Brother Knights of Illinois,
THANK YOU!
Because of your dedication, persistence, and commitment to inviting Catholic men into our Order, Illinois has advanced to the McGivney Cup Championship Round!
What an incredible accomplishment.
Over the month of May, councils across Illinois stepped up, extended invitations, held membership drives, followed up with prospects, and showed the entire Order what it means to work together as One Mission, One Team, One Illinois.
Every new member mattered.
Every invitation mattered.
Every council mattered.
And because of your efforts, Illinois has earned its place in the Finals.
But the mission is not finished.
Beginning now, Illinois faces Maine in the Championship Round throughout the month of June.
Each week, the jurisdiction with the highest percentage growth earns one point. The first jurisdiction to earn three points wins the McGivney Cup Championship.
That means we start June with the score tied 0–0.
The playoff victories are behind us.
The championship is in front of us.
Now is the time to double down on the mission.
We cannot take a week off.
We cannot save prospects for later.
We cannot assume someone else will do the work.
Every council should be inviting.
Every district should be engaged.
Every Knight should be asking one Catholic man to join.
Remember, growth is not about numbers—it is about bringing men and their families closer to Christ, strengthening our parishes, and ensuring Blessed Michael McGivney's mission continues for generations to come.
Illinois has already proven we belong in the Finals.
Now let us prove we can finish the journey.
As you attend Mass, parish events, council activities, and community gatherings this month, look for the man who has not yet been invited.
He may be waiting for someone to ask.
Be that Knight.
Be the Difference.
Let's make June our strongest month of the year and bring the McGivney Cup Championship home to Illinois.
Thank you for all you have done.
Now let's finish what we started.
Vivat Jesus!
Lloyd J. Reinkensmeier
State Deputy
Illinois State Council Knights of Columbus
Empowering Lives. Serving from the Heart.
