Category: Membership

New Exemplification

By now, you may have heard about the Knights changing their admission ceremony. We are pulling down a veil of secrecy surrounding our ceremonies. This is an effort to showcase our core principles and encourage Catholic men to become spiritual leaders in this family, parish and community.

“There is nothing we do that is secret or needs to be secret. We decided this is a way to let other parishioners know, family members know, what the Knights of Columbus is all about. And we think that’s a good thing.”

Supreme Knight Carl Anderson

Why have these changes been made?

The future of our Order depends upon growth. True growth can only be accomplished by providing an inviting entry path that is accessible to prospective members and their families. Efforts to create a combined ceremony focused on 1.) removing the barriers of secrecy and 2.) the commitment of time inhibiting many from joining. It also focuses on presenting the lessons of Charity, Unity and Fraternity in a clear and convincing manner. This new Exemplification is designed to be held in a parish with family and friends seated in the pews. All can now witness – firsthand – the organization their husbands, fathers and brothers are joining; its principles, values, and why they matter. The new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity stays true to our traditions while addressing the needs of our times.

What Should People Wear?

This is not a casual event.

CANDIDATES: Please wear a suit and tie, but a collared dress shirt with dress pants is also appropriate.

PRESENTERS: The preferred attire is suit and tie with ceremonial baldric. At the very minimum shirt, blazer, and slacks with ceremonial baldric.

COUNCIL OFFICERS: The preferred attire is suit and tie with Medal of Office. Matching, branded Knights of Columbus Council shirts would also be appropriate.

More Info on K of C’s New Ceremonial

It’s the beginning of a new era for the Knights of Columbus: A modern single, public exemplification ceremony can now be used to welcome men to our ranks as full members of the Order. The new ceremony combines the three ceremonies used in the past.

This issue takes an in-depth look at the new exemplification ceremony: what it is, why it’s changed and how you can run one. 

New Ceremony: Rooted in past and tailored for present (Read more here)

 Eight steps for a successful new exemplification (Read more here)

The four items every council needs (Read more here)

 FAQs about the new K of C exemplification (Read more here)

Five questions with new director of ceremonials (Read more here)

Who’s who at the new K of C exemplification (Read more here)

A momentous day for the Knights of Columbus (Read more here)

What is Online Membership?

Have you heard about online membership?  Do you have questions? This new video will answer those questions.   Please feel free to contact us directly with any further questions.  Watch the video, read the info below, contemplate how you’ll grow as a Catholic man.

Ready?  Go here –> LINK.  Tell them you’d like to be part of Council 7018, St Clement of Rome in Romeo, Michigan (cuz we are the coolest!)

WHY ONLINE MEMBERSHIP?

The Supreme Council has conducted numerous listening sessions and surveys with both members and non-members over the last few years. Among the many findings was a strong indication that the Supreme Council should develop a new, online way to recruit potential members and form those men for committed, lifelong membership in the Knights of Columbus.

This new fraternal program seeks to help the Order maintain sustainable long-term membership growth by providing the opportunity for membership throughout the modern man’s life cycle. This streamlined alternative helps acclimate men to the Order. Once a man has joined online, we will then work to incorporate him into a council and get him fully integrated with its activities.

WHAT ONLINE MEMBERSHIP DOES

This initiative is an important step for our Order, and presents a tremendous opportunity for membership growth and engagement. The initiative allows for:

A Faster Way to Join – One of the most common objections to joining the Knights of Columbus is “I don’t have time.” Through Online Membership, a join process that can take as many as two months now takes five minutes.

A Digital Experience –This initiative provides a new membership experience that is tailored to younger men and busier men who may not yet be ready for council-based membership. This low-pressure, low-commitment and digital experience meets men where they are, helps to form them as Catholic men, and enables us to bring more men into the fold.

An Amplified Message – The Online Membership initiative is backed by a substantial marketing campaign that will find and work to convert prospective members.

WHAT ONLINE MEMBERSHIP DOES NOT DO
The Online Membership Initiative

  • Does not change requirements for membership. Membership in the Knights of Columbus remains open to practical Catholic men.
  • Does not eliminate degrees. Men who join online are non-degreed members. Once they are ready to convert to a local council, they are required to take the first degree.
  • Does not eliminate councils. The goal of online membership is to form men for committed, lifelong and council- based membership in the Knights of Columbus. In fact, Online Membership creates a pool of recruits for local councils to engage with.
  • Does not eliminate dues. Online Members are required to pay $30 annual dues.
  • Does not create a new class or type of member. Online Members are members of the Knights of Columbus. They are non-degreed members, and they do not belong to local councils, but they are not provisional or partial members.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will these members do?

Once they have completed their registration, men who join the Order online will be given access to a web-based Online Membership portal and will begin receiving regular electronic communication from the Supreme Council. While they will receive a number of other benefits, the digital experience will form the core of their Knights of Columbus experience.

Content distributed to the member through the portal and direct communication will revolve around the four themes of: Lead with Faith, Protect Your Family, Serve Others and Defend Your Values.

