AUGUST State Elected Officers

Transcription

1 AUGUST State Elected Officers STATE DEPUTY Bill Doerfler The old saying of Time Goes Fast, wow how true that is. From Sunday April 27 th the morning of my election through Saturday July 11 th of my installation mass, I cannot begin to explain all the emotions: joyous, frightening and frustration and the satisfaction of all the learning I have garnered in that time. Our trip to New Haven, CT for the installation of all the new State Deputies is a totally overwhelming experience. Not knowing what to expect, Terry and I both were pleased and surprised and had a good time at each event that was planned for us. Beginning on Thursday evening clear through Sunday a.m. Mass, we both had a very positive experience. We met so many new friends and look forward to seeing them at the Supreme Convention in Philadelphia. Probably my most proudest moment was my installation at the church where our order began. An experience I will never forget. Each jurisdiction is seated in your own pew (with your state seal emblazoned on the side) in the order of when they came into the Knights of Columbus. We sat in the 6 th pew, just as did all of my predecessors, the past state deputies of Illinois. What a feeling that was. Following the installation (executed to the ninth) we were treated to a full pancake breakfast in the basement of the church. It was such a great time being with the newly installed, those that have already served 1 year, our wives, & with all the Supreme officers and their staff. There s so much more to share but space doesn t allow. 1

2 After getting back to Illinois, I hit the ground running. Phone calls, s, texts, & the mail, oh so much more mail. My mailman Dave usually greets me at the door, because it won t fit inside the box. So you see, I don t get much time at my other office the golf course. I ve been working diligently to make Illinois a successful jurisdiction as best as I can, but without EVERYONES support, work & devotion, we will not succeed. It takes EACH ONE OF YOU to make it happen. With everyone s input & energy, we can be a huge success. I thank each of you in advance for what you re already doing & will continue to do to make a successful year for Illinois. Our meetings in Lisle gave each of us a great jumpstart on the beginning of a great Fraternal year. Beginning with our Friday night party, Family Reunion, everyone being proud of their diocese, but yet realizing ILLINOIS is one family. We support each other emotionally, financially, & physically whenever a need is shown by a brother Knight or his family. Each of us truly need to be proud to be an Illinois Knight of Columbus. With the momentum building through Saturday s meetings, then the mass of installation with Bishop Siegel, Father Chuck Tuttle & my home pastor, Fr Ed Howe. The word family was truly present within us personally & fraternally. Terry & I felt very fortunate that our teen music group provided the music for the mass & our sons, daughter-in-laws & 4 grandsons, plus my mom, presented the offertory gifts. The speakers at our banquet kept their focus on what truly being a Knight is & how important it is to keep our focus on God. When we put it in God s hands, watch how fast His momentum is!! Sunday morning s meetings were inter-active, enjoyable & hopefully informative. What can I say about the choreographed presentation by Jeff Peters & his supporting cast? If that didn t get you pumped up, you must have been cat napping. WAY TO GO, JEFF!!!!!! We hope you had a good experience at the District Deputies Meetings in Lisle, Terry & I sure did. Thanks to all who attended the events. A huge thank you to all the people that made it all come together, without all of you, none of it would have happened. It was much appreciated. Look forward to more to come in December in Normal. Let s keep the momentum going. Remember the state elected & appointed are at your disposal (within reason & distance) and they are willing to help you when needed. Remember, Lead Me, Guide Me, LORD Bill STATE CHAPLAIN Most Rev. Joseph M. Siegel Dear Brother Knights, Now that another Fraternal Year is underway, we know that we have many tasks ahead of us to build up our Order so that as Knights we might better serve God through our service to his Church, our families, our brothers, the needy and our country. As we move forward, we are also aware of challenges and threats that our Church and our Order continue to face. Whether it is the redefinition of marriage and the possible repercussions against religious groups and organizations that oppose it, continuing threats to religious freedom such as faced by the Little Sisters of the Poor who are being forced to compromise their consciences with the contraception mandate of Obamacare, or continuing threats against the dignity of human life as revealed in the Planned Parenthood exposé, we see how great is the need to re-evangelize our society. To engage our society and spread the faith we need, first and foremost, Catholic witnesses who are living their faith and proclaiming it in every profession and walk of life. This means calling ourselves and our brother Knights to perform our work in our chosen careers to the highest possible standards and with a Catholic perspective. The state of life in which we find ourselves whether young or old, married or single, raising children or enjoying grandchildren, factory workers or executives, this is the mission territory that God has 2

