Reposted from @kofc_official The Pledge of Allegiance has undergone several revisions since it was initially written in 1892 by Baptist minister Francis Bellamy. The last significant change came in 1954 during the midst of the Cold War, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a congressional resolution adding the words “under God.” This revision would have never happened without advocacy by the Knights of Columbus. In 1951, when the Pledge contained no references to God, the Knights personally inserted “under God” into their recitations at the opening of Fourth Degree assembly meetings. Momentum grew within the Knights to petition the United States Congress to revise the Pledge. In a letter thanking the Order, President Eisenhower stated that these words “remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded.” And St. John XXIII expressed his gratification to the Knights of Columbus for their advocacy because “some 30 million children, at the beginning of each school day, acknowledged the existence of God and their dependence upon Divine Providence.” At the link in our bio, learn more about the history of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo: This page about how “under God” was added to the Pledge appeared in the June 1955 issue of Columbia for readers to frame in their home, school, or place of business. (Knights of Columbus) #frmcgivney #fathermcgivney #fathermichaelmcgivney #kofc #knightsofcolumbus #charity #unity #fraternity #patriotism #catholic #catholics #catholicchurch #catholicism #prayer #rosary #blessedmother #virginmary #jesus #jesuschrist #god #beatified #blessed #miracle (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ5_GcqLOid/?utm_medium=tumblr
Father McGivney Ends Calhoun’s Streak, Captures Roxana Invitational Crown
For 27 straight matches, Calhoun High School’s volleyball team had been untouchable. Tournament after tournament, match after match, they piled up victories and cemented themselves as the team to beat in southern Illinois. But on a charged Saturday night at the Roxana Invitational, the streak finally ended. Father McGivney Catholic High School stormed past Calhoun in the semifinals, then carried that momentum into a dominant finals win over Jersey to claim the tournament title.
Breaking the Streak
The matchup with Calhoun was billed as the clash of the tournament. The Warriors entered on a 27-game winning streak, brimming with confidence and experience. McGivney, meanwhile, had been building steady momentum behind a balanced attack and strong defensive play.
From the first serve, it was clear the Griffins were ready to challenge the narrative. They came out swinging, putting Calhoun on the back foot with aggressive serves and relentless pressure at the net. The Griffins’ blockers shut down Calhoun’s big hitters, forcing errors that chipped away at the Warriors’ confidence.
By the middle of the first set, the energy in the gym shifted. McGivney wasn’t just competing—they were controlling. A key service run midway through the set gave them breathing room, and from there they never looked back. In straight sets, the Griffins swept Calhoun out of the tournament, snapping the streak and shocking the crowd.
MVP Performance
The star of the night was junior outside hitter Mia Lieberman, who earned tournament MVP honors for her all-around dominance. Lieberman racked up kills with both power and finesse, using sharp angles to pierce Calhoun’s defense. She also delivered in serve receive, helping stabilize McGivney’s passing game, and chipped in with clutch digs at critical moments.
“She played like she wanted it more than anyone else on the floor,” said one coach after the match. “Every big point seemed to find its way to her, and she delivered.”
But Lieberman wasn’t alone. Setter Emma Hayes kept the offense humming with crisp distribution, middle blocker Anna Roberts contributed with key stuff blocks, and libero Grace Becker anchored the back row with diving saves that ignited the crowd. It was a total team effort, but Lieberman’s leadership and consistency set the tone.
The Final Against Jersey
If anyone thought McGivney might suffer a letdown after their emotional semifinal win, they were proven wrong quickly. Facing Jersey in the championship, the Griffins looked every bit as sharp—maybe even sharper.
They dominated the first set with near-flawless execution. Lieberman and Roberts combined for multiple kills, while Hayes kept Jersey guessing by mixing quick sets through the middle with high balls to the outside. On defense, Becker’s coverage made it nearly impossible for Jersey to find open space.
The second set brought more of the same. Jersey fought hard to keep rallies alive, but every time they inched closer, McGivney found an answer. Whether it was a service ace, a block at the net, or a perfectly timed tip, the Griffins had the answers. They closed out the final with authority, clinching the tournament title in straight sets.
A Program on the Rise
The Roxana Invitational title feels like a breakthrough moment for Father McGivney’s program. For years, they’ve been quietly building talent and depth, but they hadn’t yet claimed a signature victory over a powerhouse like Calhoun. Now, with the streak snapped and a championship trophy in hand, the Griffins have put themselves firmly on the regional volleyball map.
