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Membership Goal: 2,108
To Date Membership: 821
Percent of Goal: 38.95%
Points Earned: 13 pts
Cup Standing: tied 6th
We are dropping in the standings, brothers!
Goal for Q2: 1,054
Q1 Gain: 299
Need 217 by Dec 31st.
Brothers our jusrisdiction is slipping in the McGivney Cup Challenge. We have been stuck at 13 points for several weeks. Points are earned through Percentage gain in our recruiting efforts, but only the top 3 jurisdictions each week earn points towards the Cup. Let's have some big weeks in November and move back up in the standings. We can do this because we are about PEOPLE, PASSION, & PURPOSE!
Illinois Knights
Our Moment to Rise to a Historic Challenge
My Brother Knights of Illinois,
During our recent meetings and in the message shared from our Supreme Master, we were reminded that the Knights of Columbus is positioned for a truly historic year of growth. The Supreme Knight spoke boldly in Denver of our Order’s momentum—100,000 new Knights this year. And yet, as we saw in his letter, our Supreme Master has set an even higher bar: 101,500 new Knights in 2025.
Illinois has been challenged to help make that possible.
To do our part, Illinois is being called to bring in 217 new Knights this December.
Brother Knights, this is not simply a number. It is a moment—our moment—to rally, to inspire, and to lead.
Achieving this December goal will:
Strengthen our contribution toward the Order wide goal of 101,500 new Knights
Propel our jurisdiction into a powerful second half of the fraternal year
Make Illinois eligible for a 2.5% reduction in the 2025–2026 intake goal—an opportunity not every jurisdiction will have
And the Supreme Master has made a clear pledge to us:
If Illinois reaches 217 new members in December, and
If we are 75% of goal or better on the April 1 Daily COH Report,
…Illinois will receive a 2.5% reduction off our original intake goal for 2025–2026.
This is a real and meaningful reward for real and meaningful effort.
The Supreme Master wrote as a brother state deputy—one who has sat where we now sit. His words echo the truth that leadership in the Knights of Columbus is not an accident; it is a vocation.
He reminded us of the profound teaching of Pope Benedict:
“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.”
Brothers, greatness is not loud. It is not self-seeking.
Greatness is service.
Greatness is sacrifice.
Greatness is stepping forward when others step aside.
This December, the greatness we are called to is simple and clear: Invite more men to join us.
I ask each Grand Knight, each District Deputy, each Council Officer, each Agent, each State Family, and each member across Illinois to shoulder part of this quest. Every council can recruit. Every man can invite. Every Knight can make the difference.
This is how we honor Blessed Michael McGivney.
This is how we strengthen our parishes, our families, and our brotherhood.
This is how we rise to meet the challenge before us.
Illinois has momentum—real momentum—and December is the month that can change everything. Councils across the state are seeing new families join, new parish relationships forming, and new prospects stepping forward.
But momentum isn’t automatic. It’s built—one conversation, one invitation, one courageous ask at a time.
Here is what I need from every council in Illinois this month:
1. Host one membership opportunity in December
A pulpit talk, a parish event, a hospitality weekend, an online push—anything that creates a moment of invitation.
2. Use the new digital tools—especially online membership
Online sign-ups take minutes. Aim to identify at least two men who can be brought in quickly and easily per council. Use QR codes in bulletins, websites, on banners, stationery, etc.
3. Follow up with every prospect from the past 90 days
Many men are already halfway to “yes.” Let’s help them finish the journey.
4. Celebrate every success—large or small
One new Knight transforms a council. Ten new Knights can transform a parish. And 217 new Knights can transform our entire jurisdiction.
Brothers, we can do this. Illinois has always risen when the Order calls. Let's show the nation what "Empowering Lives, Serving from the Heart" really looks like.
Together, let’s make December the month that launches Illinois into a record-setting second half of the fraternal year.
As a Thank You for your contribution to the Mission, we have created some incentives for the month of December only. All members and Councils have a chance to be rewarded.
My brothers, I ask for your partnership, your passion, and your perseverance in this mission. The opportunity before us is rare. The impact will be lasting. And the reward—both practical and spiritual—is real.
This is not simply about reaching a number—it is about growing our brotherhood in service to our priests, our parishes, and our Catholic families across Illinois.