3 given us. We have to remind ourselves that wherever we find ourselves is where God has called us to proclaim Jesus Christ and the teachings of his Church. I think we need to constantly remind ourselves and our brothers that the greatest love and service we can show to others is to share the Good News that they are loved by God and are offered his salvation. If people of faith, beginning with the Knights of Columbus, have the courage and will to do this, then we can begin to bring Christianity back into our culture. We can have a real impact on our society. ILLOINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION Behold, I stand at the door and knock (Rev. 3:30), Jesus says. Let us strive to open every door in our society to Jesus Christ and his Gospel. May the Lord continue to bless you, your Councils and your efforts in this new Fraternal Year. Vivat Jesus. Bishop Siegel, State Chaplain STATE ASSOCIATE CHAPLAIN Dear Brother Knights and Families, Rev Chuck Tuttle The new Fraternal Year has begun and our State Leadership has recently gathered in Lisle for the Mid-Summer DD/Organizational meeting and has been enlightened, motivated, and challenged for increasing membership, charities and program involvement. Our State Deputy Bill Doerfler s motto for the coming year is Lead me, Guide me, Lord. What a wonderful prayer to begin each day followed by It s a blest day to be a Knight of Columbus and to do great things in Your Name. All that we have and all that we can ever hope to achieve depends on the Lord s presence to us and His saving grace. As we open ourselves up more and more to that grace and presence, we will be amazed by what we are able to accomplish. But we must never forget, it is not us, but the Lord working through us that makes things happen. Eight Knights from Peoria Diocese Recognized at 27th Annual Night of Knights Dinner and ceremonies April 11 hosted by Archbishop Schlarman Council # 3507, Pekin. The honorees included, front row from left: Fr. Stephen A. Willard, Msgr. E. L. Grzybowski Council # 7580, East Peoria; Alexander Henseler, Jr., St. George Council # 3934, Canton; Msgr. Tim Nolan, Archbishop Schlarman Council # 3507, Pekin; and Timothy A. Weidner, Archbishop Schlarman Council # 3507, Pekin. Standing from left are: Earl W. Lee, Father John Menco Council # 6707, Washington; John L. Martin, Spalding Council # 427 Peoria; Dr. Richard L. Phillis, Allouez Council # 658, Rock Island; and John Fruin, Fr. Joseph Boylan, Jr. Council # 15175, Bloomington As I write this letter, many in our State Family are preparing to travel to Philadelphia for the Supreme Convention (August 4-6). These annual Supreme gatherings of brother Knights and their families from all the Jurisdictions is always an uplifting and spirit-filled experience. This year will be especially exciting in anticipation of the Papal Visit of Pope Francis to the United States and Philadelphia in September in conjunction with the World Meeting of Families. The Supreme program, Building the Domestic Church The Family Fully Alive will continue again beginning in October, If your Council did not avail itself to this awesome program, you missed out this past year, but you will now have another opportunity to use its various activities to enhance your Council s programming, charities and membership growth. It is wonderful family oriented program that exemplifies: The family that prays and plays together, stays together. If your Council wisely used this program, you can begin again and expand on the activities with creative planning. Just ask the Lord, to led and guide your inspirations! Vivat Jesus, 3

