The Michigan Knights of Columbus State Council proudly congratulates St. Mary of the Hills Council 13950 for receiving the prestigious International Life Program Award at the Supreme Convention. This accolade recognizes the Council’s extraordinary efforts in leading the Special Olympics Initiative, culminating in the construction and dedication of the Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney Field, an A.D.A.-compliant baseball field for the Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division Senior League.
The Special Olympics Initiative, a Faith in Action Life Program, was spearheaded by Council 13950 under the leadership of Program Director Ken Dumais and Grand Knight Tom Schenk. The project raised $65,000 to build a new baseball field at Neil Reid Park in Clinton Township, Michigan, designed to serve developmentally challenged athletes aged 16 and older. This field, named in honor of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, is the first in Michigan and the United States to bear his name, symbolizing the order’s commitment to charity, unity, and fraternity.
The initiative overcame significant challenges, including a revised cost estimate of $250,000 due to material shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through persistent fundraising efforts, including a direct mail campaign to councils across the Archdiocese of Detroit, 43 councils—representing 30% of the archdiocese—contributed to the cause. This remarkable collaboration surpassed the initial fundraising goal of $75,000, building on the council’s legacy of support for the Challenger Division, which began with raising $14,000 in 2008 for the Norm Hott Field.
The Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney Field was dedicated on June 15, 2024, in a ceremony attended by 40% of the contributing councils, representatives from eight Color Corps Assemblies, and dignitaries including Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Fisher, Fr. Christopher Muer, and Fr. Stan Ulman. The event featured a blessing with holy water from Lourdes, France, a raffle raising $200 for league equipment, and an opening pitch thrown by Brother Knight Dan Guilbert of St. Isidore Council 7200. The celebration underscored the therapeutic and social benefits of the Challenger Division, giving athletes with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball and feel “normal,” as expressed by one player.
This initiative not only strengthened ties between the Knights of Columbus, the Clinton Valley Little League, and the Community Parks and Recreation Department but also increased public awareness of the order’s mission. The Michigan State Council commends Council 13950 for embodying the principles of “Faith, Hope, and Love” and setting a replicable model for community service within the Knights of Columbus.
Petoskey Council 923 and Worthy District Deputy Andrew Mayer 208 were hard at work today setting up for their Parish Picnic at St. Francis Xavier on Sunday, August 3rd!
Our first reading from Ecclesiastes begins, "Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, . . . All things are vanity!" Who is Qoheleth? What is he talking about? And what does this reading have to do with the parable of the rich fool in today's Gospel? We'll answer those questions—and discuss the importance of detachment—in today's Dad Talk:
The St. Louis Center Memorial Golf Outing will take place on Saturday August 16th at Pierce Lake Golf Course in Chelsea at 9:00 a.m. to honor our most recent past supporters who have gone before us. The outing costs $120 per golfer and Hole signs start at $150. We could really use your help and support for those who reside at St. Louis Center with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Contact District 2 Master Joseph Yekulis at 734-2368-8469 for more information.
Five districts from across the Lansing area met at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing on Wednesday, July 30.
Council leaders from Districts 507, 508, 510, 515 and 517 gathered to learn from State Council Training Director Dean Hayward and State Deputy Regional Representative John Yanok, among others.
State Council Training Director Dean HaywardState Deputy Regional Representative John Yanok
In January, 2025, St Catherine of Siena Council 6980 in Portage started giving the Casey Teddy Bear to families who have sons or daughters baptised. This has been well received. We put together a bag that also contains the following:
• Letter congratulating parents and inviting father to join our council.
• Rosary and Pouch
• How to Pray the Rosary Pamphlet
• Knights Family Prayer card
• Why Join Knights pamphlet
Has your Council considered Casey Bears in this way to help bring younger families into the Order? For more information on the Casey Teddy Bear program, please contact our State Community Director, Larry Herman at l.herman@mikofc.org
The Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus is proud to announce the ASAP100 initiative for the 2025-2026 fraternal year, aiming for 100% participation of active councils in the Aid & Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program.
What is ASAP100?
ASAP100 represents a commitment to full participation by all active councils in supporting pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across Michigan through the ASAP program during the 2025-2026 fraternal year.
How Was ASAP100 Decided?
At the Summer Leadership Meeting in late June, district deputies representing their councils unanimously agreed to strive for 100% participation in the ASAP program. This decision reflects the strong belief in the program's importance to communities statewide.
Why ASAP100?
The ASAP program is vital for supporting pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes. Michigan has consistently led the Order in both participation and donations, and state leadership, along with district deputies, is confident that ASAP100 will further strengthen this commitment.
For Councils Already Participating
Thank you to all councils that have supported the ASAP program or contributed through the Pass the Hat initiative at the State Convention. If your council has already donated the maximum amount ($2,000) eligible for the Supreme Council’s $400 match, consider assisting a nearby council with fewer resources by gifting funds to help them participate. Alternatively, organize a donation drive for essentials like diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing. While these material donations do not qualify for Supreme Council matching funds, they count toward ASAP program credit.
For Councils with Limited Resources
Every contribution counts! Even small donations make a difference and demonstrate your council’s commitment to ASAP100. Consider passing a baby bottle at council meetings or requesting a special “ASAP” collection with your parish priest’s approval. Donation drives for items like diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing are also valuable ways to contribute.
Finding a Local Pregnancy Center or Maternity Home
A list of pregnancy centers and maternity homes that have previously received ASAP funding is available through the Michigan State Council. Additionally, the Supreme Council website features a map of centers across the state.
Tracking ASAP100 Progress
Councils will know they’ve met their ASAP100 goal once their online ASAP Grant Request Application is submitted and accepted by the Supreme Council. Monthly reports from the Supreme Council will be shared with district deputies and periodically posted on the Michigan State Council’s website.
More Information
For details on the ASAP program and to access the online grant request form, visit the Supreme Council website at 11371 Aid and Support Guide Book and the ASAP Grant Request Application. For additional questions, contact Ed Strach, State Life Director, at 734-476-6296 or e.strach@mikofc.org, or reach out to your district deputy or diocesan program director.
Join us in making ASAP100 a success and supporting life across Michigan!
☀On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, District Deputy Alan Darish performed the Officer Installation Ceremony for Father Edmund Battersby Council 7586 at St. Joseph Church, South Lyon, Michigan.
Congratulations Brother Knights!! Thank you for your commitment to your Council and the Order!
Back row: District Deputy Alan Darish, Warden Dave Huck, Chaplain Father Stan Tokarski,
Grand Knight Bob Donehue, Deputy Grand Knight Mark Galecka, Chancellor Steve Penkevich,
Advocate Marc Daniels
Front Row: Recorder John McCarter, Financial Secretary Mark Munzenberger, Trustees Ed Salna,
Mark Zarem, Wil Wilson, Treasurer Craig Lukomski, Guard Dennis Patton
👏👏On July 29, Council 3292 held an Exemplification in which three men joined the council. Among those in attendance were DD Dan Timmerman, AOD Membership Directors Hans Hansen and Lou Brotchner, and GK Mike Driscoll.
