News & Announcements

Michael J. McAndrew IV is a Knights of Columbus Field Agent with the Hutek Agency, serving brother Knights and their families in Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Bellwood, Tyrone, and Houtzdale. Michael has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for nearly five years, and became a Field Agent for the Order in 2016.

When asked why he became a Field Agent, Michael said, “I became a field agent because I felt it was the perfect career choice to combine my career and faith together and be able to provide for my family.”

Originally from Altoona, Pennsylvania, Michael earned a degree in Education from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to becoming a Field Agent, Michael enjoyed a long career in the Jewelry Industry.

Michael and his wife who is a clinical manger for UPMC Altoona reside in Bellwood with their two children, Michael James V. (3) and Killian Gabriel (2), and are parishioners at St. Josephs Parish where Michael served as a technical advisor for the parish priest. Michael is currently in charge of member recruitment for his council MONSIGNOR EDWARD O MALLEY #8075.

When asked what he hopes to achieve for his members, Michael said, “I hope to help every Catholic family I meet by showing them the benefits available to them through the Knights of Columbus that can be utilized to secure the future of this generation as well as those to come.”

Michael has extensive knowledge of the products the Knights of Columbus offers to members and their families, and stands ready to help them achieve their financial goals.

Contact Michael today to set up an appointment and learn how the Knights of Columbus can help protect your family.

Michael J. McAndrew IV

814-505-4971

Michael.McAndrew@kofc.org

Two Christmases Remembered

← Excerpts from the Diaries of Joseph and Mary by Dennis P. McGeehan

Excerpts from The Diaries of Joseph and Mary – He is Born →

Two Christmases Remembered

By Sir Knight Dennis McGeehan

I love Christmas. I love to gaze at Nativity scenes especially when the room is dark with only the stable alight. I love everything about Christmas; Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Santa Claus and Rudolph. My heart swells with memories of Christmases past recalling my children’s joys.

On Christmas night 2014 I sat in my darkened living room gazing at our Nativity set in the glow of our Christmas tree lights. The house was quiet. Outside the wind blew and the night was cold. I offered a short prayer of thanks that we were all together safe in our warm home.

My mind jumped to another Christmas and another Christmas tree glowing in the dark. It was 1995 and that tree was in my wife’s hospital room. She was pregnant with our seventh child. Six months into the pregnancy there were complications and she nearly lost the baby. She was confined to bedrest. With six young children at home, rest there was impossible. She remained in the hospital for over a month. Since it was December her room was decorated with a tree. The wonderful staff even put presents under the tree for our children. We all visited Mom on Christmas morning for an hour, opening the presents then went home. At home our presents remained unopened, waiting for Mom’s return. On Christmas night, a friend from Church came to the house at 9 p.m. to babysit. I went to the hospital by myself for some alone time with my wife after the kids went to bed. There in the hospital room, in the soft light and silence, I held my wife in my arms, both of us praying for our child.

Then my mind recalled Christmas 1999 and more flashing lights. They came from the firetrucks, ambulances and police in front of our home. We had a house fire on December 14, two days before our wedding anniversary and less than two weeks before Christmas. Everyone, even the pets, got out safe, but we were homeless for seven months while repairs were made.

If you recall there was a bit of a worldwide panic in 1999 as the Y2K bug was predicted to strike. Doomsayers predicted the worse. Utilities would stop working, banks would lose our assets and medical records would vanish. As a husband and father of eight, I felt it prudent to take some precautions just in case some of the scenarios played out. I began to stockpile non-perishable food in October. By December, I had added extra shelves to hold my growing larder. I also purchased extra propane cylinders to use with my camp stove so we could cook if the gas went out. For heat, I purchased a kerosene heater and we had plenty of blankets. Temperatures in central Pennsylvania can easily go to minus twenty degrees in December. As December arrived I was certain we could survive at least four weeks if Y2K did cause a disruption.

Those supplies were untouched by the fire as they were stockpiled in my garage and basement. The fire was confined to the upstairs. However while we were living away from our home burglars broke into it and took my food, a television set and even my hand tools.

Finding adequate housing for a family of ten is no easy task. The Red Cross put us up in a hotel the first few nights. They also gave us a voucher to use to buy necessities as we only escaped with the clothes on our backs. The only catch was we had to spend all the money in one trip. Imagine Walmart less than two weeks before Christmas, the store was a zoo. It took the ten of us three hours to push through the crowds with four shopping carts. We looked like the pioneers pushing west in a Conestoga wagon. Eventually, we found adequate housing in what was previously a convent.

On Christmas night 2014 I counted my blessings. Our son Joseph, our seventh child, was asleep in his room and our other children were also in bed. My wife was upstairs waiting for me. As I walked up the steps to our room I could not help but whisper a prayer of thanks. Joseph survived his crisis, the fire damage was repaired and the burglary was now just a story to tell. I had many reasons to say Merry Christmas.

News from our Field Agent Michael

Knights of Columbus Insurance Update

The mission of the Knights of Columbus today remains the same as when it was founded in 1882: to protect Catholic families financially and to help strengthen the Catholic faith of our members.

While the current medical, social and economic issues we face are unsettling, it’s not the first time we have risen to meet such challenges. Our Order has stood strong through past crises such as the Spanish flu in 1918, the Great Depression and the financial crisis of 2008.

Just as we stood together during those times, we stand ready in our own difficult times to provide life insurance, annuities, long term care and disability insurance. Knights of Columbus Insurance agents are fully equipped and eager to help you understand how the current climate may affect your personal finances and how our products can help.

As an agent I can talk to you over the phone or through a virtual meeting using Skype or similar software. Agents are ready to answer questions, assist with service-related issues and help show you how you can reduce your financial risk.

As the Knights of Columbus turns 138 years old, it is an opportune moment to thank our founder, Father Michael McGivney, for his foresight in founding an Order that consistently provides reliable financial protection for Catholic families. You do not face the current challenges alone. Our commitment to helping you and your family remains strong.

Vivat Jesus!

Form 100

Brother Knight:

Attached to this announcement is our Form 100. You should always have a copy of this form with you. Please print a few copies so you have an ample supply. Let's try to recruit 1 new member per month.

In Memory of Our Chaplain

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of Reverend Anthony J. Legarski, Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg. Father Legarski passed on November 5 at a Pittsburgh hospital following a brief illness. He was 61 years old.

Father Legarski was born in Somerset, the son of John and Yolanda (Lapina) Legarski. He attended Somerset Area High School, Saint Francis University, and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

He was ordained a priest in 1983 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Altoona, Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg, and Saint Mary Parish in Altoona. During some of those years, Father Legarski was also active in the Naval Reserves.

He was appointed Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Beaverdale in 1999, an assignment he held until his appointment as Pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg in 2005.

A viewing will be held on November 13 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on November 14 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on November 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

Bishop Mark sends his thoughts and prayers to the Legarski family and the parish family of Saint Mary.

Our council sends its deepest sympathies of the loss of our Chaplain Father Alan's Father

Father Alan Thomas' Dad's Obituary

Adrian A. Thomas, 85, of Meyersdale, died October 23, 2021, at Meyersdale Medical Center. Born April 26, 1936 in Meyersdale, the son of Frank B. and Irene Estella (Bolden) Thomas, Jr.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife of 52 years, Anna Ruth (Knepper) Thomas; brothers: Dr. Frank B. Thomas III and John C. Thomas, Sr.

Adrian is survived by five sons: Father Alan Thomas, Hollidaysburg; Alex (Nicole) Thomas, Aurora, Illinois; Aaron (Rita) Thomas and Andrew (Stephanie) Thomas, both of Meyersdale; and Adam (Cheria) Thomas, Estes Park, Colorado; grandchildren: Shana, Henry, Aiden, Geneva, and Noah.

Also survived by brothers: Dr. Terry (Joan) Thomas, Richmond, Virginia; Dr. Nathan (Kathy) Thomas, Meyersdale; sisters-in-law: Marion Thomas, Claudia Thomas, and Elizabeth Knepper.

A special thank you to Adrian's caregivers: Teresa Werner, Kathy Mostoller, Lynn Manges, Chloe Hyatt, Nikki Lutz, Tina Boyce, Heather Lichty, Penny Mason, Jen Buterbaugh, and many others.

A 1954 graduate of Meyersdale High School, and a 1958 graduate of Duquesne University. Adrian was a pharmacist for over 50 years and he was a member of The National Community Pharmacists Association and the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. He was the third-generation owner of F.B. Thomas Drug Store, Meyersdale wherein 1991 he made national headlines by publicly burning his entire stock of tobacco products because he was concerned about the effects of cancer in his patients. Due to his stance, many people stopped using tobacco products. He served on the Board of Directors of Meyersdale Community Hospital, where he also worked as a pharmacist.

He was a lifetime member of SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Meyersdale.

Also a member of Meyersdale Chamber of Commerce.

Adrian was an avid fan of local sports.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Price Funeral Service, Inc., Meyersdale. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday at SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, Meyersdale, with Father Alan Thomas, celebrant, Most Reverend Mark L. Bartchak presider. Committal SS. Philip and James Catholic Cemetery.

In place of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to SS. Philip and James Catholic Church, 247 High St., Meyersdale, PA 15552 or Pennsylvania Maple Festival, PO Box 222, Meyersdale, PA 15552.

The family also wishes to thank Meyersdale Medical Center for their care of Adrian.

Price Funeral Service, Inc., Meyersdale is honored to serve the Thomas family. (www.WilliamRowePrice.com) To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Adrian A. Thomas, please visit our floral store.

Father Crosser

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is mourning the passing of a senior priest. Reverend Raymond G. Crosser passed on July 22.

He was born on April 7, 1930, in Bellwood, the son of the late Raymond C. and Beatrice (Flynn) Crosser.

He graduated from Altoona Catholic High School, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe and Saint Vincent Seminary.

Father Crosser was ordained a priest on May 26, 1956, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

After ordination, he was appointed Assistant Pastor at Saint Patrick Parish in Newry/Saint Anne, Claysburg. He later served as Assistant Pastor at Immaculate Conception Parish in Lock Haven, Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown, and Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

He was Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish in Lloydell, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Bedford, Saint Michael Parish in Hollidaysburg, Saint Edward Parish in Barnesboro, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Altoona, and Saint Thomas More Parish in Roaring Spring.

Father Crosser retired from active ministry in 1996. In his retirement, he proudly served as a Chaplain for Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School athletics.

Father Crosser also named the Star of the Sea Council.

A viewing will be held on July 27 from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Saint Joseph Parish in Bellwood and on July 28 from 9:00-10:45 a.m. at Saint Joseph. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on July 28 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph.

2017 Fall Powersports Raffle Winner

Congratulations to Dirk Medley of Wyoming

Winner of the 2017 Knights of Columbus

Fall Powersports Raffle

3 Generations

Three Generations

It was a cold December day when I decided to stop in to visit with my Mom and Dad. We started talking about the Council and how the current fundraiser was going, and then about some other ideas for future events. When the subject came up about Supreme wanting the Councils to close and sell the Homes, we started reminiscing about all the family and friends that were, and still are members at 4245. That's when my mother said "here, I have something for you"; my mother then handed me this photo taken on the old stair well of the building. In the picture I have four uncles, my father, and many old friends.

Although my family hasn't always been very active, my son is on its third generation in the 4245 Council. My Dad and I have been flipping chickens before 1989 (the year I joined). After a Chicken Bar-B-Q in 1989 a few of us were sitting under the pavilion drinking a beer, when Herm Beyer said to me "Bobby you need to join". I then think it was Gary Ellis that went into the club and grabbed a form to fill out. Fifteen years later, my oldest son started to come with me to help with the chicken BBQ's. And now twenty eight years later after joining, here we are.