Let us finish 2025 stronger than we began it.
Let us lead Illinois with purpose, courage, and conviction.
Let us grow our brotherhood so that more men may grow in faith, service, and fraternity.
As we enter the holy season of Advent, know of my deep appreciation for the work you have already done—and for the commitment I know you will show in these next three weeks.
May God bless you for your leadership.
May He bless your families, your councils, your parishes, and all our Brother Knights across the state.
I wish you a Blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas, and thank you for answering the call to greatness.
Vivat Jesus,
Lloyd Reinkensmeier
State Deputy--Illinois
Knights of Columbus
Credit to the California Knights of Columbus for the Flyer Design
Click Here for 2025 Raffle Winner List
Worthy Brothers All:
State Deputy Lloyd J. Reinkensmeier's motto for Fraternal Year 2025-2026 is "EMPOWERING LIVES: SERVING FROM THE HEART". In conjunction with that motto, the State Deputy is offering Councils the opportunity to participate in the following "STATE DEPUTY DAYS OF SERVICE CONTEST".
DECEMBER 1, 2025 (Some flexibility. Contact Program Director to approve)
a. Each Council will select a service project for that day.
b. Councils submitting pictures and a completed Form 10784, DIRECTLY TO THE STATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, will be entered in a drawing for the Grand Knight and the Program Director of the Council for a State Polo shirt that will be embroidered on the left sleeve with Council # and "Best Day of Service Project - December 1, 2025".
c. Winners will be selected prior to the State Convention.
d. The State Polo shirts will be presented at the State Convention in Springfield, May 2026.
This contest will be repeated on April 12, 2026
All Councils in the Illinois Jurisdiction are encouraged to participate. EMPOWER THE LIVES of your Council members to give service, SERVING FROM THE HEART!
Contact Program Director Steve Zalas for more information.
Resources from the Summer Meeting in Effingham can be found on the District Deputy Page
All Councils and Assemblies need to fill out the DIR 1 form. This is the information that is automatically published to the State Directory on the FOR MEMBERS page. Links to fill out the DIR 1 are on the Forms Page
Recent Councils hitting their membership goals.
Council 4698 - Father C C Boyle🦩
18 councils have met Membership Quota
Recent Districts becoming all Active
District 3 - Chicago - Thomas Heidenfelder🦩
District 25 - Joliet- Chris Simon🦩
3 Districts have met Membership Quota
District 28 - Joliet- D Thurman🦩🦩
District 31- Joliet- Rick Llanes🦩🦩
District 20- Chicago - Matthew Martinez🦩🦩
Dear Brother Knights,
As we move forward in our mission over the next several months, it is crucial to maintain our focus on the things that make your council successful as you empower and serve the parish and community of which you are a part of. One of the components of being a STAR council is participating in the fraternal benefits event(FBE). As you know, this sneaks up on most councils and then the panic rush sets in to complete. With careful planning, you can avoid the panic by participating in the upcoming FBE being held on October 27th at 8pm ET. Below is the link to register. Let’s share this event to help our members maximize the benefits of their life insurance through the Knights of Columbus. You owe it to your family to learn and decide what’s right for your family.
Thank you for all you do as a Knight and as a council. Nothing is more inspiring than hearing the stories of how you and your council empower those looking to grow in faith and to serve those in need in your parish and community. We are Pilgrims of Hope! Keep up the great work and we look forward celebrating your accomplishments.
EMPOWERING LIVES, SERVING FROM THE HEART
Have a great week!
With over 50 departments across three locations, the Knights of Columbus offers a diverse set of opportunities. Click on the links below to find one that matches your skills and goals:
Daily Summary 2025-12-01.xlsxUpdated 2025-12-01
No Frills Church Drive!
Yes, It’s this Easy!
St Dominic No Frill Drive.mp4Membership is FREE Scan or click the
QR Code below and use Code BlessedMcGivney for FREE Membership
Pulpit Talk – Do You Have 5-Minutes?
Church Recruiting - Blackburn Speech.mp4
The Illinois State Council uses Google Meet as its preferred video conferencing and meeting platform. Councils and Assemblies can also use Google Meet for free by creating their own Google Account. The free version will allow meetings of up to 60 minutes. Other subscription options are available if a longer time is needed. Click here to get started or learn more.