4 STATE SECRETARY Ted Stites Brothers, The fraternal year is in full swing, and I hope your councils are in the swing of things and getting off to a fast start to a successful year. Our State Deputy Bill Doerfler has chosen the theme, Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord. All of us can do well to recall these words often during these next twelve months. Let the Lord lead you and your councils to greatness. By the time you receive this newsletter, your semi-annual audits will be due. I hope as you read this you can breathe easy knowing you've completed and submitted a very well done audit. The audit should not be looked upon as a need-to-do burden. This is your best method to ensure your council books and membership documentation is in order. Many successful companies require selfinspections to ensure they are in compliance with regulations, and that quality assurance processes are in place. The officers of each council should consider the audit as their self-inspection. If your council was a corporation, would you be able to assure the stockholders and directors that the company is healthy, stable, and profitable? Your members are your stockholders. If your council isn't healthy, they might go looking for another place to invest their time and talents. Please conduct a thorough audit according to the guidelines established by the Supreme Council, and the Laws and Rules of the Order. Thank you for your trust in me by electing me your State Secretary. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at , or at tstiteskc@charter.net. Please keep in mind that I work during the day, so I will not be able to respond to your query until the evening. But if you leave a message, I will respond as quickly as possible. Vivat Jesus! Ted ILLINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION A $25,000 check was presented to Options, now in Godfrey, for an ultrasound machine for their facilities. Past Grand Knight Max Heinz and Godfrey Council 7804 headed fundraising efforts to purchase a new ultrasound machine. Present were: Ted Stites, State Treasurer; Luke Niemeyer, General Agent and Dale Krepel, Field Agent; Al Treichel, Springfield Diocesan Chairman and wife Fran; Ray Meyer and Joe Goulash representing Bethalto, Larry Kulp GK and Mark Droste DGK from Alton, Jeff Krepel GK and Max Heinz PGK from Godfrey and Helen Schwaab from the Godfrey Ladies Auxiliary STATE TREASURER Frank Schwartz fjschwartzjr@ameritech.net Lead me Guide me Lord, our State Deputy s theme should be a call to each of us to do the good works of Charity. Recently the State Officers, DD s and State Leadership were challenged to start the year off quickly by asking a man and his family to join our Order. What has your council done to work on spreading the word of the good works of the Knights of Columbus? As new leaders in your councils how have planned to grow your council to start off the year on a positive note. How have you made your council attractive to a new man, and his family? More importantly how have you let others know that Knights and their families are daily defends our religious freedom and civil liberties? Have you planned picnic, or an outdoor movie night or some other activity so that you are visible? Pope Francis stated be not afraid open the doors of Christ. What has your Council done to be more inviting? Ask yourself and the Lord to Lead and Guide you to do His work and the good works of Charity, by bringing more workers to the Knights of Columbus. Last year Illinois was second in the world with our charitable works, so let s work to make Illinois number 1 in the World in Charities this fraternal year. In closing please make sure the paperwork for your council i.e. the forms 185, 365, DIRI form for Illinois should already be sent in. Please get them in today if that has not already been done. Thank you for your support and electing me as your State Treasurer. My family and I promise to put in the time and effort required to the work that you have entrusted us to do. Vivat Jesus 4