As the years went on, I continued to help with the Chicken BBQ's, but still wasn't actively coming to meetings. It wasn't until I heard about the Shelby Raffle in 2015 that I started to be more active. At that time my oldest son also showed interest in helping with the raffle, and not too long after, decided to join the council himself (along with some help from Gary Ellis; again). During the Shelby Raffle my wife and I had a blast hauling the car to different shows and spending time with Brother Knights and their spouses. We didn't just sell tickets to raffle off the car; we made some new friends and great memories.

Our Council has raised a lot of money for the community and other charities since it started in 1956. The original work on the old "Mom and Pop" store they bought was done by my Dad, uncles and their friends (Brother Knights). This old photo brings back a lot of memories of my uncles and old friends. I would like to think that this photo was given to me at the perfect time.

Please attend our 2018 February meeting and vote "YES" to keep the Council Home.

Winner of the KofC 4245 Power Sports Raffle

Congratulations to Stanley Pacovsky of Altoona. Stanley chose the Yamaha Wolverine.......We would like to thank everyone that bought a ticket and participated in the event. A huge thanks to Josh Mazzei and the team at Five Star Powersports in Duncansville!!

Winner of the 2016 Shelby Super Snake

The first core virtue of the Knights of Columbus is Charity. In 2015, Council 4245 of Hollidaysburg donated $18,960 to charity and its members donated 26,450 hours in charitable acts. This year they should come close to doubling those numbers! The council recently concluded working on a large project in order to continue its acts of charity. They raffled off a 2016 Mustang Shelby Super Snake, in cooperation with Stuckey Ford. This beautiful ruby red Shelby has a 750+Horsepower engine, and a one of a kind interior, put in by Shelby just for the raffle. The car is valued at approximately $97,000!

One of the main ways the council raises funds is through there chicken BBQ’s. The pits have been used for 3 generations to support many charities. At this time, the Juniata River is dangerously close to destroying their BBQ pits and pavilion. They’ve exhausted every method to secure a grant, for the necessary repairs to the river bank, so they don’t lose this valuable tool. This fundraiser’s proceeds will enable them to continue support for many charities, and start the necessary repairs to the eroding riverbank.

The raffle concluded October 2nd at Legion Park in Hollidaysburg. It was held in cooperation with the Blair County Antique Auto Club, with a Cruise-In and Picnic. The winning ticket was drawn by retired NASCAR Driver Jimmy Spencer at 2pm. The BIG winner was Trenton Williams of Beaver Falls, PA.

Trenton wasn’t the only big winner of this raffle. At the Cruise-In and Picnic the Knights of Columbus Council 4245 of Hollidaysburg PA presented checks to: St. Jude’s Hospital Children’s Research Hospital in the amount of $12,000, St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank of Altoona, in the amount of $2,600, American Rescue Workers Food Bank of Hollidaysburg, in the amount of $2,600, The ARC of Blair County in the amount of $2,600, and The Project Diagnosis Foundation (a local charity that supports Multiple Sclerosis) in the amount of $2,600. Then after all the proceeds were calculated they voted at their regular monthly meeting to give $700 checks to The American Legion Mothers for their military care package program, The WALY Warmth program for warm winter clothing for children in need and the James E Van Zant Veterans Hospital for its annual Christmas party for their patients.

Also benefitting from the Cruise-in and Picnic was St. Patrick’s School of Newry. The school raised approximately $3,000 to support the school and its programs.

The Council wants to extend a big thank you to everyone that made this fundraiser a huge success!

To learn more about the Knights of Columbus Council 4245 please visit www.kofc4245.org and to learn more about the raffle please visit www.kofc4245shelby.com

Long-Term Care Plans Offer Peace of Mind

Long-Term Care Plans Offer Peace of Mind

Since its addition to the Order’s product portfolio in 2000, long-term care (LTC) insurance has provided the Knights of Columbus with an excellent opportunity to further serve members and their families. And for our long-term care policy holders in the United States, there’s an added bonus.

It’s called “Provider Pathway,” a program offering access to a network of long-term care providers at discounted rates. The network includes discounts on products, such as hearing aids, diabetic supplies, personal emergency response systems, and durable medical equipment, as well as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, and adult day care.

While many commercial life insurance companies have gotten out of the long-term care business, the Knights of Columbus considers LTC a very important piece of the family protection puzzle. The Order has been actively offering our members this product for nearly 19 years without a premium increase on current policyholders. Members who wisely purchased an LTC plan from the Knights in 2000 are still paying the same premiums today. Even better, our LTC coverage is backed by the full strength of the Order, which remains rooted in our strong Catholic values. Talk about stability when it counts!

If you haven’t yet spoken with me about long-term care insurance, you owe it to yourself to do so. Current costs of Long-term care in our area are around $110,000 a year per person. Statistically 2/3 people need long term care. For a married couple the odds are one of you if not both of you will need long-term care.

Not making a decision is actually making a decision. By putting off your decision you could be costing your family an average 20-50 times more by paying out of pocket, or by waiting, you may take yourself out of the running for a long-term care policy due to medical issues in the unforeseeable future.

Think of how likely you or your spouse is to use a long-term care policy off the statistics, 2 out of every 3 people. Most people who have a car buy auto insurance. Most people who purchase a home buy homeowners insurance. So I propose these 3 questions to answer for yourself:

Why wouldn’t you buy insurance to make sure your spouse will be cared for properly if you cannot do it yourself or are no longer here?
Why would you want to strain or stress a spouse or children but putting more weight on their shoulders or marriage?
Why wouldn’t you buy insurance to protect the assets you have worked your entire lives to build?

There are a few decisions to make in choosing a “plan” — a comprehensive plan that covers care whether you’re at home or in a facility, or one that covers facility only; daily benefit amounts and benefit durations (how much and how long it will last); and the length of the elimination period (waiting period) before benefits kick-in.

Having a professionally trained agent ― and a brother Knight you can trust ― to help guide you through the process is yet another valuable benefit that comes with your membership. Take advantage of it; contact me today.

Love is in the air

Love is in the air!

Love is in the air! During the month of February and especially around Valentine’s Day, we spend a lot of time thinking about our loved ones.

We do much more than think about loved ones; we give flowers and chocolates and send greeting cards. Why all the fuss? To show our love, of course! But have you ever considered that you should Insure Your Love?

That’s really what insurance is all about. People buy insurance because they love someone. I bought life insurance because I love my wife and children. I don’t want them to experience a lack of money if I’m not here to provide for them. I want to make sure they can stay in the same home we love; I want to make sure that my children will have the college education they will need; I want to ensure that my daughter will have the wedding she’s always dreamed of; I want my family to continue to live the lifestyle I’ve been so fortunate to be able to provide. My policy even has living benefits that I can enjoy!

In addition to life insurance the Knights of Columbus offers Disability Income Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance and Retirement Annuities. All of these help Insure Your Love. If I can’t work because of illness or injury, my disability income insurance will provide for the necessities until I can work again; my long term care insurance will help me stay in my home or go to a nursing home and get the care I need without being a financial burden to my family; my retirement annuities will help my wife and me enjoy our golden years. All these products have helped me insure my love.

Let me suggest to you to buy that box of chocolates, get a beautiful arrangement of flowers or a dozen roses and include a card; but then sit down with me and with your wife and let me show you how you can Insure Your Love.

Vivat Jesus!

Is Your Paycheck Protected?

Is Your Paycheck Protected?

Most people see work as something that will always be there. We live our lives expecting to wake up, go to work, and complete our tasks throughout the day to provide for our families. Work, and the financial stability that it provides, is often taken for granted. What if one day you wake up and you are no longer able to go to work, through no fault of your own? Accidents and illness can affect anyone, at any stage in their career. How will you react to unforeseeable adversity? Do you have a plan in place if you are no longer able to perform your duty?

The Knights of Columbus can help you put this plan in place and prepare for unexpected life events.

Retirement is often planned, but disability is not. Chance favors no man. Too often people say “that will never happen to me” or “I will cross that bridge if it comes.” There is no bridge that carries you over the void from gainful employment to disability unless you start planning today.

Disability insurance is often dismissed by working men and women because they think their jobs are fairly safe. Their lives are fairly healthy. Disability — they say — is simply something they will never experience.

The statistics tell a different story.

According to the United States government, a staggering 1 in 4 of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching the age of 67. The nature of the job is irrelevant. According to the Social Security Administration, 95 percent of all disabling illnesses and accidents happen outside of the workplace.*

Consider a typical male, age 35, non-smoker, who works at an office job with some outdoor responsibilities and leads a very healthy lifestyle. He has a 28 percent chance of being injured or becoming ill and unable to work for three months or longer prior to retirement.**

If this happens to you, not someone else, will you have a bridge to carry you and your family?

If your illness or injury is among the 95 percent that happen outside of work, workers’ compensation will be of no assistance to you. 7 in 10 employed Americans say they would feel the financial pinch in a month or less without their paycheck.*** What if your last paycheck really is your last paycheck?

There is a solution, however.

Your membership in the Knights of Columbus gives you and your eligible family members exclusive access to disability income insurance that can help safeguard your paycheck.

With Knights of Columbus Disability Income Insurance, you can ensure you and your family are provided for in the event of unexpected loss of work.

Our disability income insurance is designed to be flexible so that, working with your brother Knight field agent, you can customize it to fit your needs. You choose the monthly benefit amount that’s right for you, the elimination period that makes the most sense, and the maximum benefit period for your policy.

By purchasing a disability income insurance policy from the Knights of Columbus, you have the added security of knowing that you are doing business with a Catholic company that makes sure its investments do not violate Church teaching and which has been repeatedly recognized as a “World’s Most Ethical” company. ****

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Our Guarantees Set Us Apart

Our Guarantees Set Us Apart

Knights of Columbus life insurance offers something precious few other financial products can – guarantees. As long as you pay your premiums, the policy proceeds will be there for your beneficiaries should something happen to you. That’s peace of mind, and that’s what we offer with every product in our portfolio.

We guarantee the cash value in your whole life policies will be there.

We guarantee the rates on your term insurance.

We guarantee the rate and your principal in our retirement annuities.

On top of those product guarantees, I guarantee that I will offer professional, high-quality service that you would expect from our organization.

Our Order is among the highest rated life insurers in North America. AM Best has rated the Knights of Columbus “A++, Superior” for 40 consecutive years. It’s a testament to our track record for excellence and security.

I would suggest that a principal reason that we were able to achieve those accolades is because we remain steadfastly committed to the vision of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney by providing life insurance by brother Knights for brother Knights.

That commitment is an essential core value of the Knights of Columbus, and our core values permeate all levels of our organization. We pledge to serve our brother Knights, and their families, according to our Golden Rule: “In all my professional relationships, I pledge myself to the following rule of conduct: I shall, in light of all conditions surrounding those I serve, render that service which, under the same circumstances, I would apply to myself.”

Let’s talk soon to discuss how our products can bring that peace of mind to you and your family.

Michael J. McAndrew IV

814.505.4971

Michael.McAndrew@kofc.org

50th Anniversary Booklet

On Friday July 15th and Saturday July 16th, 2006 our council celebrated it's 50th anniversay. This article contains a pdf of the booklet that was given at that ceremony. The booklet tells the history of the council and many interesting facts and events that took place during those 50 years. Also in the photo gallery are pictures from the event.

The Catholic Difference

The Catholic Difference

What does that mean, “Discover the Catholic Difference?” Is it just a marketing slogan or is there real meaning behind it?

