Many thanks to every brother knight who has participated in our membership blitz through the month of October. We have spoken to more than a dozen interested parish men, and may end up with 4-6 new members before we are through. Great work!
Remember, though, that most new members are recruited one-on-one, so if you know of anyone who may be a good candidate for membership (18 years or older, living the sacraments, and - if married - married in the Church) tell them about the work that we do. If they are interested, have the complete a Form 921 and give it to myself or any Council officer, and a member of the Admissions Committee will follow up with them - and you.
Remember, too, that we are capping off our membership blitz with an Open House, at Noon on Sunday, November 15th, in the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Hall. So, invite anyone you know who might be interested, and have them bring their wife and family. Refreshments will be served, and they can find out much information about the order's activities and benefits. Council members are also encouraged to attend (please wear your Council shirt).
If you have any questions, please call me at 909-6805. Thank you for working to build our Council!
Fraternally,
John Wilbur, Membership Director
Open House on November 15th.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Fraternal Agent's Report
November is the month when we remember in a special way those Brother Knights who have passed on to their eternal reward. All of our councils will honor their memory with a Memorial Mass. Did you know that the 8AM Mass everyday of the year at St Mary's Church in New Haven is celebrated in remembrance of our past Knights? It is also a time to remember them in our prayers at our meeting for all the good they have done for our local councils.
Beneficiary Forms - I have just completed my 145 death claim assisting Brother Knights, their widows and families. Most of the time they have no idea of who the beneficiary of their insurance policies, their 401ks, Roth IRAs and IRAs are. When did you last review yours? This is especially important after the death of a spouse or after any marital changes. Why not check your paperwork? Now?
Graded Death Benefit Whole Life - Are you aware that you can now apply for a Whole Life Policy with the Order, even if you are uninsurable? it is a great way to provide for final expenses. Want information, give me a call.
Tom Cummings
Field Agent
625-2444
Beneficiary Forms - I have just completed my 145 death claim assisting Brother Knights, their widows and families. Most of the time they have no idea of who the beneficiary of their insurance policies, their 401ks, Roth IRAs and IRAs are. When did you last review yours? This is especially important after the death of a spouse or after any marital changes. Why not check your paperwork? Now?
Graded Death Benefit Whole Life - Are you aware that you can now apply for a Whole Life Policy with the Order, even if you are uninsurable? it is a great way to provide for final expenses. Want information, give me a call.
Tom Cummings
Field Agent
625-2444
Grand Knight's Report
The challenge of new discoveries is exciting and very rewarding. There was much excitement in the eyes of our Brother Knights as we launched our “Membership Blitz” in the month of October. Results are still coming in, but I can assure you that our annual goal will be met. But we will not stop there! I know that each member Knight wants to contribute, but some may not know how. It is simple, soon we will be having an Open House and all one has to do is approach a Catholic friend or acquaintance and invite him to the Open House. In conversation, tell him of how the KofC has helped you give back to the Community or brought you closer to your family, or how the Knights will provide peace of mind during times of your absence. You may even be surprised at how much weight your enthusiasm carries in providing assurance to your new prospective member in his decision to come and sign up. Our Open House is scheduled for 15 Nov so there is still ample time for you to invite your friend(s). If you still are not sure as to what to say, then introduce your friend(s) to our Membership Director (Mr. Wilbur) or myself and we will speak on your behalf. We have recently welcomed Brother José Quintas and my son, Brother Alex Cuesta, as new members.
We had our Council Social early in October, at Tom and Shirley Kessinger’s home. What a thrill it was to be invited back for lots of family fun and the hamburgers Tom cooked were truly scrumptious! Shirley put out a great party and there were quite a few choices in foods to eat, but I busted my sugar levels, with pleasure, in sampling all the desserts. Thank you both for such a wonderful time! We also completed the 2009 Soccer Challenge by participating in the District event where young Chizu Eqwuatu took Second Place. Congratulations Chizu! What’s more, we received our first invitation from the SFA Women’s Guild to help setup and tear down the equipment at their Annual Children’s Halloween Fest. The games and food were great, but the smiles and excitement on all the participating Parish children’s faces was priceless. Our Feed the Needy, day event, was again a total success and my sincere thanks go out to our Brother Cooks and Clean-up crew. In addition, we congratulated Cody Snipes, our newest SFA Eagle Scout, at his Eagle Court of Honor with a framed certificate along with a $100 bond to go towards his upcoming college expenses.