5 STATE ADVOCATE Steve Mann It is often said You can only make a first impression once It is important that that impression is a good one. So it is when the Emblem of the Order is used. The Emblem can only be used for Knights of Columbus functions. It can never be used for Home Association events. The Emblem, when used in conjunction with our charities projects, is an image of our Order that is well received in the public eye. If you have questions on the use of the Emblem of the Order or the name Knights of Columbus in any Council activity, please contact the State Deputy or State Advocate for advisement. Also the name Knights of Columbus can never be used to advertise a Banquet Hall or rental. A Home Association can be a very beneficial ally to a Council but it must never be the guiding force for a Council. Working together, a Council and Home Association can truly exemplify the principles of our Order: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord is our State Deputy s motto. What a wonderful way to start each day by saying those simple words. If you turn your day over to the Lord and let him Lead and Guide you, you will find you will become a better Catholic, a better Knight, and a better person. As you grow, traveling down this path, won t you invite another Catholic man to join you and ask him to become a Brother Knight? Just think how strong your Faith and his Faith will become as you work together supporting our Church, her Priests, and the Order. How proud you will be when, if asked, your answer will be- YES I AM A KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS! ILLINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION Vivat Jesus, Steve Mann, State Advocate STATE WARDEN Gary Daly grdaly@sbcglobal.net Let s Be Successful! As we begin a new fraternal year, I want to thank everyone for electing me to serve as your new State Warden. I look forward to meeting the challenges for the upcoming year. I also look forward for the opportunity to meet and greet many of my fellow Brother Knights and their families throughout the state. During the July District Deputy meeting, I addressed the District Deputies about their Organizational District Meeting and how important it is to be successful. Everyone likes to be on a winning team. Our goal is have our members to be part of the winning team and become successful. We don t fail because we want to fail. We fail, because we don t know how to succeed. Success does not come by mistake, freak luck, or chance. Successful people work out where they are (Point A) and where they want to go (Point B their goal). Once successful people know where they are and where they want to go, they can work out which path they can take to get there the quickest. Next, they walk that path. They can use all of their time, all of their effort and energy to move along that path. They will come up against obstacles but will find ways over them, under them, or through them. They fall, but they get back up again. They fall again, but get back up again. They achieve their goal through perseverance. On our journey through the upcoming year, let s be successful and share the gift of membership with another Catholic family. Always Seek another Knight (ASK). Only through asking can we share the many fraternal benefits of the order. Remember, we are all one family as we walk together during this journey. Feel free to contact any of the state elected or selected officers for guidance. Let us walk together using our State Deputy s theme: Lead Me, Guide Me, LORD. PSD Bill and Jean Spainhour celebrated their 50 th wedding anniversary along with their families (including their Knights of Columbus family). Congratulations!! Fraternally, Garry Daly 5

6 STATE IMMEDIATE PAST STATE DEPUTY Donald Skip Kinyon Brother Knights of Illinois. All you have to do is walk outside and you know what time of year it is, its summer! What a great time for our councils to achieve our membership goal of 1 member per council per month. With the many programs our councils perform each month what a great time to showcase the Illinois Knights of Columbus and recruit that new member. When a gentleman joins our order it is an opportunity for him to become a better Catholic, a better husband and a better father. Our Worthy State Deputy Bill Doerfler has assembled a great team to help Illinois become the top jurisdiction of our order. Lead Me, Guide Me Lord is our State Deputies motto for this fraternal year and how true is that. If we let the Lord will lead and guide us in all that we do how can we not be successful. What a year this will be, membership growth, Charitable giving and the many programs our councils perform. This is going to be a great year ahead. Speaking of programming each Worthy Grand Knight should be sitting down with his council officers, programming director and his Worthy District Deputy to plan out the activities for the council for this next fraternal year if you have not already. Our programming is a very big draw for new member ILLINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION recruitment. Our new fraternal year is just one month old and that means Supreme Council forms 185 (Council Officers), 365 (Program Directors) are due. Please be sure to have these forms completed and sent to Supreme and the State Council. If you do not have every position filled you can send in what you have filled and when you fill the open positions just send in an amended form. While you are filling out those forms please complete the State Council DIR 1 form and send to the State Office. This will insure that the councils will receive the most up to date information available. Each of these forms is available on the State and Supreme Websites. Don t forget to provide your Worthy District Deputy a copy of each form as well. With this being August 1 st that means Diane and I are packing and leaving for the Supreme Convention in a few days. This year the convention is being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you have never attended a Supreme Convention I urge that you do. The activities available, tours, opening Mass, education and the Supreme Knights dinner are memories you will never forget. Illinois night is a chance to share some fraternity with your brother knights from Illinois. You will also have a chance to meet new friends from around our great country and the world and truly have an experience of a lifetime. Have a great summer and remember 1 member, per council, per month will keep our order strong. God Bless and Vivat Jesus, Skip STATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR James Marino JDMarino1@comcast.net Happy Summer I am very honored to be your State Program Director and look forward to helping in any way I can to make your council a Star Council this year. It is very hard to believe that we are already into August. The state convention is long past, the summer planning meeting a recent memory and the Supreme convention just happened. August, is always busy. Time to squeeze in those last few picnics, take in a baseball game, and set up your programming plans for the next year; well actually the next 9 months, and do a little reading. Also time to complete some KC paperwork, time to send in your 185, 365, Knight of the Month and Family of the month. For those with computers that is about 90% of us- all of these can be done on line and sent electronically. You do owe me and your hard working members, at least three Family and Knight of the Month selections. Can I get them today? They are really easy to complete, and you know all of the information. Say thanks to old Joe, for always being available to hand out desserts, and the young family that just shows 6 Troy Council #9266 has collected $7000 over the last two years from parishioners that sold recycled items. The KC s then donated the proceeds to St. Jerome Catholic Church for their use to help offset the cost for upkeep of the two church operated cemeteries. Pictured are Permanent Deacon Bob Crosby and Chairman Paul Baumgartner.

