Council 15901 hosted the Silver Rose this past year then participated in a Pilgrimage to the final Destination of the Silver Rose Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine in Mexico City Mexico this past month I was fortunate to accompany them Will your council be the next to be inspired by The Silver Rose?
Please contact me or our State Warden Stew Vetter to reserve. This Silver Rose comes to us from the Toledo Diocese and we will hand it off to the Youngstown Diocese. Last year District wide devotions were held to maximize its exposure. The Current Silver tour includes:
• July 25 Open
• July 26 @ St. Bernadette 16376 (Westlake)
• July 27 @ South Akron 3410
• July 28 @ Charles Reymann 4664 (Akron)
May 22 -24 Ohio State K of C Convention at the Hilton Easton, Columbus Ohio. Registration in now open I am looking forward to see you all in Columbus.
Finally, as we enter our final quarter of this Fraternal year, it is time to reflect on our many successes as well as areas where we can do better. Did you enjoy your year as DD? Are you onboard for FY26-27? Know any Knights who wish to join the DD Ranks? Have them contact me or our State Secretary, Jim Maslach, for more information.
Vivat Jesus
Tom Donovan, PGK,PFN, FDD Cleveland Diocese DDC Td3430@att.net
COUNCIL MESSAGE
Officially Launched: Guard, Grow, Give: Financial Literacy for Catholics
It’s official! We have launched Guard, Grow, Give a compelling 30minute video program designed to help Catholic families:
Rooted in the founding vision of Blessed Michael McGivney, this program connects financial stewardship with our Catholic calling to care for our families and serve others.
This plug and play program is designed to be used as an FBE, at council meetings, during pre-cana classes, and more. Find all of the support materials that you need to host a session on the supply store: Marketing -> Featured Items -> Guard. Grow. Give. Financial Literacy
Ready to host a screening? Get access to the full video by reaching out to jason.staas@kofc.org with your request.
The Role of Your Field Agent
Hello, Worthy Grand Knight, Grand Deputy Knight, and District Deputy:
I hope this message finds you well. Part of my role and job as field agent is to schedule time to meet so we can discuss the membership packet and presentation for new, insured, and associate members and to introduce myself and get to know the council more in detail. Secondly, I wanted to see if we could schedule a Fraternal Benefit Event by the end of June 30th and lastly could you please notify me of any exemplifications that the council has going forward. If you have any other ideas or concerns that we can discuss, I would be interested in hearing what you have to say. Look forward to some dates and times soon.
As we stat to wind down the Fraternal Year, I took the liberty to look back at the 2025-2026 Chapter Year. It certainly has been a challenging year but, likely the phoenix, we will come out of this stronger.
Thank you to all the attendees to the 2026 Nuns and Ladies Appreciation Dinner. There were a lot of conversations and we shared in some great food.
Something new this year, we are hosting a Summer KickOff Potluck Picnic in lieu of our June Meeting. Join us for some food, fun, and fraternity. You and your families are welcome to join us RAIN OR SHINE. The chapter will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings. We are asking you to bring a side dish, chips, or dessert to share. If you have any fun yard games, please feel free to bring them. We will have seating outside, if the weather cooperates, and inside. If the Guardians are on, we may get the game on the big screen! Please RSVP with Jim or any of the Chapter officers so we can plan the food.
One of the things the Chapter officers are looking to do in June is plan our calendar for 2026-2027. Are participation has been down this year for a number of events and then add the complexity of NE Ohio weather. So, we are looking to change things up and we WANT your opinions.
If you have an event or idea that would be a great Chapter or Diocesan event, please let us know. We want to be there for you.
Speaking of participating in the Chapter, we would like to formally invite ALL 69 active councils in the diocese to be a member of the Chapter. Chapter dues are a minimum and they provide us the operating funds to put on some of our events and meetings. We will be reaching out to all the GKs and FS this summer to join us!
Our next meeting is Friday, May 15, 2026 starting with an Exemplification, Rosary, and Meeting. It will be available via Zoom. We will verify if the hall is available for our meeting. We are moving this one week later due to a 4th degree Exemplification in Ohio District 2 that I am attending.
As always, please feel free to contact any of the Chapter officers with your thoughts and concerns. Vivat Jesus!