Let’s look at that at several levels. Our Catholicity as an organization forms all that we do. Our Order was founded on the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity; as a Catholic business we also have core values of Integrity, Professionalism, Excellence and Respect. In all our dealings we try to embody those values in the field and at our Supreme Office.

Money from insurance premiums and annuity deposits is managed by our investment department colleagues, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors. They manage that money, now amounting to more than $24 billion, using sound investment strategies in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines. We will not invest in companies that engage in abortions, producing abortifacient drugs, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning or pornography. Our Asset Advisors prove that a business can operate on these principles and still produce a healthy profit. That’s a Catholic Difference!

Our charitable contributions of more than $185 million last year went to a wide variety of organizations. Many were Catholic, but some were not. We give money to support worthy causes and we do that, not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic. That’s what our faith calls us to do; Sirach 40:17 tells us that acts of kindness and charity last for an eternity. We are supporting victims of genocide in Syria and other places in the Middle East. We have placed more than 1000 ultrasound machines in all 50 states and saved more the 1 million lives. We financially and spiritually support seminarians, disaster victims, Special Olympians and many others. All this from the profits of our insurance program and investments and the contributions of members.

That’s a Catholic Difference!

And speaking of the insurance program, let’s talk about the “Discover the Catholic Difference” there. Here are a few examples: First, our products are designed with our members’ needs in mind. For example, I’m not aware of any other company that offers a Spousal Waiver of Premium benefit…and there is no additional premium for that! Second, we have never raised our Long-Term Care Insurance premiums, something very few, if any, insurance companies can say. Third, we offer Disability Income Insurance to blue collar workers as well as white and grey collar workers. We recognize that it’s not just the affluent that need that coverage. Fourth, we still meet with brother knights and their families in their homes if they prefer; it might be more convenient for them. Fifth, young children; we want to make sure a member has the opportunity to protect their insurability with life insurance that has a guaranteed purchase option. Sixth, our fixed-rate annuity has a minimum guarantee for life, meaning a member will always make money on his money. Seventh, our Supreme Office is currently developing new products to meet even more needs of our members…so stay tuned! Now that’s the Catholic Difference!

If you’d like to find out about more Catholic differences that could make a difference in your life, let me know.

Vivat Jesus!

Don’t Crowdfund Your Family’s Future

Don’t Crowdfund Your Family’s Future

There is a new phenomenon sweeping the internet: crowdfunding. Pioneered by organizations like GoFundMe, crowdfunding allows anyone to donate to a project or cause online.

Crowdfunding is increasingly being used to raise funds for grieving families. Chances are you’ve seen this more than once. Someone passes away, and within a day or two a representative from the family opens a crowdfunding page to raise funds to pay for funeral expenses and medical bills.

Without question, crowdfunding is a great way to harness the power of the internet for charitable ends, but it is often insufficient.

Recent studies show that the average crowdfunding memorial page raises $2,000-$2,200 — far below the average cost of funeral services.[1] Grieving families are left to deal with the shortfall as well as the additional stress of soliciting donations, figuring out how to access the money and calculating platform fees.

This month is designated as Life Insurance Awareness Month. It’s a great opportunity for you to evaluate your life insurance coverage and make sure your family’s future will not be left up to a crowdfunding page.

Since life insurance guards against one of life’s only certainties, it’s a product that nearly everyone needs. The question is not “Do I need life insurance?” but rather “Who should I get it from?”

For us Knights, the answer is easy.

Every life insurance company sells life insurance. There are hundreds of them in North America. But there’s only one life insurance company that belongs to you.

From the beginning, the Knights of Columbus has been determined to offer insurance by brother Knights for brother Knights and to uphold the Catholic commitment that has animated our Order since Father McGivney’s time.

So, as we observe Life Insurance Awareness Month, don’t leave your family’s future to chance charity. Protect your family with the safety and guarantees of life insurance from the Knights of Columbus.

Life Insurance Awareness

Life Insurance Awareness

September was Life Insurance Awareness Month. It’s the one month each year that the life insurance industry coordinates a campaign aimed at educating folks about the importance of life insurance and helping them get the coverage they need. I don’t want to bore you with lots of statistics, but a recent survey from LIMRA (Life Insurance Marketing Research Association) found that only 59% of Americans own life insurance and about half of those are underinsured. So that means that 70% of the population either has no life insurance or has too little life insurance.

So what does that have to do with the Knights? The historian, Christopher Kauffman, spent several years at the Supreme Office and at the Museum, researching the book written on the 100^th anniversary of our founding. That book, Faith and Fraternalism, notes on page 13, “Fr. McGivney was deeply interested in pursuing the topic of a Catholic fraternal insurance society among groups of Catholic laymen of New Haven.” Also on page 35, “…he [Fr. McGivney again] spent his energy in promoting the insurance feature…his emphasis on insurance was his pastoral concern for the social and financial security of the family.”

Fr. McGivney lived both the social and the financial insecurity of a desperate family, with the breadwinner suddenly taken, that had to be supported. He left the seminary to work and support his mother and siblings. He didn’t want other Catholic families to find themselves in such a predicament. That, and uniting men of faith, was the impetus for establishing our Order. Everyone who joined in those first years was insured; that was part and parcel of being in the organization. Now every member has a choice and every member should know what we do, and how we do it. Here’s the process

Discover – Identify & prioritize your financial goals
Gather Data – Collect facts & figures based on your current situation
Analyze – Input data, run calculations, identify shortfalls
Recommend – Propose a financial strategy designed to satisfy your goals
Implement – Choose a financial strategy and implement
Periodic Review – Review regularly, measure success, make adjustments

Why is meeting with your field agent important? It can help any family, at any age, determine if they have blind spots in their coverage. It can help you avoid the pain of being underinsured. With a variety of life insurance products we offer we can help just about any person within any budget.

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t want to buy life insurance…but I did I want what life insurance provides: no change in lifestyle for the survivors…in the house where they want to be. It’ll pay for a daughter’s wedding, a child’s college education and much more. What does life insurance provide all summed up? Peace of mind, security, freedom from anxiety, a safeguard from the unknown.

My job is to grow wealth and manage risk for YOU my brother Knight and your family.

Give me a call, message me with a text, send me an email, or even better yet ask fellow Knights in our council that have met with me already……… My ultimate goal is to have your family more financially safeguarded than you were before we met.

Vivat Jesus!

Discover – Identify & prioritize your financial goals
Gather Data – Collect facts & figures based on your current situation
Analyze – Input data, run calculations, identify shortfalls
Recommend – Propose a financial strategy designed to satisfy your goals
Implement – Choose a financial strategy and implement
Periodic Review – Review regularly, measure success, make adjustments

My job is to grow wealth and manage risk for YOU my brother Knight and your family.

Vivat Jesus!

The theme for October is “Real Life Stories.”

The theme for October is “Real Life Stories.”

A field agent like me who is lucky enough to be doing this great work for even a few years, undoubtedly has a personal story of the chaos and disorder that a devastated family stares at when there is a sudden loss. If our goal is to protect Catholic families from the near devastation that our Venerable founder faced, then I have to tell the story of how I can help my brother knights. The process of making sure one has adequate protection for the family is not painful; in fact since we are brother knights serving brother knights, it is often a time of not only helping to protect all that is important to a family, but also a shared experience that leads to an abiding friendship.

There are two stories I’d like to relate.

The first is about a young boy named Julius. When Julius was 7 years old his mother, Irene, who was 37, died of cancer. His father, Norman, had two teenage girls along with 7 year old Julius to support and raise. The family was forced to rely on the help and generosity of friends and relatives because Irene died without life insurance. Norman had a three hour commute to his job, but always supported his children’s activities. Julius excelled at sports, especially football and his dad spent what little free time he had fostering Julius and his talent. Julius later admitted that he “was handed a life lesson early, growing up with one parent. It wasn’t the easiest life—my dad sacrificed a lot.”

Fast forward to Julius some 30 years later and he is married, has a wife and two children. He’s done quite well for himself both professionally and financially. He has had a distinguished career and he has a considerable amount of life insurance to protect his family. Julius understands protection quite well after the early life he experienced. He understands the hardships of a family that loses a parent and what the children must go through. In his professional life he enjoyed considerable success because of those that protected him. For 13 years he was protected in his career. You see that protection for Julius came in the form of 300 pound offensive linemen…nobody called him Julius. His nickname was “Boomer”…Boomer Esiason—a four time Pro Bowler, an NFL Most Valuable Player and a Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year. Most importantly, a husband to Cheryl and a father to Sydney and Gunnar.

“Life happens at the most unexpected of times, and life insurance is about protecting the future and the people you love,” Boomer says. “Remember, if something happens and you haven’t done the planning, the people you leave behind will feel the brunt of your mistakes.”

The other story is not similar at all. It’s about a member of the Knights of Columbus in our local area. He passed away recently and like in Boomer’s family, left behind a spouse and several young children. There were no whispered worries at the funeral home though. There was no GoFundMe page to raise money. There is no concern that the children will not go to college or that the wedding he promised his daughter will not take place. Their home and future are secure. Who was that knight? You don’t know, because the council didn’t have to have a spaghetti dinner or pass the hat. You don’t know his name because he planned.

Let’s sit down, do some planning, put your mind at ease, and make sure your loved ones won’t feel the brunt of your mistakes.

Vivat Jesus!

Long Term Care

Long Term Care

As Thanksgiving approaches at the end of the month, I like to take stock of all the things I’m thankful for.

It ‘s easy to say family and friends, those are blessings ; and we sometimes take them for granted…but how about the little things in life. It might be that smile you get from person who hands you your cup of coffee in the morning, it may be relishing the crisp air on an autumn day. It may be a simple stroll in the park marveling at God’s nature abounding. Maybe the joy of helping an older neighbor with a chore. All little things to be thankful for.

When I think about helping older neighbors I often wonder just how many members have taken advantage of help that they might need as they age. Some won’t be able to do the simple activities of daily living. They’ll need assistance, and with our mobile society may not have a relative nearby to help. That’s where our Knights of Columbus Long Term Care Insurance plan might help.

Many people don’t know how a long-term care insurance policy helps cover the costs of care when the policy holder has a chronic medical condition, a disability or a disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease. You can receive care in your home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or an adult day care center.

LTC insurance helps protect all those assets you’ve worked so hard for over the years: your house, IRAs, savings, investments. They could all be wiped out with even a short stay in a nursing home. The website: https://longtermcare.acl.gov/costs-how-to-pay/costs-of-care.html says that Home Health Care costs about $22/hour, Assisted Living Facilities about $4,245 per month and Nursing Home average $85,000 per year. More expensive areas of the country are more than that. Without LTC insurance many families would face a serious financial crisis.

Most people aren’t eager to talk about long term care; but it’s important to have a plan. Many people want to wait until they are in their 60s or 70s before they start to consider long term care. But at younger ages it’s more likely you can qualify…and the price is less expensive when you’re younger.

I can help design a plan to fit your needs…and your budget. With that you can have peace of mind that you will get the care you need, when you need and where you want it.

Let’s talk and see how you can protect your assets.

Vivat Jesus!

January 2020 Field Agent Article

We seem to say it ever year, “It’s almost Christmas, where has the year gone?” As we look back we measure the passing of the seasons, from one holiday to the next, and see how our lives have changed over that time. Christmas and the end of the year mark a milestone for most of us. The season gives us pause to thank God for sending his only-begotten Son to redeem us and it is a time to reflect on all the gifts we’ve received from him. God’s gift to us inspires the gift-giving so many of us enjoy at Christmastime. We certainly enjoy receiving those gifts, but reflect for a moment of what the giving of gifts does for the gift-giver.