7 up and help with clean up. It may only be a fancy certificate in a frame to you, but it is a very personal thank you for their extra work for you council. The Illinois State Council would like to join with the Supreme council in Congratulating the Richard & Francis Ciancio family from Council 6993 in Mokena for being chosen a Supreme Family of the month for June Well done Richard and Francis! It is also time to review the IL SP7 the year long planning tool that help each of us to practice in a very visible way who we are. Take a look at the many program suggested, they are suggestions or ideas; you can add your councils unique spin upon, add your own innovative events and use it to keep track of all the great things your council has done during the year. As you do those things for your Parish and community, write them down, keep a list and maybe publish them two or three time each year as a way to explain to the world, what you and We all do. It is our programs, events and donations that tell about us. It is also a excellent reference when talking about the Knights with a prospective member when he asks, What do the Knights do? It can be sent to current members with the dues notice to remind them what their council has done over the past year. It may strike a spot that will get them more active and provide many more hands for the ID drive, Soccer Challenge and get them to attend your Clergy recognition event. Have a question about programs, Knight or Family of the month, give me a call and we can discuss your ideas. Fraternally: Jim Marino STATE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Jeff Peters jptp7481@comcast.net Worthy Grand Knights & District Deputies, STAR COUNCIL One First Degree, Per District, Per Month I would personally like to congratulate you on your election as Grand Knight or appointment to District Deputy for fraternal year To the Grand Knights, congratulations on your election to Grand Knight and STAR, or leader of the Council. To the many new 1 st year District Deputy s, Welcome! To the returning District Deputy s, Welcome Back! It is obvious that all of you possess the leadership skills and dedication necessary to help your Council s attain success, STAR COUNCIL success, in the coming fraternal year. Our State Deputy has chosen, Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord as his State Motto. For the District Deputies, how appropriate, since your role as District Deputy is to be a Friend, Mentor & Guide to the Grand Knights & Councils of your District. Grand Knights, listen and heed the advice of your District Deputy. He is there to help you so that you in turn can guide your Council to STAR COUNCIL success. It will be your hard work and attention to the details that will be vital for success. Together, District Deputy and Grand Knight is a team that can t fail. Work together for the success of the Council, District, State and our Order as we strive for growth. The Membership Team is privileged and honored for having been selected by our State Deputy William Bill Doerfler to serve you. Together, with the State Officers, Diocesan Chairmen and their Assistants and the General Agents and their Field Agents we will work to the best of our abilities to help you, Grand Knight & District Deputy, to see that your Council & District meet their Membership goals and STAR COUNCIL. If you want to achieve it, we will help you in any way we can. You just need to ask. Please get to know the Diocesan Chairman & Assistants in your Diocese. These are Brother Knights who have been where you are and have been successful. Ask for their guidance and help. They are waiting & willing. If you haven t noticed, STAR COUNCIL is the strong theme that the Supreme Council presents to us as a focus for our recruitment efforts this fraternal year. By helping our Councils to achieve STAR COUNCIL success, we will by default help our Districts, State & Order to grow as well. It really is that easy. The Membership Team would ask that you please remember that membership recruitment is a 365 Day Program that is a part of the three-legged support system of Membership, Programming & Charities. However, the stool is also braced and strengthened by our Fraternal Benefits program. New member recruitment along with participation in Programming, 7