Jim Maslach Chapter President kofcjkm@gmail.com 440-785-9838
Tom Donovan Chapter Vice President td3430@att.net 216-650-4213
Martin Steward Chapter Secretary martinasteward@gmail.com
Patrick Graham Chapter Treasurer patrick_graham60@yahoo.c om
Chapter Meetings
Second Friday of Month 7:00 PM Rosary 7:30 PM Meeting Visit www.kofccleveland.org
NEWS & NOTES
Worthy Grand Knight,
As we are preparing for our upcoming 127th Annual Ohio State Convention, I would like to take a moment to explain the importance of reserving your accommodation within the designated host hotel, Hilton Columbus at Easton.
When an organization such as the Knights of Columbus plans a convention, it enters into a contractual agreement with the hotel that is structured around a minimum number of reserved room nights, commonly referred to as a “room block.” This commitment is not arbitrary; it is a key financial mechanism that allows our organization to secure meeting space and essential services at a significantly reduced cost.
Hotels offset the expense of providing meeting rooms, audio/ visual support, staffing, and various amenities by relying on revenue generated from guest room bookings. When the agreed -upon room block is fulfilled, the hotel effectively subsidizes these spaces and services. However, if attendees choose to stay outside the host hotel, the organization risks falling short of its contractual commitment. This can result in substantial financial penalties or the loss of negotiated concessions, ultimately increasing the overall cost of hosting the event. Additionally, staying at the host hotel enhances the overall convention experience. It promotes greater accessibility to sessions and events, encourages fellowship among attendees, and strengthens the sense of community that is central to our gathering.
We strongly encourage all attendees to support the convention by booking within the designated hotel. Your cooperation plays a critical role in making this event both successful and financially responsible. If you are one of many who have reserved a room outside the Hilton Columbus Easton, please help us maintain a successful weekend of fraternity by cancelling those reservations and booking through our group room block: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ cmhchhf-954-c7c9e381-91a1-49bf-8cce-ee6378ff4051/ Thank you for your understanding and continued support!
Fraternally,
Christopher Sarka State Treasurer & Convention Chairman
Weekend Dress Code
• Friday Night and Saturday After Banquet Social –Casual
• Masses, Award Presentation, and Business Session
– Business Casual. Similar to attending Sunday Mass.
• Saturday Banquet – Suit and Tie for the Men, Dress or Pants Suits for Ladies. Think church clothes. If you have a white dinner jacket, go for it.
PRAY
Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be
REFLECT
We live in a culture that idolizes productivity, efficiency, and independence, often measuring a person by what he or she can do. These and other false standards are used to determine whether someone’s life is considered worth living. We may sometimes be tempted to believe that a person’s identity lies in what the world values. But God's love individual, real, unchanging is the true source of our identity. Because His love will never change, nothing can reduce our God-given dignity, and nothing can diminish the immeasurable worth of our lives.
The Gospels recount that Jesus constantly drew close to the blind, the sick, and the lame. We can easily recall the stories of how Christ stooped down to heal the paralytic, the hemorrhaging woman, the leper, and the man born blind, raising them to new life in his love. Jesus shows us that a person’s innate goodness is never diminished by physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities because human dignity is not dependent on ability. Rather, every life is a good and perfect gift, created for an eternal destiny. Looking through the eyes of His love, we can see “in every person his living image” (Evangelium Vitae 83). Every person is a wonder of God’s creation, reflects God
Himself, and has been created for eternal life with Him. Every person, every life is a gift. Let us bear witness to this truth in our words and actions.
Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life), no. 83 © 1995, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
ACT (Choose One)
• Offer “A Prayer for Life” for today’s intention.
• Learn more about the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and their mission to advance the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church and society. Consider one concrete action you can take to make persons with disabilities feel welcome and included in your parish or community.
• Offer some other sacrifice or prayer that you feel called to do for this month's intention.
ONE STEP FURTHER
In a culture that so often judges our worth based on what we can do, produce, or achieve, the beauty of a life lived with disabilities can be difficult to understand. Yet, God assures us that every human life is a precious gift, filled with inherent value, dignity, and worth. A mother of a child with Down syndrome shares her personal experience of witnessing the beauty of life in all circumstances in, “A Perfect Gift.”
