Ready, Set, Recruit!
March is the second of our dedicated Membership Drive months. We all know that recruiting is 365 days of the year but each October and March we make special efforts to schedule with our Councils and Parishes to conduct Church and Membership Drives.
Last November we realized a very large increase in membership. I believe that much of this gain came about because of our efforts during our October Membership Drives. If you have not already planned your drive, it is not too late. Contact you Parish as soon as possible to make plans to conduct a Membership Drive. For those that might say “We tried Church Drives and they don’t work” I have only one response. The Church Drive just didn’t work the way you tried. Do it differently. If you need ideas contact your District Deputy, your State Membership Team or your State Officers. If necessary, use E-Membership to get men to Join and then transfer them to your Council when the complete their Admissions Degree. You still get credit for a new member.
Why recruit. Is it just about the numbers? Yes, it is about the numbers. It is about having more Catholic men join us in support of our Bishops and Priests. It is about having more Catholic men becoming the Leaders of their Domestic Churches. It is about proving opportunities for Catholic men to bring their families the protection of our benefit programs. It is about standing beside Catholic men as we step Into the Breach for our faith and church.
The frosting on the cake are the several incentive programs we have going on for those that recruit a new member. We have incentive programs for Councils, Individuals, and District Deputies. The Star Recruiter program is still going and for any that recruit a new member Supreme still has the drawing for 10 members to go the World Meeting of the Families in Ireland.
How are your programs going? Will you have 4 activities in each of the areas of Church, Council, Community, Youth, Culture of Life and Family? Need ideas, check State Program Director Larry Power’s monthly messages about programs. Contact Larry or any of the Directors listed in your State Directory for ideas and assistance.
Councils, and the State, are down to our last 4 months to make that push for Star Council and Circle of Honor awards. Nate Raso and the Field Agents from the Raso Agency are working very hard to protect your families. As leaders and members, you cannot rely on the Field Agents alone to get you your Insurance members. Each Grand Knight has the responsibility to promote our Fraternal Benefits to the members of their Councils. Other Council, District, and State Officers have this same responsibility.
As you all must know by now, Supreme has become very serious about the Knights of Columbus supporting our Bishops in providing a Safe Environment in our Churches and at our activities. Grand Knights and Youth Directors are required to not only meet their Diocesan Safe Environment standards but also complete the Supreme program. State Advocate Luigi Baratta has been reminding many that compliance is a two-part course. Many have completed one part and thought they were finished only to find out they were only half done. Don’t be that guy that prevents your Council from their Star Council Award because you did not fulfill these requirements. Contact Luigi if you have any questions.
State Convention will be here before you know it. May is only 2 months away. State Secretary Tom Kalisz has been contacting Councils about their unpaid State Per Capita. Supreme has been also contacting Councils if they are not current on their Supreme Per Capita. We want every Council to be represented at the State Convention, so I ask you to review your accounts and become current.
But, four months is enough time to turn around your year. Has this been a slow recruiting year? Not many programs? Too many negative comments at meetings? Are you part of the problem or will you become part of the solution? Set aside your personal agendas and grow our Order so we can regain, in every Parish, the honor of being the strong right arm of the Church.
I had the privilege to be at the closing event for a Women’s Cursillo in Phoenix last month. When asked about her experience one of the ladies said what she learned from the Holy Spirit is to “Serve without Reserve”. Shouldn’t this be our mindset?
For members that want to move up in our Order, remember that Council elections are coming in May. Let others know you want to serve in this manner. If you are an Officer that has held office for many years, it might be a good time to step aside and become a mentor to a new generation of leaders. Share with them you experience, both good and bad, and enjoy the joy of watching them as they develop as the next Leaders. Yes, they will make mistakes. I made mistakes on my path to State Deputy and still make some just as many of you have. Don’t let that prevent you from supporting them as they grow as our new leaders.
Finally, Brenda and I wish each of you a wonderful Lent as we anticipate the celebration of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Vivat Jesus,
Sean Halpain
Arizona State Deputy
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