“This group has been working so hard,” said head coach Sarah Donnelly. “They believe in each other, and tonight they showed what happens when you trust the process. To beat a team like Calhoun and then come right back and finish strong against Jersey—it says a lot about their character.”
The Griffins’ blend of veteran leadership and young talent suggests this might just be the start. Players like Lieberman have already caught attention, but the team’s strength lies in its balance. Every rotation brings contributions, and their chemistry is evident.
Calhoun’s Perspective
For Calhoun, the loss stings—but it doesn’t erase what they’ve accomplished. A 27-match winning streak is a rare feat in high school volleyball, and the Warriors remain one of the area’s premier teams. Still, the defeat offers a reminder that no streak lasts forever, and that even the most consistent squads can be challenged when an opponent brings its best.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to,” admitted Calhoun’s head coach. “McGivney deserved that win—they outplayed us. But we’ll learn from it, and we’ll be back.”
The Warriors still project as favorites in their conference and will look to use the setback as motivation heading into the heart of their season.
Community Buzz
The atmosphere at the Roxana Invitational was electric, with fans packing the stands to witness the showdown. Parents, students, and alumni from all three schools brought energy, waving signs and erupting at every rally. When McGivney clinched the final point against Jersey, the gym shook with celebration, marking a moment many in attendance will remember for years.
Social media lit up, too. Clips of Lieberman’s kills and Becker’s diving saves spread quickly, with fans praising the team’s resilience and spirit. For McGivney supporters, it felt like the kind of moment that can redefine expectations for the program.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Father McGivney moves forward with renewed confidence. The tournament title is proof they can not only compete with the best but also beat them on the biggest stage. The challenge now will be consistency. Can they carry the same fire into conference play and the postseason?
For players like Lieberman, Hayes, and Becker, the Roxana Invitational may be remembered as the start of something bigger—a springboard to future titles. For the program as a whole, it’s a statement: the Griffins aren’t just knocking on the door anymore. They’ve arrived.
As for Calhoun, the streak may be over, but their story isn’t. The Warriors still have the talent and drive to bounce back. Their next meeting with McGivney already looms as one of the most anticipated matches of the season.
And for high school volleyball fans across the region, the Roxana Invitational just added a new chapter to a rivalry that could define the year.
빠른티비는 스포츠중계 전문 사이트입니다. 실시간 스포츠중계, 해외축구중계,ELP중계,라리가중계,분데스리가중계,축구중계,메이저리그중계,농구중계,NBA중계 등 전 세계 인기 스포츠 중계를 실시간으로 시청할 수 있으며 스포츠 경기 시작 전 확인할 수 있는
Reposted from @fathermcgivney During today’s Mass for Sunday, December 12th, we heard “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.” (Is 61:1) Join Msgr. John Bevins as he reflects on how this quote applies to Blessed Michael McGivney on this 3rd Sunday of Advent. Msgr. John Bevins is a native of Waterbury, Connecticut, the birthplace of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Michael McGivney. Ordained a priest in 1958, he spent more than two decades and traveled the world as a U.S. Navy chaplain. On returning to parish ministry, he was assigned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and was instrumental in its designation as a basilica. Monsignor is a longtime devotee of Father Michael McGivney. #Advent #AdventMeditation #FatherMcGivney #FatherMichaelMcGivney #FrMcGivney #McGivney #KofC #KnightsofColumbus @kofc_official #VisitFromHome #kofc_fl (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXaCloCD5nu/?utm_medium=tumblr
Reposted from @fathermcgivney St. Mary’s Church connects two holy men whose feasts days are celebrated this week. St. Dominic, whose feast is today, never traveled to New Haven; his Order of Preachers however, founded five years before his death 800 years ago this month, today manage St. Mary’s and have maintained it for 135 years. Shortly before the Dominicans took custody of St. Mary’s in 1886, Blessed Michael McGivney, whose inaugural feast day occurs on Friday, established the Knights of Columbus with church parishioners as part of his ministry. Living centuries apart, St. Dominic and Blessed Michael McGivney worked in charity, unity, and fraternity with their communities. The Order of Preachers, along with the Knights of Columbus, continue the legacies of their founders today. #FeastDay #StDominic #SaintDominic #op800 @ordo_praedicatorum @stmaryparishnewhaven #FatherMcGivney #FatherMichaelMcGivney #FrMcGivney #McGivney #KnightsofColumbus #KofC @kofc_official #Charity #Unity #Fraternity https://www.instagram.com/p/CSUWza0LjeZ/?utm_medium=tumblr