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
(Continued from page 4)
In other words, gathering around food gives us a chance to Evangelize. To evangelize in a unique way. Now some of you may be asking, “Brother Ty, that s great and all, but what does that have to do with evangelization”? Great question, thank you for asking!
If you think about it, simply by Gathering around food, we have the opportunity to share our Faith. Whenever we hear of a period of hardship or trouble from someone, we have the opportunity to pray for the ones effected and offer help. Whenever Something good has happened, we can lift up our voices in Thanksgiving for Gods many great and abundant Blessings.
Another time that we gather around food with our families and friends is usually around Holidays. And if im not mistaken,
there is a really BIG Holiday in May …. MEMORIAL DAY! The unofficial start to Summer, and also the unofficial start to Barbecue Season! I can almost smell those hamburgers and Hot Dogs now! We’re obviously grateful for the Holiday off from work, great summertime foods, and even better company, but we also have a tremendous opportunity to evangelize. That being said, I have a challenge for all of you: If you are gathering this Memorial Day weekend, make it a point to share your
Love of God with at least 1 person. Share how God has been working in your Life; maybe a new job opportunity, the birth of a Grandchild, the purchase of a new car, whatever it might be. Share how grateful you are for God Blessings in your Life. Take the opportunity to talk to that 1 relative or family member that you normally don’t talk to and share just 1 thing that you are grateful to God For. Share the light of our Lord and Saviour to just 1 person, and maybe, just maybe, The Light of Christ will shine within them as well.
That’s all now Brothers. I wish all of you and your Families a safe and Blessed May and Memorial Day!
Vivat Jesus!
Ty Tyjewski, Diocesan EFF Director
KNIGHTS IN ACTION
(Continued from page 5)
Council should also inform their Field Agent of the new or transferring member.
Although this has been provided as a service to the Councils; it is recommended using the CANDIDATE or PROSPECT TAB available on Officer's Online via Supreme Website.
If the Council has made a good faith effort in contacting the eMember Prospect, after 30 days, please notify
your District Deputy or myself. I will move the eMember from your Council and they will no longer appear on the Council Prospect Tab.
For clarification, when an eMember Prospect is ASSIGNED to your council, the eMember Prospect is not necessarily available on your Prospect tab. Please contact me if you want the eMember Prospect available on your Council Prospect tab.
Finally, we have 27 councils which only need 3 or less members to achieve the McGivney Award; this has been
traditionally the most difficult Supreme award to achieve in the past, and we have less than 60 days to recruit. We can do this!
If you have any questions about eMembership, Prospect Tab, Church Drives or anything dealing with Member Management, please feel free in reaching out to me.
Fraternally yours,
Teran Taggart
Diocesan Growth Coordinator, DD #28 440-665-4078
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, 18892
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 mlbinvorvati@gmail.com
Growth Coordinator / DD #28 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
Diocesan EFF Coordinator
State Website Director
Jason Staas John Spencer 800-484-0304 740-444-9632
jason.staas@kofc.org john.spencer@kofc.org
Ty Tyjewski 440-867-4503 kofceffcleve@gmail.com
Tom Buehner 216-554-0722 tom.buehner@gmail.com
District Deputy #19 3213, 3410, 4664, 14111, Tom Goodhart 330-773-9379 MLTRG@ATT.NET
District Deputy #20 637, 774, 3269, 4891, 7970, 8369 DeWitt Gober 440-541-3317 DD20GOBER@GMAIL.COM
District Deputy #21 4731, 13984, 14416, 15901, 16373, 16376
John Brown 330-610-0308 trouter0523@gmail.com
District Deputy #22 733, 2643, 4217, 18527, 18565 Robert Walsh 216-533-1134 rewalsh731@aol.com
District Deputy #23 947, 3304, 14714, 15942
OPEN OPPORTUNITY, IF INTERESTED CONTACT TOM DONOVAN OR JIM MASLACH
DD Coordinator / District Deputy #24 4168, 4847, 10792, 11464, 14769 Tom Donovan 216-650-4213 TD3430@ATT.NET
District Deputy #25 2362, 3529, 5613, 10936, 13517 Mike Rauh
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 Bill Christner
District Deputy #31 2803, 4130, 4893, 5106, 5559, 11831 Jerry Nowesnick
District Deputy #33 310, 2726, 8320, 15023, 15737 George Metz
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