8 Charities & Fraternal Benefits will help your Council s achieve STAR COUNCIL; and the best way to achieve STAR COUNCIL is hold at least One First Degree, Per District, Per Month. ILLINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION Worthies, I want to again congratulate you on your election or appointment as Grand Knight and District Deputy; and thank you for accepting the challenge of helping your Council achieve STAR COUNCIL this fraternal year. The Membership Team is confident that you will be successful in helping your Council to meet their membership goals this year; and for the State to meet its goals. As we go forward, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your Diocesan Leadership, Membership Chairmen or myself. We are here to help you meet your goals as a Grand Knight or District Deputy. Fraternaly Jeffery J. Peters STATE CHARITIBLE ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR Rich Koerkenmeier Greetings Worthy Brother Knights All, 8 Pictured left to right are, Charles Lewis, Grand Knight of Troy Council 9266 Mark Davis and Raymond Phelan. Both men were award their Honoary Life membership card by the Grand Knight As we begin this new fraternal year I would like to offer Congratulations and a Thank You to all of you brother knights who have said yes to serve as officers and in other leadership positions at all levels throughout the order in our great state of Illinois! I thank State Deputy Bill Doerfler for placing his trust in me in this new role and I am anticipating a great year working with my band of brothers, all my brother knights throughout the state. Since we are still early in this new fraternal year, it is very important for councils to put some time and energy into planning for upcoming activities. Hopefully your council already has, or soon will establish goals to work toward in the areas of Membership, Programming and Charities. Each Grand Knight should know the requirements for his council to achieve the Star Council Award, as well as the council s goals in State Charities. Each council needs a viable plan, a road map to keep them on track to success this fraternal year. Remember that if you fail to plan, your council may be planning to fail by default! Go to and download forms and information on this year s MRLD/ID Drive to be held September 18 th, 19 th and 20 th. Co Chairmen Ed Feeney and Ted Glaser are working hard to make this a successful year. In order to be a recipient of the funds generated by the Intellectual Disabilities Drive, Organizations must register with Illinois State Council Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. and be recognized as a provider of qualified services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Hopefully, by the time you read this newsletter, all our District Deputies will have held successful meetings with all their councils. Council planning meetings should be held to establish and schedule the events which help keep our members actively living their faith. Please remember those new members in your council, let them know that you welcome their ideas, talents and skills to help keep your council moving forward. Make sure your council members feel comfortable enough to bring forth their ideas for new charitable fundraising and programming events. Be willing to try new things even at the risk of failure. Remember that Charity is the first principle of the Knights of Columbus! Brother Knights, The Illinois KofC State Charities team wishes you much success in this new fraternal year! Please know that we are here to help your council be successful! Lead Me, Guide Me, Lord Vivat Jesus, Rich Koerkenmeier

9 STATE PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR Robert Fuggiti Worthy Brother Knights, I am writing this article at the 133 rd Supreme Convention in Philadelphia, PA. So much is going on it s hard to keep up. Being surround with Brother Knights and their families give me a fresh look on being a Knight of Columbus. Even though we are different, the things that makes us Knights of Columbus makes us more alike. There are no negatives here. Everyone is allow to focus on what makes our order strong. The Answer is our fraternal love as brothers and our Catholic faith. This is what we all need to focus on as Knights. With all the negatives going on around us in the world I am reminded that there are no problems just solutions. Let us all work on being the solutions together. ILLINOIS KNIGHTS IN ACTION Membership in our order is a necessity if we wish to grow and be a force that can find solutions. Each one of us is assigned this task. We need to ask a Catholic man to join us but in order to do that we need to let him know what we do and what we are about. Arm yourself with the knowledge of the order and of your council. If you haven t already submitted your forms for the upcoming Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive held on September 18th, 19th and 20 th, then what are you waiting for? Your Council chairman should already spreading the word and looking for volunteers. Line up your spots now. Contact the managers of stores that have a lot of activity and ask for permission to collect. If there are conflicts between councils in collecting at locations work together as Brother Knights. Get the information in your Church bulletins and local papers. Set your Stage and the success will follow. The Karol Wojtyla/Pope John Paul II Council #14008 sponsor a viewing of the Shroud of Turin at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Chicago. Vivat Jesus, Bob ILLINOIS STATE COUNCIL OFFICE Denny, Donna & Vicki Forms, Forms, Forms the DIR-1 form must be received in the State Office no later August 15, The State Directory will be going to press and it is important that the directory information is accurate and up-to-date. Forms are available on the State website. Councils and Assemblies need to make sure that they have submitted their 185 Report of Officers for Term, 365 Service Personnel and 1295 Semi-Annual Audit Report forms to Supreme with a copy to the State Office. The Newman Apostolate Program Annual Campaign will KICK-OFF during the month of September. Remember you can use a credit card when making your donation. Campaign information, including donation cards and self-addressed return envelopes will be mailed to all Brother Knights of record in the Illinois Jurisdiction. The Intellectual Disabilities Fund Drive will be held the 3 rd weekend in September, September 18 th, 19 th and 20 th! Be sure to send in your Candy Order Form to Tootsie Roll. Your order can be faxed to or mailed to PO Box 633, Oak Lawn, IL Please remember to send a copy to the State Office. The Governor s Proclamation for the ID Drive is available on the State Website. The Alternate Form of Insurance is now available and all certificates previously ordered will be sent out to the respective Councils as soon as they are received from the insurance carrier. If you need a specific Certificate of Insurance, PLEASE Donna at Donna@illinoisknights.org or fax your request to If a telephone call is necessary, Donna will call you, so include your contact information in the . 9