Some gift-givers aren’t so good with words, so they use gifts: Remember “Say it with flowers,” the slogan of FTD. Some get a sense of satisfaction in seeing the happiness of the recipient, some feel appreciation that they are able to share what God has given them. It seems to fulfill the need to please, encourage or help someone. It makes us feel good to give.

As I look back at 2019, I can’t help but think of all of the selfless members of the Order who gave gifts to help others. As our Supreme Knight highlighted in is address at the Supreme Convention just a few months ago we are “Knights of Charity.” And we prove this every day with the many people who give of themselves; give of their time, their talent or their treasure, to help those less fortunate and those in need.

Supreme Knight Anderson spoke about the disaster relief provided by our Knights of Charity; $4.2 million supporting hurricane victims alone. The one thousandth ultrasound machine has been placed in service to help save more

unborn children. He talked about our mission of charity to the Middle East and the Christian community there that faces extinction. More than $20 million has provided food, shelter,

clothing and a new 140 unit apartment building for Christians and those of other religions who need our help. Knights of Charity helped provide coats for more than 105,000 kids who will now stay warm this winter.

Knights are known for their generosity. We are indeed, Knights of Charity.

All of these important initiatives help many others, but don’t forget about your own family…and I’m not talking about gifts that you’ll put under the tree. This holiday season as we think of giving and receiving, when we think of all the good gifts we have been given and all we are able to give, make sure you give your family the gift of peace of mind. Secure in the knowledge that whatever challenges they may face, you have protected them.

The Knights of Columbus has the products that will do just that: Provide financially for your family if you aren’t here, make sure you have enough for a comfortable retirement, give the care needed if you can’t care for yourself and make sure all of this comes to pass if you are sick or hurt and can’t work. It’s painless to sit down with me to analyze your particular situation.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us be thankful for all the graces God has showered on us, especially the gift of his Son, our Savior! As Isaiah 9:5 says: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. (New American Bible, Revised Edition)

Vivat Jesus!

February 2020 Field Agent Article

Hello All,

Hope everyone had fantastic holidays spent with friends and family. The following are remarks for January’s newsletter.

Happy New Year! As we begin the new year it’s common to review the past year and look at what we’d like to accomplish in the new one.

Already there’s been much advertising and talk about 2020 and the

relation to our eyesight…how we’ll be able to see more clearly, look at the year with new vision, not be

shortsighted.

Of course all this talk about the future brings us to the usual thinking about the new year…making resolutions. That is a good thing! All of us want to resolve to do those things that will lead to happier, healthier lives.

Some of the most common resolutions are to lose weight, get in shape and exercise more. Others resolve to stop smoking.

If you think about the spiritual, many new year’s resolutions concern having a more centered prayer life or receiving the sacraments more often.

Many of my friends think more about quality time…quality time spent with their family and friends; those that are most important in their lives.

As you think about family, one resolution I can help you keep is to update your Family Service Record and take stock of your financial goals. Are you where you want to be? Do you have a plan? With our professional approach using the Profiles+ Forecaster financial needs analysis you can see if there are any gaps in your coverage and how close you are to achieving your goals and aspirations.

Some members are not aware of all the products we have to offer: Life insurance, long term care insurance, disability income insurance and retirement annuities. These products can help protect your family in all the

financial situations where you might find yourself. Life insurance protects your loved ones financially if you are not here to help provide. The need for life insurance changes at different stages of a person’s life: Young and unmarried members and the man retiring next month each have life

insurance needs, but the type and amount may vary widely. I can give you some advice on that.

Disability income insurance provides a paycheck if you are sick or hurt and can’t work. If your company offers some, do you know how much, for how long and is it taxable? I can help sort that out. Long term care insurance protects those assets you’ve worked so hard all your life to

accumulate. Don’t deplete all the family’s savings for a care event when the Knights can take on that risk. With all the concern about

market volatility and the health of Social Security, our fixed rate annuities guarantee a minimum interest rate for life, the safety of conservative

investment strategy and an income stream you cannot outlive.

What’s most important to you and your family? There is no cookie

cutter answer. That’s why I meet with members and their spouses and first determine what issues are of most concern to you. From there I can help analyze where you are in relation to your goals and construct a plan to get you where you want to go. All done in the comfort of your home and at your convenience.

As a brother Knight and your field agent I have so much more responsibility than a simple financial advisor or stock broker. We’ll take a look at your dreams, goals and aspirations for 2020 and beyond. Resolve today to meet with me and ensure that at the end of this new year, your financial picture will be seen with 2020 vision.

Vivat Jesus!

Love Is In the Air Version 2

Love is in the air!

We spend a lot of time thinking about our loved ones during the month of February and especially around Valentine’s Day. Technically, it’s St. Valentine’s Day, originally the feast day of a Roman saint from the third century. There is much speculation about the origins of the feast and even some discussion about the identity of the saint. We do know that this St. Valentine was martyred on February 14, 269 and the feast day was instituted by Pope Gelasius I in 496. But how did St. Valentine, a martyr, come to be associated with love and romance? Again, there is much speculation and one popular story is that he cured the blind daughter of his jailer. Before he was led off to his death, he wrote her a note and signed it “Your Valentine.”

Unlike St. Valentine, most of us are not called to martyrdom, but we do think about our loved ones…and we write love notes and greeting cards. Gifts are commonly given to the ones we love. But have you ever considered some special gifts for the ones you love?

That’s really what insurance is all about. People buy insurance because they love someone. I bought life insurance because I love my wife and children. If I’m not here to provide for them I want to make sure they can stay in the same home we love; I want to make sure that my children and or grandchildren will have the college education they will need; I want my family to continue to live the lifestyle I’ve been so fortunate to be able to provide. My policy even has living benefits that I can enjoy!

I want to make sure that if I am sick or hurt and can’t work, my family still has money coming in to pay the bills. Disability Income Insurance helps provide for that.

I’ve been able to provide a lifestyle for my family, but sometime down the road, I’ll take the assets I’ve accumulated and retire. Long Term Care Insurance helps me protect those assets in case I have an extended care event. I won’t have to spend down all that I’ve saved to pay for care…I’ve shifted that risk to the Knights.

My retirement annuities will help my wife and I enjoy our golden years.

With a lifetime minimum interest rate guarantee I know I’ll always be in the black with my account.

All the products we have available are centered on protection; protection for me, for my family and for what I’ve been able save. Is your protection where you want it to be for your loved ones?

Because of being in the mindset for Valentine’s Day, let’s sit down; you, me and your wife and see where you stand. Make sure you have insured your love. Go ahead and buy that greeting card, write her a love note…maybe even get a beautiful arrangement of flowers or a dozen roses. But remember, the gift of protection will be there when it’s needed most.

Vivat Jesus!

April 2020 Article

April is Autism Awareness month and I’d bet each one of us probably knows someone with autism; I know I do. One individual I know is challenged both physically and mentally. The Autism Speaks website (www.autismspeaks.org) is a wealth of information. Autism is not one disorder, it is actually called autism spectrum disorder or ASD because there is a broad range, a spectrum, from very mild to very severe characteristics.

Some with very mild characteristics can function in society quite well and hold responsible jobs. At the other end of the spectrum may be the person who is nonverbal, is challenged physically and may engage in nearly constant repetitive behaviors. Those with these more severe issues may need lots of support from family, friends and social service agencies. The Autism Speaks website says “autism affects an estimated 1 in 59 children in the United States today.”

Nobody seems to know what causes autism and the manifestations vary so widely that there is no real cure. Often the best that can be done is try to treat symptoms and help the individual cope with strengths and challenges faced. Because some of the symptoms or indicators often appear at a young age, before age 3, doctors have found that early diagnosis and intervention is the best course of action. With this early intervention, many individuals can be helped to improve the quality of their lives.

As we become more and more aware of the disorder you may know a member who is dealing with this himself or perhaps one of his family members has it. Your support, empathy and concern are usually well-received. It’s an opportunity to show Christ’s love to a neighbor. I encourage you to find out more on the website for Autism Speaks.

The Knights of Columbus have policies designed to help leave monies for children, grandchildren, or for the care of a loved one that has special needs to be used after your passing. Some of these polices can increase the input amount seven or eight fold immediately and make the entire benefit amount tax free. We also offer guaranteed issue policies for children as a part of your fraternal benefit package when you first joined your council.

I can’t end this message without wishing all of you a very Blessed Easter! It’s celebrated in the Latin Church on April 12 this year. What a wondrous time in our liturgical year! While we celebrate Jesus’ victory over death and his glorious resurrection, we remember that the raising from the dead came after humiliating abuse and an agonizing death. When I pray the rosary, I sometimes try to mediate on a particular decade by placing myself in the scene of that decade. How would I, a follower of Jesus, have reacted to his crucifixion? At the cross like John…or scared and hidden away with rest of the disciples? Would I have been brave enough? Then at the first Glorious Mystery, there at the tomb, stunned in awe of the mighty power of the Resurrection. What a mighty God we have! May each of you and your families experience the joy of this Easter season!

Vivat Jesus!

June 2020 Article

What a month this has been! I pray that all of you are safe and well and that you remain so. Let’s pray for those who have lost their lives, especially those heroes, those health care workers that made the ultimate sacrifice to help save others.

A short essay has made its way around the internet over the past month. It spoke to me and I would like to refer to it and the comparison of these last weeks.

The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter the disciples were locked in their house. It was dangerous for them to come out. They were afraid…If they left their homes their lives and the lives of their loved ones might be at risk.

Alone in their homes they dared to believe that hope was possible, that God’s love was the most powerful…Eventually, they were able to leave their homes, when the fear and danger had subsided. They went around celebrating and spreading the good news that Jesus was risen and love was the most powerful force on the earth.

This year, we might get to experience a taste of what that first Easter was like, still in our homes daring to believe that hope is on the horizon. Then, after a while, when it is safe for all people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, singing and shouting the good news that God brings life even out of death, that love always has the final say!

This year we might get the closest taste we have had yet to what that first Easter was like.

Although the author is unknown, it’s a sobering thought to remember that the disciples were worried, scared, hiding alone…”sheltering in place.”

Perhaps being with our loved ones for this extended period of time has opened your eyes a bit. I know it has opened mine. What’s really important in my life? What are my priorities? What are my opportunities to serve…to love?

As we pray for a return to our normal lives let’s pledge to not let the lessons of these past weeks be forgotten when we return to the hustle and bustle of “normalcy.”

Vivat Jesus!

July 2020 Field Agent Article

The world is slowly beginning its return to the way things were - at least as much as it can. It’ll likely be months before we know what normal looks like now.

You’ve probably heard the saying attributed to an unsavory (to say the least!) historical figure that “there are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happens.”

It certainly feels that way now. We have crammed decades of changes into these last several weeks, and it’s hard to know what change is permanent, and what changes will prove temporary.

Not everything is fluid though. I am struck by the resilience of the permanent things - our faith, our fraternity, our families. I’m sure you’ve seen the tremendous ways in which the Knights of Columbus in particular has proven itself equal yet again to this current challenge. Whether it was the establishment of the Leave No Neighbor Behind Initiative, or the launch of the diocesan loan fund, or just the every-day, every-city response of councils across the globe, we have responded as we always do: swiftly, powerfully.

Sure we’ve had to cancel some things. We’ve had to have some virtual meetings. We’ve had to stay a safe distance apart. But our distance hasn’t diminished our unity, nor has it changed our impact.

I continue to be proud to be a part of this great organization - especially in moments like this. And I know you are too.