Through these four themes, these men will not only grow as individuals, but will become acclimated with the good work and rich history of the Knights of Columbus, thereby strengthening their affinity with the Knights of Columbus brand, and setting the stage for lifelong, active membership. They will also receive regular news updates from the Supreme Council, as well as news and event information from their State Council.

Do these members belong to councils?

Online Members do not belong to local councils. Instead, they belong to state divisions. Each jurisdiction will have one state division, which houses all of that jurisdiction’s Online Members

How do these members differ from members of local councils?

Though they have not yet taken the first degree, online members are members of the Knights of Columbus. As members, they are entitled to all of the great benefits listed in the “Membership Benefits” section above. These benefits include: a welcome package, access to the Online Membership portal, a membership card, Columbia, and the ability to participate in our insurance program. They are not a different “class” or “type” of member, but as they are not yet degreed members and not yet members of local councils, they are at the earliest stage of their Knights of Columbus journey.

Can these members join local councils?

Yes. State division members who have joined online can transition to local council membership, just as members from other local councils do today. When a State Division member finds a local council he likes, he may deepen his involvement in the Knights of Columbus by converting his membership from his State Division into that local council to take his degrees. Since these members will not have taken the first degree, that ceremonial will be part of their transition to a local council.

How will councils know about these potential new members?

During the application process, applicants will need to provide the name of the parish they attend. There is a field to indicate if they would like to join a local council, and the opportunity to indicate their preferred council number if they have one. When a member indicates he wants to join a local council, the member becomes viewable in Officers Online by the State Deputy, State Membership Director and Online Membership Coordinator as an unassigned prospect. When the member indicates a specific council he is viewable in Officers Online as an assigned prospect of that council.

How would a council admit a member who joined online into their council?

Transferring online members to local councils can be done through the Officers Online Portal. You can read more about this process by clicking here. Financial Secretary’s can also fill out a form 100 for “transfer” after the First Degree and submit to the Supreme Council. You can transfer the member electronically or by form 100 but not both. After transitioning to a local council, the member would retain his online access to the Knights of Columbus membership experience, but cease paying his membership dues online, and instead begin to pay his local council’s membership dues. The receiving council would receive a dues adjustment for the fraternal year, as well as quota credit for the new member.

How will we know that prospective online members are eligible for membership?

When a prospective member begins the Online Membership application process, the first step is for them to declare that they are: (1) a baptized Catholic male, (2) 18 years of age or older, and (3) a practical Catholic.

Once they check those boxes, and agree to abide by the laws and rules of the Knights of Columbus, they click “Proceed to Join” and proceed to the next page. They cannot continue if any of the boxes have not been checked.

Additionally, before they hit the “proceed to join” button, they are presented with the following message: “Failure to answer truthfully to any of these declarations, or failure to remain a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See, renders void your membership in the Knights of Columbus.”

Prospects are also required to submit parish information during the application process.

 

 

Welcome Brothers

St Clement had the privilege to host a First Degree ceremony last night.   Several councils showed up and we welcomed six new brothers to the benefits of membership.  Thanks to the officers of the respective councils for driving attendance and participation.

Thanks to Gary ( DJ Rapper name “Gary Fuzzy Koppalicious” ) Kopp to keep the juicy tunes going all night long.

 

An Unexpected Journey

The Knights are having our semi-annual Membership Drive this weekend.  Father Steve has allowed us a few minutes at the end of the Masses to talk about our organization.   It’s interesting to hear what the Brother’s speaking at the pulpit some up with.  Each has their own take on their personal “why.”  Why did you join the Knights?  What I’ve found is, why you join and why you participate are two very different things.

I joined because Tony Nardozzi asked me to join every week for several years.   God love Tony, he filled our Council with many brothers.  I joined and promptly did nothing.  It’s a common phenomenon.  I wasn’t assigned a to-do.  But, I  poked around for a long time like that.  Then one day, everything changed.

I had become friends with Steve Betka years earlier when he and I were teaching religious ed.  He sent out an email looking for someone to take over the spot of financial secretary.  Of course, my first response was, “LOL, ahhhhh, no!”  But I kept thinking about it.   I called Steve and we talked it over.   I prayed about it.  I finally said, “yes.”

It has been an unexpected journey.  I didn’t expect to make the friends I have made along the way.   I didn’t expect to have the feeling of contributing to something bigger than myself.  I didn’t expect to get the opportunity to help so many people.

Who knows, maybe you’ll have a similar experience and we can go on the adventure with us.   Want to know more?  Watch the video below.

Then go HERE for more info.

Father Michael McGivney

banner mcgivney
“In fidelity to the vision of Father McGivney, may you continue to seek new
ways of being a leaven of the Gospel in the world and a spiritual force
for the renewal of the Church in holiness, unity and truth.”
Pope John Paul II
pope_John_Paul_II_01

When you join the Knights of Columbus, you join a brotherhood of Catholic men more than 1.9 million strong. With a rich 135-year history, the Knights of Columbus has a long tradition of helping men to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others, and defend our values in a busy and changing world.