10 The first installment of State Per Capita was due July 1 st. Invoices have been mailed to the Financial Secretaries for each Council. If you have not received your invoice, please contact Denny or Donna at the State Office. Thank you to the Councils that have already submitted payment. The State Office will be issuing the General Liability Insurance Invoices. The premium due for each Council was posted on the State website during the week of July 27th. Those Councils that participated in the program last year are highlighted in yellow and Councils that are not highlighted are not currently enrolled in the General Liability Insurance Program. Payment must be received in the State Office by September 1, Renewal invoices will be issued to Councils that participated in the program last year. Inquiries regarding the program can be directed to Donna at Donna@illinoisknights.org Grand Knights, should be receiving their FRATERNAL LEADER SUCCESS PLANNER from their District Deputy. If you haven t received yours, contact your District Deputy or Diocesan Chairman or Diocesan Assistant Chairmen. The State Office has a limited supply of a Spanish version of the Planner. If interested in a Spanish version of the Planner, contact Denny Shook at or Denny@illinoisknights.org The State Office has a limited supply of Membership materials that are available to the Councils, District Deputies and Diocesan Leadership. Contact Denny Shook at or Denny@illinoisknights.org Councils should be ordering their Soccer Challenge kits, NOW! Kits are available through the Supreme Supply Department and from the State Office. KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS pins are available from the State Office. The Blue 2014 Version is available at a discounted price of $.50 each WHILE QUANTITIES LAST! The new Red 2015 version is available for $1.00 each. Pins are sold in quantities of 100 and there is a $4.00 shipping charge per 100 pins. Vocation Raffle books have been distributed to all Councils and Assemblies as ordered. If you haven t received your supply, contact Vicki at the State Office at Vicki@illinoisknights.org When your members are in the market for insurance products, they have a choice. They can purchase from one of more than 1,500 life insurance companies in North America, who will do whatever they choose with their premium dollars and invest in whatever offers them the best returns. Or, they can purchase from their Knights of Columbus, who they know will invest ethically and donate generously. It s what we call The Catholic Difference. What would it mean to your members to know that the money they spend protecting their family, preserving their retirement, guarding against their disability or providing for their long-term care goes to an organization that supports the Church? Or that has donated more than $1.5 billion to charity in the past decade? What would it mean to your members to know that their insurance purchase will someday not only change the lives of their family, but maybe even the lives of families halfway across the world? Invite your field agent in to talk about the Catholic difference. Set-up a fraternal benefits night where he can address the council on our slate of products and the benefits that they bring to Catholic families. Welcome him as a Knight. He, too, is deeply committed not only to protecting Catholic families financially, but also to standing up for the marginalized, standing up for the poor, and standing with the Church. 10

11 11

12 IN MEMORIAM MAY THEIR SOULS AND ALL OF THE SOULS OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE. AMEN. 12