That’s why, for me, being financially committed to the Knights is such a point of pride. We all need life insurance. We all need to plan for retirement. We all need to think about and prepare for life’s what-ifs.

But when it comes time to decide who to make those preparations with, and who to choose to buy those products from, we can choose to spend our money with the company who establishes a multi-million dollar loan funds for Catholic dioceses in their most desperate time of need, or we can go another route. We can choose to buy our insurance from a company who leaves no neighbor behind, or a company who has no real concept of who their neighbor is. We can prepare for our retirement with a company whose members are - once again - setting an example of true Christian charity for all to follow, or we can go in a different direction.

I would challenge you, whether you’ve never inquired or its been a long time - to take a fresh look at the Knights of Columbus as a trusted financial partner, and see what products and services we may have that might help you and your family. As we all start to get back to things, I can meet with you in person or by video, whichever you prefer, and we can have stress-free, no-commitment conversation about the possibilities.

It’s a way to further your commitment to all that we stand for, and - at the same time - obtain some much needed peace of mind in times like these.

I hope we’ll chat soon.

August 2020 Field Agent Article, The Catholic Difference

The Catholic Difference. What does that mean, “Discover the Catholic Difference?” Is it just a marketing slogan or is there real meaning behind it?

Money from insurance premiums and annuity deposits is managed by our investment department colleagues, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors. They manage that money, now amounting to more than $24 Billion, using sound investment strategies in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines. We will not invest in companies that engage in abortions, producing abortifacient drugs, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning or pornography. Our Asset Advisors prove that a business can operate on these principles and still produce a healthy profit. That’s a Catholic Difference!

Our charitable contributions of more than $185 million last year went to a wide variety of organizations. Many were Catholic, but some were not. We give money to support worthy causes and we do that, not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic. That’s what our faith calls us to do; Sirach 40:17 tells us that acts of kindness and charity last for an eternity. We have placed more than 1000 ultrasound machines in all 50 states and saved more the 1 million lives. We financially and spiritually support seminarians, disaster victims, Special Olympians and many others. All this from the profits of our insurance program and investments and the contributions of members. That’s a Catholic Difference!

And speaking of the insurance program, let’s talk about the “Discover the Catholic Difference” there. Here are a few examples: First, our products are designed with our members’ needs in mind. For example, I’m not aware of any other company that offers a Spousal Waiver of Premium benefit…and there is no additional premium for that! Second, we have never raised our Long-Term Care Insurance premiums, something very few, if any, insurance companies can say. Third, we offer Disability Income Insurance to blue collar workers as well as white and grey collar workers. We recognize that it’s not just the affluent that need that coverage. Fourth, we still meet with brother knights and their families in their homes or virtually if they prefer; it might be more convenient for them. Fifth, young children; we want to make sure a member has the opportunity to protect their insurability with life insurance that has guaranteed purchase options. Sixth, our fixed-rate annuity has a minimum guarantee for life, meaning a member will always make money on his money. Seventh, our Supreme Office is currently developing new products to meet even more needs of our members…so stay tuned! Now that’s the Catholic Difference!

If you’d like to find out about more Catholic differences that could make a difference in your life, let me know. I am available by phone, email or text.

Vivat Jesus!

October 2020 Newsletter Article

Soon you’ll be receiving your 2020 Fraternal Survey. Separate and distinct from the council fraternal survey, this survey is designed to help members update the Supreme Council on their information and circumstances, so that the Supreme Council can - in turn - advise them of the member benefits available to them that they may not be taking advantage of.

And just what are those benefits?

Of course, you, your spouses and your dependent children have the exclusive opportunity to protect your financial future through the Knights of Columbus. The Knights of Columbus can insure your life, protect your family, safeguard your paycheck, help provide for your long-term care, and help you retire happily and comfortably. You know that part well.

But that’s not all. The Knights of Columbus also provides a complimentary financial benefits to members, like our accidental death coverage.

One of the benefits of membership that I think is most important and most underrated is the simple benefit of having a relationship with a brother Knight Field agent.

Unlike my commercial counterparts, I share a common bond with you. We’re brothers! And, as such, my primary focus is not to make a sale or close a deal, it’s to help you determine what protection you and your family may need. My job is to help you identify solutions that work best for you, period.

So as a Knight, you can meet with me as often as you’d like. I can use some of our cutting edge software and tools as well as my own experience, to start exploring your financial situation, or your retirement, and present potential solutions for you and your family to consider. I can help you customize a plan for protection that is specific to your circumstances and your budget.

But I can’t help you with what I don’t know.

So as things get somewhat back to normal, and we all start to ramp up again in the fall, I encourage you to keep an eye on your mailbox for the Fraternal Survey, fill it out, let me know what’s new, and I’ll be in touch to schedule a follow up conversation - virtual or otherwise - so we can talk about potential next steps.

I look forward to connecting soon.

Vivat Jesus!

Michael

November 2020 Field Agent Article

As Thanksgiving approaches at the end of November, I like to take stock of all the things I’m thankful for.

I can help design a plan to fit your needs…and your budget. With that you can have peace of mind that you will get the care you need, when you need and where you want it.

Let’s talk and see how you can protect your assets.

Vivat Jesus!

Field Agent Remarks December 2020

“We humbly ask that you glorify your venerable servant, Fr. Michael J. McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will.” How many tens of millions, hundreds of millions of times has our loving God heard this sentence from the prayer for Fr. McGivney’s canonization? Asking only to fulfill God’s holy will; requested humbly. No doubt, you, like I, have been saying this prayer of supplication for years. Now those prayers have been answered as our Venerable Founder becomes our Blessed Founder. The journey began December 18, 1997 when the Cause for Sainthood was opened in Hartford, Connecticut by Archbishop Daniel Cronin. Nearly five years later the official document, the Positio, outlining the case for Fr. McGivney’s cause, was sent to Rome. On March 15, 2008 Fr. McGivney was declared “Venerable” indicating he lived a life of heroic virtue. This year on May 27, nearly twenty-three years after his cause was opened, Pope Francis authorized a decree that a miracle attributed to Fr. McGivney’s intercession has been approved.

October 2020 will long be remembered as the month Fr. McGivney’s beatification Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. It is currently scheduled for October 31. This will be a time of great joy and happiness for all members of the Knights of Columbus.

Spotlighting our founder and his reasons for founding the Order; i.e., to strengthen men in their faith and to provide for the financial needs of families overwhelmed by illness or death of the breadwinner, this spotlight will draw more Catholic men to join with us. Our Order is an immense force for good in this world with the billions of dollars donated to worthy causes over the past decade, strengthening our fraternal bonds with acts of charity. The Knights of Columbus helps us husbands and fathers not only fortify our faith, but also provides an opportunity for us to protect our families. Is it significant that the approved miracle involved the son of one of our general agents from our insurance program?

I like to think so. When Patrick McGivney died unexpectedly, young Michael had to leave the seminary to help provide for his family. He and his family struggled through the loss of his father and then as the curate at St. Mary’s he saw parishioners facing similar situations. He saw a need and he took action. He organized; he led, he inspired. He was concerned with both the spiritual and the temporal well-being of those around him.

Speaking of being a man of action, now is the time for you to take action: You will soon receive, if you have not yet already received it, the 2020 Fraternal Survey. It may be filled out in paper form or online. Whether on paper or online, please take a minute to complete it. It will be prefilled with much of your information to make it a snap to complete. It will provide information that will help me serve you better. There is a very informative insert included in the survey packet. Please take a minute to review that, too.

I consider it a worthy calling to carry on the work of our soon to be Blessed Founder. It’s been my great pleasure to work with many of you to help you protect your family and I look forward to continuing to serve you. Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks to you for all the good works you carry out in the name of the Order. Your acts of charity are even more critical considering this current pandemic. Thank you for all you do!

January 2021 Field Agent Article

In previous years this is the time we may have been shopping for that special present, getting a tree and preparing to cook the traditional Christmas meal. This year will be different. Many will be reluctant to travel, so many may be celebrating with just the household instead of a house-full! Instead of crushes of people at the mall, our Christmas presents will be dropped at the front door by UPS, USPS or Amazon Prime. No 22 lb. turkey or ham this year for the family members visiting from far and wide; just a small one for the few of us. While this year may be different, it may get us to slow down a bit and perhaps savor the special time of year and what we really celebrate.

We turn our thoughts to themes of “Peace on Earth” and “Goodwill to Men!” We think of our Savior’s birth in Bethlehem and the beginning of this chapter of salvation history. We think of family, both the ones we celebrate with this year in person and those who might only be present on Zoom. But we’ll make it through the season; we’ll have even more to celebrate next year.

Each year I remind my readers of some important financial issues as we move through December and hit year end. As you slow down here are some financial issues to consider at the end of the calendar year.

Because we’re so late in the year, you may have met your individual or family deductible on your health insurance plan. Financially this may be the opportune time for some minor procedure to be scheduled; or that visit to a specialist you may have put off. The same is true about dental insurance and sometimes even for vision coverage.

Speaking of health insurance, do you have a Health Savings Account? Do you have to spend the money that’s in there by year end? Some plans have a “use it or lose it” feature. Do you have to make a decision about how much to contribute next year? These are a couple of time sensitive issues.

If you have earned income for the year, what amount will you want to contribute to your traditional IRA, Roth IRA or 401k? Are you eligible to contribute much more based on the “catch up” provision? You won’t have to make that contribution until you pay your taxes and that could be four months away; however now is the time to start making plans.

Speaking of IRAs, have you received your required minimum distribution for this year? If not, the Internal Revenue Service penalty is a hefty 50% of the amount you should have received!

All of these issues come with lots of rules and regulations, so don’t go it alone. Give me a call and I will be happy to discuss any of these issues…and you can do it safely, virtually with me on the computer from the comfort of your home.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us be thankful for all the graces God has showered on us, especially the gift of his Son, our Savior! “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:5

Vivat Jesus!

April 2021 Field Agents Article

This month marks one year under COVID-19 restrictions. I remember when the news of shutting the Supreme Office was announced. I, like many I think, thought this would last a couple of months and all of us would get back to normal. The reality is much different. Maybe some of you are working from home…maybe some will be working from home for the foreseeable future. I realize this has not been easy for many of you. When it began I wondered how I would be able to help my brother Knights. But as restrictions were put in place, we were provided with a new way to meet with members virtually on our computers and we were given a number of tools to ensure that you, our members and your families, were served.

Using these new tools I have found that I am more efficient. I save travel time and can have more meetings in a day. I’ve found that many of you like the idea of meeting virtually or through phone conference. It’s less stress for you to simply sit down in front of your computer or phone, click on a few buttons and we can have a confidential conversation about your needs, wants and desires. For service issues I can meet much more quickly and have all the forms I might need to help you right at my fingertips…No more running out to the car to grab my mobile printer. (I am not complaining about saving a couple of bucks on ink and toner either.)

We’ve had our eApplication process for a while, and with pandemic restrictions members have found it very valuable to be able to sign electronically from the safety of their own home.

It’s been a very different year: We missed much of the solemnity of Holy Week and Easter with many of us either social distancing at church or live-streaming Mass; by summer we were able to get outside as long as we didn’t get too close to others who were out. Vacations were pretty much out of the question—I know I had a “stay-cation” with my family. By fall we had figured out how to deliver

candy from a socially acceptable distance to those few trick or treaters who braved the night. Thanksgiving traditions of large family gatherings were taboo and Christmas was so much smaller in 2020. Joyously we experienced the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney.

Now I hope we are starting to come full circle into 2021. The vaccine is on the way. Some of you have already received it. It looks like there is a light on at the end of the tunnel.