In 1882, a young parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, saw that the families of his parish were suffering both financial and spiritual poverty. His compassion, especially for the widows and orphans left behind after breadwinners were killed working in factories, compelled him to band together the men of his parish and form the Knights of Columbus. LEARN MORE

Through the Knights of Columbus, Father McGivney gave Catholic laymen a new opportunity – the chance to grow in holiness while serving their parishes and communities and protecting their families. In 2008, the Holy See declared Father McGivney as a “Venerable Servant of God”, the first step on the path to sainthood.

Since 1882, Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 15,000 local councils in the United States, Canada, and across the world.  Over the past decade, Knights have raised and donated nearly $1.4 billion to charity and given almost 653 million hours in humanitarian service. Each Knight continues Venerable Father McGivney’s legacy and answers the call to be a man who leads with their faith and makes a difference in his community.

If you’re interested in joining the Knights, CLICK HERE or the button below.

May our Catholic faith continue to make you stronger in all you do.

 

pope_John_Paul_II_01

 

Everyday Heros, Episode 1, Not Your Average Joe

banner heros

Joe Reali was a dynamic young man whose passion was evident on both the football field and in his Catholic faith. After his sudden death in 2015, thousands turned out for his wake and funeral, where they shared stories about Joe’s sacrificial love for others and his care for the downtrodden. Today, the legacy of this devout and fun-loving young man lives on in Long Island’s Joseph Mario Reali Council 16261.

Joe’s dream was to touch millions. His example inspired Knights to form a new council in his name. And each time you watch the video, you help keep his memory alive.

To find out more or to consider joining us at St Clement, please click here.

 

Are You Listening?

listening

Overview

The main purpose of the listening meeting is to gain ideas from councils and districts about their recruitment programs that work, suggestions how the Michigan State Council can assist membership growth and development and incentives that might be offered to council members to stimulate recruitment efforts.

Sign Up

Please help us get the right amount of food and drinks.  Please RSVP to this event here – CLICK HERE

Agenda

Call to Order / Welcome – State Program or Membership Director
Opening prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Introduction of State Officer
Purpose of the Meeting – State Officer
Introduction of SCMPC Dannie Harris
Introductory comments – Dannie Harris
Overview of Supreme Council Programs and Incentives
Listening Sessions – Diocesan Membership Director facilitates / Diocesan Program Director, takes notes

  • Participants share membership recruitment efforts that have been successful.
  • Participants present needs / How the State Council can help.
  • Participants suggested Incentives the State Council can offer March – June

Closing comments by State Council Officer
Closing prayer

Logistics

Thursday, March 15, 2018, 6:30 registration / 7 p.m. meeting
Detroit North — Council 7018, Joe Suminski, Grand Knight
St. Clement of Rome
343 S. Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065 – DIRECTIONS
Contacts: DPD Terry Carl and DMD Dan Fuller

Prayers for Ed

Prayers Ed Redlawski

Prayer Request, Update on Ed

Good Morning,

I talked to Jim Burns last night and again this morning. Ed is still in the hospital. He’s been at Henry Ford and not St John’s as previously reported. They expect to release him today. Ed should be moving to Orchard Grove at some point today.

Would you please keep Ed and his lovely wife Rosalyn in your prayers? Ed is quite sick and could use us all pulling together in prayer. Thank you and God bless.

 

Orchard Grove Health Campus
71150 Orchard Crossing Lane
Romeo, MI 48065
(586) 336-0102

Ed Redlawski

Milestone: Honorary Life, Ron Schmidt

On behalf of all the members of Council 7018, we congratulate Ronald Schmidt for being named Honorary Life with the Knights of Columbus.  Ron has been an active member for 25 years.  When you see him around, please congratulate him. Ask to see his new, fancy-schmancy permanent membership card!

You can see Gary Kopp our District Deputy on the right laughing at my camera malfunction.

ron
Ron

New On-Line Membership

banner 2018-02-02_8-17-59

Men: Are You Ready to accept the Challenge?

Our communities need strong Catholic men to answer the call to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others and defend our values. For over one hundred years, Knights of Columbus have done exactly that, standing up for the Church, serving the least among us, and strengthening our parishes and families.  Eligible Catholic men can now join the Knights of Columbus online in a simple, streamlined process.

As a member, you join a worldwide community of nearly two million men, including more than 65,000 in Michigan, who stand together.  Men have a duty to lead, protect, serve and defend. The world needs more committed, unified Catholic men to answer the call. Will you answer?

Visit HERE to learn more about the many benefits of membership in the Knights
of Columbus. For information about Michigan State Council activities, click HERE,
and for K of C Supreme Council national and international activities, click HERE.

Have questions and want to talk to a real person?

@ St Clement, call Jim Smiszek, 586-752-2856 or Karrie Illner, 586-337-4225

@SS John and Paul call Joe Martino, 586-292-5021

Subscribe to our Newsletters – link here

%d bloggers like this: