Newsroom

October Virtual Call – October 13 at 12pm and 5pm

Click HERE for the link for the 12pm Meeting
Meeting ID: 863 5185 9930
Passcode: 401617

Click HERE for the link for the 5pm Meeting
Meeting ID: 844 5046 6750
Passcode: 108409

The Board of Directors of the First Catholic Slovak Union of the United States of America and Canada, along with the Czech Catholic Union, an Ohio nonprofit corporation and fraternal benefit society (“CCU”), have agreed to and executed an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) whereby CCU shall merge with and into the FCSU, with the FCSU being the continuing and surviving corporation under the laws of the State of Ohio.

A copy of the Merger Agreement is accessible for review in accordance with Ohio law. The consummation of the merger is conditioned upon the approval of the Merger Agreement by a two-thirds vote of the supreme governing body of each of the CCU and FCSU, (which for the FCSU is the Board of Directors, per Section 9.04 of the FCSU Bylaws) as well as other approvals and the subsequent receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including approval from the Ohio Department of Insurance and any other applicable federal or state regulatory authority having oversight of FCSU, CCU or the merger. The Board of Directors will vote on the Merger Agreement at the upcoming Board of Directors Meeting on December 5, 2026. If you have any questions regarding the merger, you should contact President Ken Arendt at karendt@fcsu.com.

Prvá Katolícka Slovenská Jednota

September has always brought a new season, new colors, and special meaning. Father Štefan Furdek was born in what is now Slovakia and came to the Cleveland, Ohio, area to help the growing immigrant population from Central and Eastern Europe. On September 4, 1890, 136 years ago, he led 12 men who gathered at the home of Jacob Gruss on Corwin Avenue. Together, they formed what is now the First Catholic Slovak Union (FCSU).

FCSU became one of the largest and oldest fraternal organizations, helping protect immigrants who worked in dangerous steel mills, factories and mines, along with their families. FCSU provided insurance and financial stability to those who put their lives at risk in their everyday jobs.

Just one year after FCSU was formed, the organization published the first edition of its bilingual newspaper, Jednota, in Slovak and English. The newspaper provided readers with news and information about the Catholic faith and Slovak heritage. Throughout the 1890’s, hundreds of branches were established, along with Catholic parishes across the United States and Canada. Catholic Slovak immigrants now had a place to come together and call home after leaving their homeland behind.

Throughout the years, FCSU has supported surrounding communities and helped establish educational institutions for the young people. St. Benedictine High School in Cleveland, Ohio and St. Cyril Academy in Danville, Pennsylvania, were founded in the 1920s to educate the children of Slovak immigrants and continued educating children for generations.

FCSU has worked timelessly to uphold Catholic Slovak culture within the United States throughout the past century. In 1965, FCSU donated the Jednota Chapel of Our Mother of Sorrows at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. The chapel remains the shrine’s most visited chapel to this day.

The existence of Jednota also supported Slovakia’s fight for Independence. Slovakia has now celebrated 33 years of independence. During those years, Slovakia joined the European Union and established provisions allowing descendants of former citizens to regain their identity through citizenship by decent. Slovakia is also getting recognition on the international pop music scene, with rising pop Adéla Jergová becoming the first Slovak artist in history to reach the Billboard Hot 100.

FCSU also celebrates the 11th anniversary of the Jednota Memorial Dedication in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The memorial honors all deceased members of FSCU, with special recognition given to veterans from World War I to the present day. Granite bricks are available for purchase by contacting the Home Office at 800.533.6682.

In 2019, Father Štefan Furdek symbolically returned home to Cleveland when his statue was placed in the front of FCSU’s Home Office in Independence, Ohio.

September will always be a special time for members of FCSU. Whether you are a new member, an employee, or FCSU has been in your family for generations, there is always something to celebrate.

Homily For First Catholic Slovak Union
53rd Quadrennial Convention
Twelfth Sunday In Ordinary Time – June 21, 2026
By FCSU Protector, The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L., Bishop of Greensburg

• Fear no one.
• Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
• So do not be afraid.

He says it again and again because our Lord knows the human heart. He knows that fear can silence us. Fear can convince us that faith is something private, something to be kept quiet, something to be spoken only in whispers. But Jesus does not call his disciples to whisper the Gospel. He says, “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.”

Homily Continued…

National Chaplain
President, CEO
Vice-President
Executive Secretary, COO
Treasurer
Chairman of Auditors Report
Fraternal Activities Director Report
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8

As we move from the quiet reflection of Lent into the joy of Easter, I am reminded how deeply our faith, our families, and our Slovak heritage are woven together. This season calls us to pause, to count our blessings, and to appreciate the values passed down to us by our parents and grandparents: hard work, devotion, respect for tradition, and care for our community. These are the same principles on which First Catholic Slovak Union was built, and they continue to guide us today.

Easter is also a time when our customs come alive in special ways. Whether it is attending Mass, gathering around the table for a family meal, preparing traditional Easter breads, or sharing stories, these simple traditions connect generations. They remind us that we belong to something greater — a faith-filled and proud community that supports one another in good times and in challenging ones.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Home Office staff, and my wife Theresa, I wish each of you and your families a blessed and joyful Easter. May this season renew your spirit, strengthen our bonds as a fraternal family, and bring peace and happiness to your homes.

We are pleased to announce that we have officially completed the rebranding of our First Catholic Slovak Union (FCSU Financial®) Life Insurance and Annuity applications which are now available on www.fcsu.com/forms.  The rebranded applications with the new FCSU Logo have been approved for use in all states where FCSU is licensed (excluding NY).  The Annuity applications were approved in 2025 and have been available on our website. You can access, complete, and print all applications directly at www.fcsu.com/forms.

Please note the following deadline:

• Through April 8, 2026: We will continue to accept the outdated Life Insurance applications (featuring the former FCSU logo).
• After April 8, 2026: Only the rebranded Life Insurance applications (featuring the new FCSU logo) will be accepted and processed.

Please ensure that all new applications are delivered to the Home Office by the April 8th deadline.

We appreciate your continued support as we move forward with this exciting new chapter.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 800.533.6682 (Life Insurance: ext. 826, Annuity: ext. 802).

Fraternally,

Kenneth A. Arendt                                                                   Kevin J. Collins
President, CEO                                                                        Executive Secretary, COO

As we joyfully prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your families for a blessed and peaceful Christmas season. May the hope, peace, and light of Christ fill your homes, and may the spirit of faith, fraternity, and our heritage continue to unite and strengthen us as one family.

This past year has been a time of dedication and perseverance for our Society. Through your continued support, we have maintained our mission of service—caring for our members, supporting our communities, and providing financial security through our life insurance and annuity products. Thank you for the trust you place in us and for the fraternal spirit you share each day.
As Christmas approaches, many families are thinking about gifts for the children in their lives. In today’s world, we often see children receiving more toys than they can fully appreciate—gifts that bring joy for a moment but are quickly forgotten. This year, I encourage you to consider a more lasting and impactful gift: investing in their future.

Opening an annuity, a JEP policy, or a Coverdell Education Savings Account makes a wonderful Christmas present for a child or grandchild. These accounts grow with them and can be added to on special occasions such as birthdays, First Communions, confirmations, and graduations. Beyond financial growth, these young members may one day qualify for one of our many FCSU Scholarships—another powerful way we support education and opportunity within our fraternal family.

I am pleased to share that our FCSU Scholarship applications are now available. These scholarships assist students attending Catholic grade schools and high schools, as well as those enrolled in college, graduate programs, and vocational schools. I encourage all eligible members to apply and take advantage of this important benefit.

Looking ahead, 2026 will be a significant year for us. In June, we will gather for our 53rd Quadrennial Convention, an important moment to set our course for the next four years. Preparations are well underway, and in the coming months, we will continue to work diligently to finalize every detail to ensure a productive and inspiring convention.

The Election of Delegates has begun and will continue into the new year. I encourage all members to stay informed and engaged in this important process. Please visit our website regularly for the latest updates and announcements regarding convention planning and delegate elections.

December is designated as National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. The holiday season increases the risk of identity theft due to more online shopping and financial activity. It serves as a reminder for consumers and businesses to take extra precautions to protect their personal and financial information from scams and cyber criminals. A few years ago, I personally experienced identity theft. While it was a challenging experience, it reminded me of the importance of vigilance and preparedness—a story I share in more detail in the December 2025 Jednota.

On behalf of my wife Theresa, the Board of Directors, and the Home Office staff, we wish you a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with peace, health, and renewed hope. May we continue to live our mission of service, fraternity, and stewardship in the year ahead.

National Chaplain
President, CEO
Vice-President
Executive Secretary, COO
Treasurer
Chairman of Auditors Report
Fraternal Activities Director Report
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8