By: Thomas Kendziorski -
Sat, Dec 13, 2025 7:24 AM
Guest House is a health care provider located in Lake Orion, MI, specializing in addiction treatment for Catholic clergy, and men and women religious. This fine organization broke ground today (12/11/25) on a new Health & Wellness Center. Members of Pope Saint John XXIII council #5436 --- serving the Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Waterford, MI --- were in attendance to witness this event and to provide a donation check in the amount of $2,000 to Guest House.
Pictured in the group photo with the check are: DD113 and Council #5436 member Chris Scheuer; Council #4764 member Ken Danek; Council #5436 Charities Director and State New Council Development Director Tom Kendziorski; Guest House President and CEO Jeff Henrich; Guest House Board Chairman Michael Fontana (also State KofC Guest House liaison); and Al Hassinger, Grand Knight of Fr. Thomas R. Carey Council #4764 in Lake Orion, MI.
District Deputy Ed Leichtnam addresses the class as the Gaylord Degree Team conducts the exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity for a class of 8 new brother Knights, bolstering council membership in Gaylord, Lewiston, Vanderbilt and Indian River.
Council 5452 and the 4th Degree Color Corps led forty-eight members of the Catholic community, including Holy Family Regional School children & parents and St. Andrew parishioners & clergy, in the Rochester Christmas Parade on December 7.
The “Living Nativity Scene” float constructed by Council 5452 was adorned with banners reminding all to “Keep Christ in Christmas” and wishing everyone “Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.” The children, costumed as Mary, Joseph, wisemen, shepherds and angels, exchanged choruses of Merry Christmas greetings with the spectators. Continuing a winning tradition, this year’s effort resulted in the float and display winning the Grand Marshal's Award for best float. Council 5452's entry has won awards every year (Grand Marshal's Award 2023; Best Youth Float 2024), suggesting that the community values hearing the spiritual message that Christ was born for our salvation.
Council 13499 has been busy flipping pancakes for the last several weekends including a Breakfasat with Santa and hosting the National Association of Pastorial Musicians in Grand Rapids .
I attended a great family program put on by council 13362 at St Fabian in Farmington Hills. The council organized pancake breakfasts after all the Masses this Sunday. With the council matching donations to the parish’s capital campaign to expand their school, the breakfasts were very well attended. There was even a visit from Santa Claus!
The Brothers at Council 13362 really show the best side of the Knights of Columbus!
Today we celebrate a special Holy Day of Obligation - the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We know that the Church teaches that Mary was born without Original Sin and remained sinless her entire life; but where can we find this belief in the Bible? As it turns out, in many places! We'll discuss them in this Bonus Dad Talk. Please share with a friend, and God bless! Dad
So many questions from today’s readings! We know Jesus is the “stump of Jesse” in the first reading from Isaiah, but how do we know that? If John the Baptist wants to encourage conversion and repentance, why did he center his ministry in the desert and the Jordan River? Matthew mentions that John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt; what's the purpose of this fashion statement ? John the Baptist recognizes that Jesus is greater than John, but why did he bring up Jesus’ sandals? And in Paul’s letter to the Romans, what are the “promises to the patriarchs” fulfilled in Jesus Christ? We’ll discuss the answers to these questions—and learn more about how all these readings are connected—in today’s Dad Talk. Please share with a friend, and God bless! Dad
The Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus has finalized plans for the 2026 Membership Tribute Banquet honoring State Deputy Barry M. Borsenik. The event will take place Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the HORIZONS Conference Center, 6200 State Street, Saginaw.
A social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner and program at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are $70 per person, available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Michigan State Council Office. Reservations must be submitted with payment, and admittance is by advance reservation only. Councils, Assemblies, or groups may reserve tables of ten.
Grand Knights are encouraged to bring their Council Membership Directors, Chaplains, and spouses. During the program, the State Council will present Quick Start Awards and State Deputy Tribute Awards to qualifying councils in attendance.
A block of hotel rooms has been secured at Four Points by Sheraton Saginaw for a special rate of $99. Reservations must be made directly with the hotel prior to January 29, 2026, under the Knights of Columbus room block.
For additional details, Councils should refer to the attached letter available at this link:
Michigan Knights of Columbus Hold Winter Leadership Meeting in Lansing
Lansing, MI — December 6, 2025
The Michigan Knights of Columbus hosted their annual Winter Leadership Meeting on December 5–6 in Lansing, bringing together more than 150 District Deputies, State and Regional Directors, and members of the Michigan State Board. The two-day gathering focused on setting priorities and defining the vision for the Michigan State Council for the next six months.
The event opened with remarks from Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik, who welcomed attendees and outlined the importance of strong, unified leadership as the Order continues its mission of charity, unity, and fraternity across Michigan. His message emphasized renewed commitment and collaboration as key components for success in the months ahead.
Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik's remarks can be watch at this YouTube link:
The weekend also included a prayerful service celebrated by the State and Diocesan Chaplains, offering spiritual reflection and grounding the meeting in faith. Their presence highlighted the essential role of spiritual guidance in the Knights’ ongoing charitable work and organizational leadership.
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in presentations, planning sessions, and discussions aimed at strengthening councils statewide and preparing for upcoming initiatives. The Winter Leadership Meeting serves as a pivotal moment each year for aligning goals, developing leadership skills, and ensuring that Knights across Michigan continue to serve their communities with dedication and purpose.
The Michigan Knights of Columbus express their gratitude to all who attended and contributed to this year’s successful meeting.
Vivat Jesus!
SD Barry Borsenik and First Lady Mandy at the meeting.
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