I am most thankful to all of you. Many of you met with me this year and wanted to make sure your desire for financial security was up to date. It was my pleasure to take the time to analyze your situation and give you my recommendations. I look forward to meeting with many more of you in the months ahead whether virtually or face to face. Take this time to pull out existing coverage from the Knights of Columbus or any company for that matter. Brush or blow the dust off them and review them to make sure what you thought you had is still what you actually have today. They say the mind is a funny thing, I know I do not remember what I ate for breakfast two days ago so how are you sure about a policy, coverage, or retirement you did more than one, two, or more than five years ago. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like a review; I am here to serve you, my members, and your families.

My family looks forward to the birth of our new child sometime in the next few days.

I continue to pray you will all be safe and healthy.

Vivat Jesus!

Michael

Field Agent Article May 2021

Spring is here, we have a new season and after a blessed Easter and a beautiful Eastertide, it's time to start planning again. With spring and the break in the weather, I've started to put together my honey-do list that will take me outside into the sunshine…at least I hope it's going to be sunny when I get outdoors to do all these chores. I don't know about you, but this time of year seems to energize me. After being cooped up all winter, and this year really being cooped up, I've been able to think of all the things I need to get done. Some of that includes physical repairs around the house, getting the lawn and flowerbeds ready to go, maybe even washing some windows.

Now when you get outside to get that work done, please, please be careful! I’m reminded of two separate acquaintances who were up on ladders in the spring. In both cases, the ladder slipped, one gentleman end up with two broken arms and the other a broken back. Both out of commission for quite a while. But there are many hazards that can put you out of commission…and that brings me to the important part of my message this month. Protecting your greatest asset!

Your greatest asset is your ability to work and earn an income! Take your annual income (probably fresh in your mind with tax filing day extended into May) and multiply it times your remaining years of working. A 35 year old making $50,000 a year will earn $1.5 million in the next 30 years….if he never gets another raise! So you have lots to protect. But what if you’re sick or hurt and can’t work. Maybe it’s something like the gents above…some broken bones. One of my members laid his motorcycle down on his leg…off from work for two years! That’s a lot of house payments to miss. Luckily, his disability income policy came to the rescue. It can happen to any one of us.

Disability does not discriminate; man or woman; Black, white, Hispanic or Asian; young or old. A 2014 CDA Long-Term Disability Claims Review had a number of notes: More than 1 in 4 of today’s 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire, 76% of us live paycheck to paycheck; less than 5% of all disabling accidents and illnesses are work related. That means 95% of those are not covered by Worker’s Compensation. You’re on your own 95% of the time. Turn to Social Security; but Social Security’s report on SSDI says that only about 40% of applicants are awarded benefits. Couple that with 69% of the private sector workforce having no long-term disability income insurance and it’s no wonder disabilities are the #1 cause of mortgage foreclosures.

So what to do? Let’s get together and find out. Do you need disability income insurance? If so, how much? Maybe you have some at work…is it enough? Is it taxable? Is it the right kind? Let me suggest you put your mind and your family's mind at ease. Life is unpredictable, pandemic or not. Let’s plan for the worst…but expect the best. We can’t see what the future will bring, I’m here to help you plan for the unexpected. Let’s make sure that if you or your spouse are sick or hurt and can’t work, that your family can stay in the home you’ve provided, pay the utilities, buy groceries…make sure the basics are covered.

Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy!

July 2021 Article

Warmer weather is here, we have a new season and after a blessed Easter and a beautiful Eastertide, it's time to start planning again. With spring and some break in the weather, I've started work on my honey-do list that takes me outside into the sunshine…at least I hope it's going to be sunny as I continue to get outdoors to do all these chores. I don't know about you, but this time of year seems to energize me. After being cooped up all winter, and this year really being cooped up, I've been able to think of all the things I need to get done. Some of that includes physical repairs around the house, getting the lawn and flowerbeds ready to go, maybe even washing some windows. I've had some estimates for work I need done around the house. Every craftsman has told me their business is booming. So many people have noticed things that need to be done around the house since they've been inside for the better part of a year.

And as you sit around and consider all the things that you need to get updated, let me make a suggestion that may put your mind and your family's mind at ease. We know this year has been unpredictable in many ways, but let’s be honest, pandemic or not, life is unpredictable. We can’t see what the future will bring, but we can plan for the unexpected. Remember that as a member of the Knights of Columbus I am your partner on your journey to prepare for and face the unpredictable.

Just as we take stock of the physical changes that need to be considered, I'd suggest that you take stock of where you stand protecting your family. The Knights of Columbus has partnered with industry leader Advicent to help us help you. I can use Advicent’s state-of-the-art software to provide you with a comprehensive financial needs analysis. With it I can help you take stock of where you are today, where you want to go, and how close you are to achieving your goals. I can help you identify any gaps in your coverage or issues you should address. This will give you a comprehensive look at where you stand. While many other companies charge for this kind of service, the Order has invested in this software to help us agents help our members. This financial needs analysis is free of charge as a fraternal benefit of membership.

I feel I have a special bond of brotherhood with all my members and I am committed to helping protect Catholic families…your family…while furthering the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney. Please take time to meet with me and take advantage of this free benefit of membership.

Vivat Jesu!

Field Agent August 2021 Article

Summer is in full swing; vacations and backyard barbeques, outdoor sports and yardwork! I look forward to this time of year with flowers in bloom and thoughts of a much needed and anticipated summer vacation. I hope your summer is going well for you!

In last month’s message I mentioned taking stock of all the things that need to be done around the house. And I further suggested that taking stock should extend to seeing where you and your family stand when it comes to financial protection. It’s interesting to read about Blessed Michael McGivney’s attitude in Faith and Fraternalism by Christopher J. Kauffman: “Though he [Fr. McGivney] seems to have been well aware of the value of ceremonials as the binding force for fraternal unity, he spent his energy in promoting the insurance feature.” You know the story well; how the untimely death of his father nearly derailed Fr. McGivney’s plans to become a priest. As the curate of St. Mary’s he encountered families in similar situations. So it’s no wonder he was so practical when it came to making sure families were financially sound.

In my position I feel a deep kinship with Fr. McGivney in helping to protect Catholic families. I see myself as your partner in facing this planning process. You don’t have to go it alone. With our new financial needs analysis tool, with cutting edge software, robust and in-depth, we can approach this together. Since my last message a number of members reached out to me. Let me give you a fictionalized account about two of them. I recently met with a brother Knight and his wife who have a couple of young children. Together, we were able to see that based on what this couple wanted for their family, there was a need in two particular areas. One, the brother’s group life insurance, while free as a benefit from his employer, was not enough coverage for what he wanted his life insurance to do. He desired more to make sure, if he had an untimely passing, his wife and children could stay in the same home, could still attend Catholic grade school and could afford to make a college education a reality. Group coverage from work typically isn’t portable. It scared this member that if he quit, retired, was let go, or if the company just decided to reduce benefits his family bore all that risk. The other area that he had not thought about was what I call the “death of his earning power.” What if he became sick or hurt and could not work? His employer provided very minimal coverage for a few months, but after that there was nothing. We explored how the Knights could fill that void and make his family whole. All this from spending time with me. The best part for him…and for you, is that this service is absolutely free. Many others in the industry charge fees for this kind of analysis. It’s a fraternal benefit that I am happy to provide.

The other couple was recently retired. Well past the stage of this former young couple. I completed a financial needs analysis for them. They were in very good shape financially; had all their proverbial ducks in a row in almost every area. The area that they were concerned with was an extended care event. How could they protect all that they had worked for and saved in the event of needing help with daily living activities? I was able to help them plan for that and shift the financial burden to the Knights. The other issue they looked at was setting aside a little of what they had saved to help their grandchildren. We were able to set up a plan to pass that money tax free to them.

Maybe you have similar concerns; meeting with me can allay them. I am your partner as we share our brotherhood in the Order. That kind of relationship is rarely found elsewhere in the financial services world. Let’s get together and see where you stand.

Vivat Jesus!

September 2021 Field Agent Article

Here it is August already…and the summer is more than halfway over. I hope that you are enjoying some rest and relaxation!

I can't seem to pick up anything to read, whether it's a newspaper, some type of news feed on my computer, or a periodical, without finding articles about retirement. With so many baby boomers getting to that age I guess I should expect it. Articles tell me how to boost my retirement, how to save for retirement, how to use certain plans to have a successful retirement. Some of these articles talk about maximizing the money that I've saved, some talk about maximizing my government benefits, some talk about how I can lower my taxes in retirement. Some articles talk about retirement without even retiring, they say keep on working or take on a new job in the gig economy. Frankly, that doesn't seem like much of a retirement to me.

When I retire I want to do some of those things I’ve put off over my working years: spend more time with family, travel, get immersed in my hobbies…those kinds of things. I’ve begun a bucket list to keep track of all the things I’d like to do when I retire.

Here are a few of my thoughts about retirement:

1. I want to retire “to” something, not “from” something. Many believe that the rocking chair on the front porch kills retirees. Retirement means having something different to engage in, not simply sitting around and doing nothing.

2. “Begin with the end in sight.” One of the seven habits of successful people as espoused by Stephen Covey. What do you want your retirement to look like? What do you want to do, where do you want to go, how do you want to continue to contribute to your church, your council, and your community?

3. Have goals and have a plan. If you begin with the end in sight, now you have to make a plan on how you want to get there. Write it down, make it happen, the book by Henriette Klauser might be helpful. A goal without a plan to get there is just a dream.

I've talked to a number of members and their spouses lately and retirement always comes up as a topic of conversation when we review their current situation. It doesn't seem to matter their age. I've had members as young as 35 and as old as 70 over the past couple of months want to talk about retirement and making sure that they're set at some point in the future. Let’s face it, the 35 year old has a lot more time to plan. Time is an ally for him. As changes occur in the economy, he has time to make course corrections. He has time to contribute more to meet the family’s income goals, he’ll probably earn more as he progresses in his career. For the older member, time is no friend. Less time to earn income, less time to cope with the vagaries of the economy, and topped out in earning power. The closer one gets to the planned retirement age, the more important that a strategy be in place.

That’s where I can help. Our new financial needs analysis tool allows me to plug in your personal information and let you see where you stand. Are you accumulating enough funds to meet your retirement income goal? Are there ways to make sure you’ll never run out of money in retirement? Is your money safe and secure, not following the whims of the market?

Let’s get together and make sure you have a strategy to put you in the winner’s circle.

Vivat Jesus!

Field Agent Article October 2021

Some events are the harbinger of the change in seasons: swallows returning to Capistrano, opening day for major league baseball, kids getting out of school for summer vacation (and then school shopping in August!), football season in the fall with Halloween and Thanksgiving and finally ending the year with a Christmas celebration.

One harbinger of September that has been like clockwork over the past number of years is our Knights of Columbus Fraternal Survey. It’s my chance to stay in touch with you, see what’s changed in your life and let you know I am here to be of service.

Just like last year the survey can be completed online; simple, fast and confidential.

I’m sure that as you look through the survey you might find a block to check; a subject you’d like some information on. Maybe you’ve been thinking about your life insurance and other benefits at work…are they adequate? Do I get to keep my group life insurance when I move to another job? Maybe you’re thinking about a relative that’s had a long term care event and all the agony and worry that entails. Maybe it’s time to get serious about retirement.

Perhaps you have some products and you need service—a change of beneficiary or owner…or maybe you’ve moved and we need to update your contact information. Any of these can be addressed if you complete the survey.