The Council has also started its second planned breakfast ticket sales in honor of our Veterans; and the breakfast is scheduled to take place on 8 Nov. If you have not signed up yet, please stay on after your regularly attended Mass and help out. Our Chaplain, Fr. Fitzgerald, and Deacon Jerry extended an invitation for our Council to participate in the church’s International Soup and Salad event by providing the libations, with the opportunity to make a few dollars in the process. I can assure you that our drinks were very much appreciated, but the food was an even greater success. Stay tuned to the Council announcements and upcoming events. Bear in mind, you are the Council and your contributions are the ones that describe the quality of the work we do…. and from where I stand the levels of energy expended and the good works completed thus far are excellent! Don’t forget that our Annual Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled on 21 Nov. Please make very effort to participate.
Keep informed by reading the Newsletter, attending monthly meetings and visiting our Web Blog (http://kofc14278.blogspot.com/). Your copy of the Annual Calendar Events can easily become outdated based on monthly meeting discussions. Don’t let that happen to you!
We had our Council Social early in October, at Tom and Shirley Kessinger’s home. What a thrill it was to be invited back for lots of family fun and the hamburgers Tom cooked were truly scrumptious! Shirley put out a great party and there were quite a few choices in foods to eat, but I busted my sugar levels, with pleasure, in sampling all the desserts. Thank you both for such a wonderful time! We also completed the 2009 Soccer Challenge by participating in the District event where young Chizu Eqwuatu took Second Place. Congratulations Chizu! What’s more, we received our first invitation from the SFA Women’s Guild to help setup and tear down the equipment at their Annual Children’s Halloween Fest. The games and food were great, but the smiles and excitement on all the participating Parish children’s faces was priceless. Our Feed the Needy, day event, was again a total success and my sincere thanks go out to our Brother Cooks and Clean-up crew. In addition, we congratulated Cody Snipes, our newest SFA Eagle Scout, at his Eagle Court of Honor with a framed certificate along with a $100 bond to go towards his upcoming college expenses.
The Council has also started its second planned breakfast ticket sales in honor of our Veterans; and the breakfast is scheduled to take place on 8 Nov. If you have not signed up yet, please stay on after your regularly attended Mass and help out. Our Chaplain, Fr. Fitzgerald, and Deacon Jerry extended an invitation for our Council to participate in the church’s International Soup and Salad event by providing the libations, with the opportunity to make a few dollars in the process. I can assure you that our drinks were very much appreciated, but the food was an even greater success. Stay tuned to the Council announcements and upcoming events. Bear in mind, you are the Council and your contributions are the ones that describe the quality of the work we do…. and from where I stand the levels of energy expended and the good works completed thus far are excellent! Don’t forget that our Annual Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled on 21 Nov. Please make very effort to participate.
Keep informed by reading the Newsletter, attending monthly meetings and visiting our Web Blog (http://kofc14278.blogspot.com/). Your copy of the Annual Calendar Events can easily become outdated based on monthly meeting discussions. Don’t let that happen to you!