Reposted from @kofc_official This month, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori challenges Knights to spend an hour a week in eucharistic adoration, reflecting on relying on God alone and becoming detached from the things of this world. Second, he challenges Knights to work with their pastor to implement the Faith in Action Holy Hour program. Learn more at kofc.org/knightline Photo: The monstrance at the Holy Hour and Consecration to St. Joseph during the 2019 College Council Conference at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Haven, Conn. (George Hosek) #frmcgivney #fathermcgivney #fathermichaelmcgivney #kofc #knightsofcolumbus #charity #unity #fraternity #patriotism #catholic #catholics #catholicchurch #catholicism #prayer #rosary #blessedmother #virginmary #jesus #jesuschrist #god #beatified #blessed #miracle (at New Haven, Connecticut) https://www.instagram.com/p/CREUm9SLBx2/?utm_medium=tumblr
Reposted from @kofc_official When the first issue of Columbia was published in August 1921, Warren G. Harding was U.S. president, Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino were Hollywood’s biggest stars and the New York Yankees had never been to the World Series. Many of the 20th century’s most popular magazines — Reader’s Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, The New Yorker — did not exist. In fact, before Time began, there was Columbia. Yet, even before Columbia, there was The Columbiad. Published since 1893, first in Boston and later in Hoboken, N.J., The Columbiad shared news about the nascent Order until 1921. That year, buoyed by unprecedented membership growth — from 389,000 in 1917 to 758,000 in 1921 — the Knights of Columbus announced it was taking over its official publication. In addition to a new name, the magazine would boast a new format, colored covers and a broader editorial vision. “The nation’s foremost public men, essayists, fiction writers and artists will be among Columbia’s contributors,” Supreme Knight James Flaherty explained in the final issue of The Columbiad. “The editorial policy will be one of outspoken religious and patriotic conviction tempered with secular instruction and entertainment, and the single and permanent aim will be to provide the Order with a publication worthy of its power and prestige and meriting the heartiest support of the entire membership.” The editorial staff of Columbia has striven to fulfill this “single and permanent aim” for the last century. Learn more about the 100-year history of the Order’s magazine at kofc.org/columbia Photo: The front cover of the latest issue marking the 100th anniversary of Columbia. A painting by Terry Waldron, a parishioner at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Conn., depicts Blessed Michael McGivney at the steps leading to St. Thomas Cemetery in Thomaston. #frmcgivney #fathermcgivney #fathermichaelmcgivney #kofc #knightsofcolumbus #charity #unity #fraternity #patriotism #catholic #catholics #catholicchurch #catholicism #prayer #rosary #blessedmother #virginmary #jesus #jesuschrist #god #beatified #blessed #miracle #100years (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ074yOLvrc/?utm_medium=tumblr
Reposted from @kofc_official When the first issue of Columbia was published in August 1921, Warren G. Harding was U.S. president, Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino were Hollywood’s biggest stars and the New York Yankees had never been to the World Series. Many of the 20th century’s most popular magazines — Reader’s Digest, Better Homes and Gardens, The New Yorker — did not exist. In fact, before Time began, there was Columbia. Yet, even before Columbia, there was The Columbiad. Published since 1893, first in Boston and later in Hoboken, N.J., The Columbiad shared news about the nascent Order until 1921. That year, buoyed by unprecedented membership growth — from 389,000 in 1917 to 758,000 in 1921 — the Knights of Columbus announced it was taking over its official publication. In addition to a new name, the magazine would boast a new format, colored covers and a broader editorial vision. “The nation’s foremost public men, essayists, fiction writers and artists will be among Columbia’s contributors,” Supreme Knight James Flaherty explained in the final issue of The Columbiad. “The editorial policy will be one of outspoken religious and patriotic conviction tempered with secular instruction and entertainment, and the single and permanent aim will be to provide the Order with a publication worthy of its power and prestige and meriting the heartiest support of the entire membership.” The editorial staff of Columbia has striven to fulfill this “single and permanent aim” for the last century. Learn more about the 100-year history of the Order’s magazine at kofc.org/columbia Photo: The front cover of the latest issue marking the 100th anniversary of Columbia. A painting by Terry Waldron, a parishioner at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Conn., depicts Blessed Michael McGivney at the steps leading to St. Thomas Cemetery in Thomaston. #frmcgivney #fathermcgivney #fathermichaelmcgivney #kofc #knightsofcolumbus #charity #unity #fraternity #patriotism #catholic #catholics #catholicchurch #catholicism #prayer #rosary #blessedmother #virginmary #jesus #jesuschrist #god #beatified #blessed #miracle #100years (at United States) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ07N_7LVJj/?utm_medium=tumblr
