State Membership Report

March 3, 2007

  Introduction

 I have to admit that it’s tough to remain upbeat

about our growth in New Hampshire when we get news that our suspensions went up again. Suspensions hurt our order in many ways, especially during these

 trying times for our church and our families. Looking at Table 1, you see that our bottom line for membership growth is only two. This includes everything that causes a change in our rosters: new & reactivated memberships, transfers in & out, deaths, and suspensions. In table 2 are the results of only new & reactivated memberships and suspensions. These are areas of which WE have control over. Sure, suspensions will happen but new and reactivated memberships MUST happen. At this point in

our fraternal year, the net membership number should be around 240 instead of 83.

 Recruiting

There is still hope for the remainder of this year if the 37 councils who haven’t recruited get to work. Some of these councils are responsible for some big suspension numbers both this year and last year. District Deputies need to take notice and get involved because some of these councils haven’t recruited anyone either.

 On a positive note, we have councils with some very good results. Manchester Council 4875 still leads the pack with 280%. Next are Nashua Council 11573 with 180% and Bedford Council 12988 with 140%. There are 10 councils within the 60-80% range where Somersworth Council 2078 and Londonderry Council 6949 are leading. Nearly 20 councils are in the 20-40% range.

 The only, time proven way to increase membership is to personally invite someone to join. Most men join the Knights because someone asked them. We are now in the prime recruiting season of our fraternal year. Lent is a time for spiritual growth and renewal and many men find the Knights of Columbus to be the perfect avenue. If only someone would ask!

And don’t forget the men in RCIA. Invite them now to join our order once they are confirmed in our faith. Make it appoint to visit them and take interest in their progress. Maybe you can be there to witness their confirmation on Holy Saturday

 Retention

Please continue to do what you can to keep the men whose memberships’ are in jeopardy. You worked hard to recruit these men so do what you can to keep them. Job one is to make sure they complete all of their degrees. Then, maybe you can keep them busy with the council. The bottom line is to stay in touch with them and keep them informed. Please don’t let your next communication to them be a notice of intent to suspend!

Remember, the best way to avoid suspensions is keeping every Knight informed, involved, and insured. It is absolutely critical that every man complete his formation as a knight and active with your council. Please visit the state web site at

 Blitz

This month of March is blitz month.  This is your chance to make public presentation to invite eligible Catholic men to join our order. Be sure to follow through with your prospects and get them committed to joining.

 Parish Round Table

The parish round table is our order’s way of reaching out to the parish’s that doesn’t have their own council. Everyone knows what a great asset a council can be to the parish that it belongs to. Oftentimes we are there to help the pastor through some unforeseen difficulties.

Last year we achieved our goal to have 25 such round tables. Our goal this year is now 30. To date, we’ve only reported 5. I ask the 20 councils who have not turned in their paperwork to please do so now.

 State Web Site

Please visit http://www.nhknights.org/ . At the top of the page you’ll see a Membership tab. In it you’ll find some interesting ideas on how to grow your council and keep your members plus the latest news. If you have any questions, just click on the “Need Help” to shoot me an email. There are lots of other things under the Main Menu as well. Feel free to look around. Better yet, share our web site with family, friends.

 Conclusion

Traditionally, the March-April-May period has been our better recruiting time of our fraternal year. As noted earlier, we have many councils who have yet to bring in their first member. Don’t forget to emphasize the areas that make a difference in our membership. Yes, recruiting is very important, but so are our ceremonials, our service programs, our fraternal benefits, and our 4th Degree. The greater the extent to which we involve ourselves in these areas, the greater will it be that our own membership as a Knight of Columbus will be truly the Experience of a Lifetime.

Vivat Jesus!

Rich McDermott

State Membership Director