Key Events for November
5 Nov – 6:45PM Officer’s Meeting
5 Nov – 7:30PM Business Meeting
8 Nov – 8-11:00AM Veteran’s Breakfast
10 Nov - 7:30PM 1st Degree Nativity (6:30 Showtime)
15 Nov – 12:00-2:00PM Membership Open House
21 Nov – 9:00AM 2nd Degree at St Stephen’s (8:00 ShowTime)
21 Nov – 12:00PM - 3rd Degree at Christ the King, Tampa
21 Nov – 1:00PM Charity Golf Tournament
27 Nov - 7:00PM Council Social at St Francis, Seffner, FL
28 Nov - 9:00AM 4th Degree in Orlando, FL
5 Nov – 7:30PM Business Meeting
8 Nov – 8-11:00AM Veteran’s Breakfast
10 Nov - 7:30PM 1st Degree Nativity (6:30 Showtime)
15 Nov – 12:00-2:00PM Membership Open House
21 Nov – 9:00AM 2nd Degree at St Stephen’s (8:00 ShowTime)
21 Nov – 12:00PM - 3rd Degree at Christ the King, Tampa
21 Nov – 1:00PM Charity Golf Tournament
27 Nov - 7:00PM Council Social at St Francis, Seffner, FL
28 Nov - 9:00AM 4th Degree in Orlando, FL
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Grand Knight’s Report
Faith is defined as “the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). This past month my faith in you, Brothers, has grown tremendously. We have come together in prayer in defense of defenseless unborn children; pulled together to sell over $1,100 in breakfast tickets; delivered a “class act” Back to School breakfast; and delighted our Faith Formation children with a unsurpassed “Soccer Challenge” event with winners and hot wieners for all participants. Our conviction of the future is very bright and you have made it so.
Our preparation for the “Membership Blitz” is on full power, led by our Brother John Wilbur. He is going to need help from every one of us during the 1 Oct thru 8 Nov timeframe. We must also be prepared to reach out to men across the Parish to also recruit one-on-one. If you feel uncomfortable handling the one-on-one situation let John Wilbur, John Mabe, Ron Ziegler or myself help you deliver the KofC message. By way of a good data point, Fr. Rafael Martos has agreed to establish a KofC Round Table for his Spanish Community. I am actively seeking out the Director and Assistant Director positions prior to submitting the documentation to Supreme. The Council also presented Fr. Martos a financial gift in commemoration of his 17th Anniversary as a Priest.
Congratulations are in order to Michael and Jason who completed the 3rd Degree exemplification on 12 Sep in Port Richie. Additionally, we welcome Alejandro Cuesta and José Quintas as new KofC members, having completed their 1st Degrees at Nativity Church on 15 Sep 09. Brother Richard M. Brown was also approached to reactivate his membership in the Knights. Three additional Knights will be attending the Pinellas Park 3rd degree Exemplification on 3 Oct.
Our Council Social was a success with the variety of “potluck” dishes brought in by our honored wives. We appreciate all their hard work and the sacrifices made to keep our Catholic men on the right path. Lots of fun was had by all; including the children who played board and electronic games.
The August Family of the Month was Dennis and Doreen Alfano and our KofC of the Month was John Angelo. September FOM and KOM will be announced at the Thursday 1 Oct meeting, 7:30 PM. Please come and recognize these Brother’s for their contributions.
Keep informed by reading the Newsletter, attending monthly meetings, and visiting the Web Blog
Remember to spread the word during the month of October:
English: “Do not fear the Knights of Columbus are coming. Join now and enjoy the benefits of the Order”.
Spanish: “No temas los Cabelleros de Colon vienen. Unete ahora y disfruta de los beneficios de la Orden”.
Our preparation for the “Membership Blitz” is on full power, led by our Brother John Wilbur. He is going to need help from every one of us during the 1 Oct thru 8 Nov timeframe. We must also be prepared to reach out to men across the Parish to also recruit one-on-one. If you feel uncomfortable handling the one-on-one situation let John Wilbur, John Mabe, Ron Ziegler or myself help you deliver the KofC message. By way of a good data point, Fr. Rafael Martos has agreed to establish a KofC Round Table for his Spanish Community. I am actively seeking out the Director and Assistant Director positions prior to submitting the documentation to Supreme. The Council also presented Fr. Martos a financial gift in commemoration of his 17th Anniversary as a Priest.
Congratulations are in order to Michael and Jason who completed the 3rd Degree exemplification on 12 Sep in Port Richie. Additionally, we welcome Alejandro Cuesta and José Quintas as new KofC members, having completed their 1st Degrees at Nativity Church on 15 Sep 09. Brother Richard M. Brown was also approached to reactivate his membership in the Knights. Three additional Knights will be attending the Pinellas Park 3rd degree Exemplification on 3 Oct.