In my travels around the area I often run into people who know the Knights of Columbus from our good works in the parish or community, our disaster response, support for Special Olympics and our prolife efforts. But very few of them know that we are a life insurance company…and we make no bones about that. After all Fr. McGivney saw that protecting our families was one of the two key reasons he brought those New Haven men together in the basement of St. Mary’s in1882.

“No doubt Father McGivney was motivated by the wish to keep young Catholics from entering the ranks of condemned secret societies and by the need to protect families during sickness and death.” (Faith and Fraternalism, The History of the Knights of Columbus 1882-1982; Christopher J. Kauffman, pg.17)

Unite men of faith and protect our families. Our Order has been faithful to that mission for 139 years. With the beatification of Blessed Michael McGivney I feel a renewed zeal to invite men to join the Order to reap those benefits of Unity, Charity and Fraternity. I am just as zealous to help protect Catholic families. Tempus fugit, memento mori!

Vivat Jesus!

November 2022 Field Agent Article

Council Meeting Message—November 2021

With holidays approaching we get busier and busier…right through to the end of the year. It seems nearly non-stop with family gatherings, holiday shopping, special programs at the parish and at schools. Everybody gets busy! From what I’ve read about shipping and trucking delays of getting shelves restocked it looks like Christmas shopping will need to start even earlier for many.

As busy are you are, here is one item that needs your attention: If you have not yet completed the Annual Survey, please take just a few minutes and respond. It’s easier than ever; it can be done online at www.KofCSurvey2021.org. Your responses help me understand your current situation better. That in turn allows me to be of better service to you. For some of you that means referring you or a family member to one of our many fraternal benefits. For others it may mean updating important contact or family information. Still others may benefit from a comprehensive look at their current insurance plans. With our new financial needs analysis tool and a few minutes together I can give you an accurate picture of where you stand when it comes to your family’s protection. With our full suite of products, life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance and retirement annuities, I can help in most any situation.

Our financial needs analysis allows me to gather information from you and make fact-based recommendations based on your wants, needs, and desires. With the help of computer modeling we can look at a variety of scenarios and help ensure you are on the right track regardless what lies ahead.

Now, before things get too busy, let’s meet and take a look at where you stand. Maybe you’re in good shape in one area, but could use some shoring up in another. Those blind spots can be problematic, but once identified you can take the necessary steps to address them.

Thank you to the many brothers who have met with me so far this year. I’ve been very fortunate to be of service to them and their families. Even as the end of the year gets busy, I look forward to helping more.

Vivat Jesus!

What special celebrations we have in the month of December! Our Lady’s feast, the feast of the Immaculate Conception when we honor Mary as having been conceived without original sin. What an honor, too, for her mother, St. Anne, and father, St. Joachim, to have that blessing, literally the grandparents of our Lord! Then we celebrate Christmas and the Word made flesh who dwelled among us. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Isa 9:5)

I’m sure your family, like mine, has its traditions at Christmas. There is decorating a tree and the house both inside and out, shopping for that perfect gift, and the preparation of the special meal. Maybe you start the real celebration by attending Midnight Mass. And perhaps this year it will mean a return to a houseful of relatives around your Christmas dinner table. I hope and pray that you and your family find peace and joy during this season!

As we approach the end of the year I want to thank each of you for the trust you’ve placed in me. I have been able to help so many brother Knights and their families with the services and products that the Order has available to protect Catholic families. I consider it an honor to be able to serve you as your agent. One way I may be able to serve you better is to make sure you respond to the survey that was sent from the Supreme Office recently. While some snail mail is still delayed, you should have received it. Answering the survey will help me serve you better. If you like convenience you may want to complete the survey online.

Please be sure to check your contact information and make sure it is correct. If you have not yet received your survey, please let me know.

Have a very Merry Christmas! Let’s be thankful for all the graces and gifts that God has blessed us with, especially the gift of his Son!

Vivat Jesus!

Michael

Council Meeting Message February 2022

February’s most noted observance is Valentine’s Day. It is a day where we focus on the ones we love, perhaps by gifting a girlfriend, fiancé, or wife with flowers (roses always seem to be the most popular) or candy or just a simple card.

While candy or flowers or greeting cards may say you care, these are all just tokens of affection. And while it is certainly important to let the ones you love know that you care for them, the candy gets eaten, the flowers wilt and the greeting card might eventually get thrown in the trash.

Here is something that will last:

It can take less than an hour to meet with you, either in person or over the computer, and find out what is important to you and your family. For instance: How will you provide for your family if you aren’t here? How will you provide if you are sick or hurt and cannot work? What do you want to happen if you are unable to care for yourself? What does retirement look like for you? Answering these questions and putting a plan in place is a gift that will last.

I know it can be difficult to think about these questions. But I also know that answering them and preparing for the future can bring a sense of peace and serenity to a couple. This is a gift that keeps giving.

Vivat Jesus!

Field Agent Article March 2022

Council Meeting Message March 2022

March arrived and Lent began on the very next day, March 2. We all know that Lent is the time of preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Holy Thursday. In order to prepare to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection we are to exercise self-control and self-denial by fasting. We are encouraged to encounter Christ in the reading of Scripture and we are to serve others by the giving of alms.

When I was a kid, the “go to” self-denial was giving up chocolate…made those chocolate Easter bunnies most tasty! I think a lot of us are creatures of habit when it comes to self-denial. We continue on the same path, “giving up” the same things each year. Although self-denial is important as a practice, I’ve gotten a little older and a bit more introspective. I try to think of positive things to do rather than what I want to give up. Here are some of the things on a personal level that I’m going to try: Devote some time each day to reading Scripture. I’m not going to read whole books or commit to something I can’t achieve, but for 10 minutes each day I’m going to read the Good Book. I think reading scripture every day is good habit to nurture.

Rather than “giving up” I’m going to try to “give away.” It doesn’t help anyone…other than me…if I give up chocolate again this year. But if I give away to the poor, that can have a positive effect on me and on someone else. God has blessed me in so many ways. I’m determined to be more generous this Lent.

As men of faith let’s take advantage of some of the many program offerings during Lent. Council & parish fish frys as well as 40 cans for 40 days are just some events happening during lent that come to mind. Some of these programs are done diocesan-wide, some at the local parish level, and many councils have special programs for prayer and reflection. If you are able perhaps you can lead or help lead a program at your council. I know for me, being involved with other men of faith strengthens me.

As we prepare spiritually for this new liturgical season of Lent, don’t forget the temporal. Tempus fugit, memento mori! I am honored to carry on our blessed founder’s vision of protecting Catholic families.

Vivat Jesus!

May Article 2022

May 2022 Council Meeting Remarks

The Catholic Difference. What does that mean, “Discover the Catholic Difference?” Is it just a marketing slogan or is there real meaning behind it?

Money from insurance premiums and annuity deposits is managed by our investment department colleagues, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors. They manage that money, now amounting to more than $24 Billion, using sound investment strategies in full compliance with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines. We will not invest in companies that engage in abortions, producing abortifacient drugs, embryonic stem cell research, human cloning or pornography. Our Asset Advisors prove that a business can operate on these principles and still produce a healthy profit. That’s a Catholic Difference!

Our charitable contributions of more than $185 million last year went to a wide variety of organizations. Many were Catholic, but some were not. We give money to support worthy causes and we do that, not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic. That’s what our faith calls us to do; Sirach 40:17 tells us that acts of kindness and charity last for an eternity. We are supporting victims of the Ukrainian invasion, genocide in Syria and other places in the Middle East. We have placed more than 1000 ultrasound machines in all 50 states and saved more the 1 million lives. We financially and spiritually support seminarians, disaster victims, Special Olympians and many others. All this from the profits of our insurance program and investments and the contributions of members. That’s a Catholic Difference!

If you’d like to find out about more Catholic differences that could make a difference in your life, let me know. I’ll be around after the meeting and I’d appreciate the chance to meet with you.

Vivat Jesus!

Field Agent Article June 2022

Council Meeting Message June 2022

Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus 140 years ago with two purposes in mind: To strengthen men in their faith and to provide for the widow and orphan if the breadwinner died or could not work. Our Order continues his mission today. That two-pronged approach to the young Catholic men of New Haven, Connecticut was important then and even though much has changed in our society since 1882, I believe that approach is important now. I am honored and blessed to be a part of continuing that mission.

While we work together to strengthen our brother Knights in their faith, I am able to work to secure the future for those who are left behind. For those who know me and the indispensable work I do for our members, you already have a good idea of how I do that work. But I’d like to take a minute to explain my approach.

My approach is to help members solve problems. The most important thing I can do for you is listen: listen to what you want to accomplish, listen to what keeps you up at night, listen to the plans you have for you and your family’s future. And the first step is to take stock of where a family is at the present…a snapshot of this time in your life. The Order has equipped me with a financial needs analysis platform to help you take that snapshot. We plug in the numbers and it does the calculations, taking any bias out of the process.

If your analysis shows there are gaps, we can discuss how to fill those gaps. We have a wide range of life insurance products that can be tailored to your needs if that is where the gap is. We have fixed rate annuities that are designed for retirement savings. Long-term care insurance and disability income insurance can provide peace of mind for the unexpected that life throws at us.

Stepping back and taking stock is not a difficult process and I try to make it as easy as possible. I can meet with you face to face or if you prefer, we can meet virtually. My goal is to fulfill Fr. McGivney’s mission of taking care of every member and his family in this council. But I want to further his legacy and offer membership to every man eligible in the parish. His goal was to protect Catholic families…that’s my goal, too.

Vivat Jesus!

July Field Agent Remarks

Council Meeting Message July 2022

Welcome to the middle of summer! July means most are in full summer vacation mode. Kids are out of school (And parents are already counting down the days till they return!) and family vacations are planned or maybe already taken. For many it’s the time to get outdoors and enjoy some good weather. The temperature, much like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, for some will be too hot, for some too cool and for others…just right.

I hope you get to spend some quality time with your family as the summer moves on. A shady spot in the yard or on the porch may be all you want or need. You might just get away all by yourself for some quality rest and relaxation. For some that might mean the family road trip, kids and parents driving to that favorite vacation spot. For some that are older it might mean the trip to see the grandkids. Whatever it is that recharges your battery and strengthens the family bonds, I hope you get to do it.

Speaking of driving, it isn’t prudent to drive without proper auto insurance. Anyone who does could be in a bad spot should the unexpected happen. The same is true for the insurance coverages that the Order has available. The Knights of Columbus has the products to protect you and your family as you drive down the road of life.

I appreciate the opportunity to meet with brother Knights and their spouses and continue the tradition of protection that Blessed Michael McGivney envisioned. Although I’ve met with many members of the council, my goal is meet with each of you so you can take advantage of the free service I provide. The financial needs analysis tool that the Order has provided will take a snapshot of where you stand today, what your goals and objectives are, and help identify any gaps in your coverage.

Let’s get together. I’ll give you a call soon. This drive through life has many unexpected sharp turns, speed bumps and blind spots!

Vivat Jesus!