Our Council Social was a success with the variety of “potluck” dishes brought in by our honored wives. We appreciate all their hard work and the sacrifices made to keep our Catholic men on the right path. Lots of fun was had by all; including the children who played board and electronic games.
The August Family of the Month was Dennis and Doreen Alfano and our KofC of the Month was John Angelo. September FOM and KOM will be announced at the Thursday 1 Oct meeting, 7:30 PM. Please come and recognize these Brother’s for their contributions.
Keep informed by reading the Newsletter, attending monthly meetings, and visiting the Web Blog
Remember to spread the word during the month of October:
English: “Do not fear the Knights of Columbus are coming. Join now and enjoy the benefits of the Order”.
Spanish: “No temas los Cabelleros de Colon vienen. Unete ahora y disfruta de los beneficios de la Orden”.
FRATERNAL AGENT'S REPORT
November 1st will mark my 5th Anniversary as a Field Agent. I want to thank all of the Brother Knights who have warmly welcomed me into their homes and shared their hospitality with me. I have made about 2,500 visits and handled 143 Death Claims. Four questions stand out in my mind from my experiences:
WILLS - While everyone acknowledges the importance of them, only about one in four Knights have wills, living wills, health care surrogacies and powers of attorney in place. Why do so many leave these important documents unprepared? What about you?
PLAN - What's your plan for when you pass away. Eighty percent of the time the Knight will pass before his spouse. Yet few can articulate a plan for preservation and growth of assets. Few can name who would act as a trustee if necessary. Few have analyzed in any detail how their family would be protected from an economic point of view. What about you?
INSURANCE - Fr. McGivney founded the Order on the principle of Unity , that all Knights would be insured members. Only about 55% of our local members protect their families through the Order. I'm curious about why so members are so loyal to their commercial insurers, especially in view of the events of the past year, and not to the Knights of Columbus. What about you?
PRIESTS - I find it interesting that 75% of the priests who live in my area are insured members of the Order. Why is their participation rate so much higher?
_________________________________
Why do I believe so much in the Order? Here is an example. At age 29, 30 years before I became a Field Agent, I took out a $10,000 Whole Life Policy with the Order. What is it worth today?
Original Death Benefit $10,000
Annual Premium $242 (The last year's dividend was $605, 2.5 times the premium)
Premiums Paid to date $8,470
Cash Value $27,263 (3.2 times amount paid)
Death Benefit $33,600 (3.36 times original Death Benefit)
That's why 85% of my family members are insured with the Order.
Tom Cummings
Your Field Agent
813-625-2444
thomas.cummings@kofc.org
WILLS - While everyone acknowledges the importance of them, only about one in four Knights have wills, living wills, health care surrogacies and powers of attorney in place. Why do so many leave these important documents unprepared? What about you?
PLAN - What's your plan for when you pass away. Eighty percent of the time the Knight will pass before his spouse. Yet few can articulate a plan for preservation and growth of assets. Few can name who would act as a trustee if necessary. Few have analyzed in any detail how their family would be protected from an economic point of view. What about you?
INSURANCE - Fr. McGivney founded the Order on the principle of Unity , that all Knights would be insured members. Only about 55% of our local members protect their families through the Order. I'm curious about why so members are so loyal to their commercial insurers, especially in view of the events of the past year, and not to the Knights of Columbus. What about you?
PRIESTS - I find it interesting that 75% of the priests who live in my area are insured members of the Order. Why is their participation rate so much higher?
_________________________________
Why do I believe so much in the Order? Here is an example. At age 29, 30 years before I became a Field Agent, I took out a $10,000 Whole Life Policy with the Order. What is it worth today?
Original Death Benefit $10,000
Annual Premium $242 (The last year's dividend was $605, 2.5 times the premium)
Premiums Paid to date $8,470
Cash Value $27,263 (3.2 times amount paid)
Death Benefit $33,600 (3.36 times original Death Benefit)
That's why 85% of my family members are insured with the Order.
Tom Cummings
Your Field Agent
813-625-2444
thomas.cummings@kofc.org
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