Field Agent Remarks August 2022

August 2022 Council Meeting Message

As I write this, we have scores of people in the Supreme Office and around our jurisdictions who are preparing for the Supreme Convention. It’s an exciting time because many accomplishments of the past year will be recognized. All of you, the members of this council, and the members of the other councils I serve, can take great pride in playing a part of these successes. I congratulate all of you for your dedication to our first principle, charity, and reaching so many in need both here at home and around the world. While we have helped many right here, you have responded generously to help our brother Knights and their families in Ukraine and our brother Knights in Poland who have been critical in providing for so many refugees. Our Order, started by a simple and humble parish priest, who is on the path to sainthood, was to provide for both the spiritual and temporal needs of his flock. You are helping to do that today. When people in the local community think about the Knights of Columbus, they may have some general notion about all these good works we do and the Order’s amazing impact around the world. But to the local parish and the community, you represent the Order. When you are volunteering at a Special Olympics event, when you are visiting the sick, helping your pastor, handing out coats for kids, selling Tootsie Rolls, raising money for a charitable cause right here in your own backyard—this is what people see, they see you; to them you are what it means to be a Knight of Columbus. When you lead with faith, protect your family, serve others, and defend your values, you are a witness inspired by our founding principles. I look forward to next month when we can see the actual impact as outlined in the Supreme Knight’s Report at the convention. But even with a report of all that has been accomplished, let’s not lose sight that our work is not done. We have challenges every day and I am pleased to be assigned to this council and help further the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney.

Vivat Jesus!

December 2022 Field Agent Article

Council Meeting Message – December 2022 Merry Christmas! To all my brothers and their families, I extend my very best wishes for a merry and a blessed Christmas. As we are celebrating the Christmas season, we give thanks that God sent his Only Begotten Son to live among us and save us! That gift from the Father sets the stage for our giving gifts at Christmas. It seems we say it every year: “It’s Christmas; where did the year go?” Seems like a good time to look back on the year and note all the gifts given by you and our members worldwide. As Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly mentioned in his annual report this year in Nashville, Tennessee, we have much to be thankful for and much more work ahead of us. Consider these gifts that SK Kelly mentioned. The Order gave more that $154 million and more than 48 million hours of volunteer service. But those are the big totals. Look at these specifics: we gave the gift of warmth to more than 150,000 children through the Coats for Kids campaign. We gave 8,891 physically challenged individuals the gift of mobility this year through our wheelchair program. We raised more than $19 million for Ukraine support and gave those families the gift of respite at Mercy Centers and Easter packages. RSVP gave the gift of financial support to nearly 5,900 seminarians or postulants. And we had more than 450,000 members give the gift of life through donating blood. These are gifts that change lives. Real people, real individuals benefited from these gifts. As I consider Christmas I think of the gift of support and encouragement that you have given me. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and your families this past year and I look forward to a new year and renewing connections with you. Again, a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! Vivat Jesus!

January 2023 Field Agents Report

Happy New Year to all my brothers and their families! I wish you peace, joy and good health this coming year! It’s that time of year when we make resolutions. Have you made any yet? Maybe the realistic question is, “Have you already broken some of them?” Here are 10 popular New Year’s resolutions from the internet along with some of my own: 1. Get in shape; for some of us this means to lose some weight, exercise more and staying fit; to stop smoking or eat healthier foods. 2. Stop procrastinating; I don’t know about you, but I’m going to put this off for yet another year! 3. Improve my prayer life; there’s an app for that! The Laudate app claims it is the most downloaded Catholic app. It has an immense library of prayers, devotions, daily readings, podcasts and Vatican documents. 4. Improve on a skill or develop a new hobby; maybe you want to lower your golf handicap or learn to bowl. Go for it! 5. Be more thankful; God has blessed me in so many ways and sometimes I forget to thank Him for all of those things…usually because I’m too busy asking for something else. 6. Spend more time with the people that matter most; sometimes I get so busy working, keeping the house up or going to some meeting, I forget the ones I do these things for. I’ve got to set aside more time to just be with them. 7. Reduce stress; in this sometimes hectic and seemingly crazy world, it’s easy to get swallowed up in the latest tragedy and worry all the time. Cutting out those sources of stress or learning how to deal with them more effectively means a more settled life. 8. Read more; with so much on the internet, TV and radio it’s easy for me to get lost in those. Reading for pleasure has become something of a lost art. 9. Spend wisely; it’s so easy to spend money on things we really don’t need, buy on a whim or because we’re keeping up with the Joneses. 10. Review your current financial situation; it’s always a good idea to take stock on a yearly basis. Now this last resolution I can definitely help you keep. My resolution is to educate any family willing to take the time to help themselves and plan for what lies ahead. Many have the misconception that we are just a life insurance company. There is a lot more the KofC does besides life insurance polices. We can provide estate planning and asset protection options. We provide life time incomes and explain the benefits of using longevity credits. We help those who are interested in planning for retirement, disability, extended care, or assisted living. Your financial health is critical to your family’s future security. We’ll take a look at your goals and aspirations and help make sure you’re on track to reach them. If you feel you have accomplished your financial goals we can explore options to safe guard what you have worked so hard to earn.

“The beginning of knowledge and education is planning on exploring options and discovering opportunities in something that we did not understand before we started.”-Michael your friendly Knights of Columbus Field Agent

Vivat Jesus

February 2023 Field Agents Article

Here is something that will last:

Vivat Jesus!

Have you sat down with me to take an honest look at your family’s financial snap shot? Even if you have, a lot has changed in the last year. We have new life products, guarantee interest rates have doubled since last year with our retirement products, IRA’s, Roth’s and annuities.

Many families I sit with have something in place with other companies that is not what they believed it to be. A fresh set of eyes and a second look is never a bad thing especially when we are talking about you and YOUR family.

It doesn’t have to be a sit down meeting either. I help so many families just by them sending me a picture of something they have a question on. Most often this turns into a deeper conversion. Sometimes saving money and or the amount of years they are paying on a policy.

My Knights of Columbus families trust me because I don’t show or offer suggestions unless it is for their benefit and I can say that if in their shoes it is something I would do for myself or my wife and children.

I also here some say, “Well I am already retired, or I already have what I need they can’t do anything for me”. This could not be farther from the truth. When I meet with families it always prompts some change. Sometimes its is a big change, sometimes it seems like a small one but it will make a world of difference for those around you because it does not leave family guessing about what you would have wanted.

Call me, email me, text me, meet with me in person or virtually. You have every option available to you. I promise something worthwhile with come from it.

Sincerely,

Michael

Council Meeting Message March 2023

March this year, to me, means Spring and Spring cleaning, Lent and preparing for Easter, and the day when we’re all a little bit Irish, St. Patrick’s Day. Let me start with St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a nice break from the doldrums of winter and a brief respite from Lenten preparation. To all of my members, Irish or not, I say “Sláinte!”

This year we’re immersed in Lent for the entire month as we look forward to Easter on April 9. This is a time of renewal and preparation for Holy Week, Christ’s Passion, and his conquest over death in the Resurrection. May your focus be on generous giving and spreading peace to everyone you encounter.

Spring…we’ve been through the toughest part of winter and we begin to think about Spring. And Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal: trees may begin to bud and flowers begin to poke through in search of warmer temperatures. The Spring equinox means that daylight lasts as long as night with the earth spinning toward that summer solstice. Maybe, just maybe, winter is behind us. While you’re getting rid of all the old cobwebs of winter and doing the annual spring cleaning, now is a great time to take a fresh look at your family’s financial security.

With a wide range of products—life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance retirement accounts, annuities, mutual funds, estate planning and asset protection I can help you look at your family’s financial situation now and for the years to come. All this while you deal with a company that shares your faith and beliefs and invests in accordance with Church social teaching.

As your Knights of Columbus Field Agent I’ve been trained to help you through that important process. Sit down for a short meeting with me and we can use our newest and most advanced financial needs analysis platform that the Order has ever had. I’ll take the time to gather information from you, ask about your wants, needs and desires, and put together any recommendations to help you meet those.. As always you’re under no obligation.

Please feel free to contact me by text, phone or email.

814.505.4971

Michael.McAndrew@kofc.org

Vivat Jesus

Easter greetings! As we roll through the first full month of spring we celebrate Easter with thoughts of
gratitude for the gift of new life. The Resurrection and thoughts of our Savior’s sacrifice and triumph
over death are fresh in our minds and hearts. The dreariness of winter and Lent fade away with April
rains that seem to have their own scent. All nature seems in bloom. Trees barren not long ago are now
budding and flowers begin to poke through the warming soil. For many, it’s their favorite season of the
year.
Along with everything else going on in April, it is also Autism Awareness month. The Autism Speaks
website (www.autismspeaks.org) contains much more information that I can give you here. Autism has
been more widely discussed and better understood in recent years. Although the TV show “The Good
Doctor” portrays a doctor who has autism, those with Autism Spectrum Disorder exhibit a broad range
of characteristics. Many have much less functionality than the doctor portrayed on the show. I mention
this because many of us know of someone who is on this autism spectrum. If diagnosed early in
childhood and intervention begun, those with autism may still live a relatively normal life. However,
many with autism struggle and have other complicating medical or psychological issues and need much
support during their lives.
That’s where the Knights of Columbus Family Fraternal Benefits may be able to help. The Family
Fraternal Benefits cover a number of situations. One benefit addresses the child who is older than 60
days and younger than 18 and is uninsurable according to our ordinary underwriting practices. Many
children with autism as a primary or secondary diagnosis fall into this category…uninsurable. For those
children, the Order has a special family fraternal benefit that allows the issuing of an ordinary
permanent life insurance policy on this uninsurable child. Some members may be unaware of this
benefit, but it’s great news for any parent with a child who does not qualify for life insurance. There are
some other qualifiers for the parents and any other children in the family, including that the father must
be a member in good standing in his council. I won’t go into the others here, but this is a very
worthwhile benefit, not only for those children with autism, but for any child who may be uninsurable.
If you know of a Catholic family that may have a child with autism or any family with a child who is
uninsurable, please reach out to me. They may be unaware of this benefit. I will be happy to contact
them explain this valuable protection that is available. If you prefer, give my name and contact
information to that parent so they can contact me at their convenience. As always, there is never any
requirement to purchase any product, but a consultation about this benefit may bring them some small
comfort.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you, my members. Enjoy your spring!
Vivat Jesus!

2023 05 Council Meeting Message

Spring is here, at least by the calendar, and it will soon be summer. Perhaps you’re planning your summer vacation. Maybe you’ve not only planned it, but you’ve already booked your hotel, VRBO®, or Airbnb®. Maybe you’ve gone so far as to purchase plane tickets…or maybe your vacation spot will be within driving distance. You’re already thinking of the clothes you’ll have to pack and those new pieces that you’ll have to buy. You’ve got a little extra cash saved to buy some special souvenirs. You are researching the area and finding the interesting historical sites to visit. Seeing where the fun spots are…checking out the local places to dine. How do you want to plan your week away? I’ll admit it, I enjoy doing that research, especially when I’m driving. I like looking at maps and seeing what sights there are to see, the historical venues, the local restaurants. I like looking online (and maybe even getting some old fashioned travel brochures) to check out my travel destination. If I’m driving I like to pick a route. Not necessarily the fastest on my GPS though. The fastest route often bypasses the interesting sites. (Think historical Route 66 and all the interesting places along that road!) When I’m all done and I’ve got everything laid out, I have a certain sense of accomplishment. I know I’m going to have a good time because I’ve looked at many options and picked the ones that mean the most to me. I think of working with you, my brother Knights, in much the same way. When I sit down with you and your spouse we start with a financial needs analysis. We “drop a pin” on your map to show where you are now. We enter a destination of where you want to go. What do you want to see for your family if the unforeseen happens? That might be a situation where one of our products, life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, or a retirement annuity, may be needed. Think of that product as the vehicle that gets you or your family farther along to a better place on your financial road map. Much like a vacation, we’ll make stops along the way, take a look “under the hood,” and make sure the strategy is still “running on all cylinders.” There are many options to discuss, even within the different lines of products available, to help you get to where you want to go. Do you have a strategy? May I have the privilege of helping you and your family develop one or fine tune the one you have? Give me a call or send me an email to set up a time to get together to discuss your financial road map.

Vivat Jesus

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