Today, Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day in Michigan. The Michigan State Council encourages every Brother Knight and his Lady who is registered to vote to make time today to cast a ballot.
Voting is one way we live our faith in public life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country” (CCC 2240). In Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. bishops write, “Our love for this country, our patriotism, properly impels us to vote.”
The Knights of Columbus does not endorse candidates or political parties. As the bishops note, they “do not tell the laity to vote for particular candidates.” Instead, each of us is called to form his conscience in the light of Church teaching, to vote prudently for the common good, and to pray for our nation, our leaders and one another.
Polls in Michigan are open from 7 AM to 8 PM, and voters in line by 8 PM may still vote. If you still have an absentee ballot, return it to your clerk’s office or a secure drop box by 8 PM. To find your polling place, check your registration or view a sample ballot, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at mvic.sos.state.mi.us.
May God bless you, your families and the United States of America. Vivat Jesus!
The Knights of Columbus State Championship Soccer Challenge took place on October 4 at St John Vianney Church in Wyoming, MI. God blessed us with a beautiful day, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the mid 70s. Congratulations to all participants and the winners!
2026 State Champions
Boys Age 10: Blake Wilk (Saginaw Diocese) Girls Age 11: Elisa Galazka (Lansing Diocese) Boys Age 11: Lance Laidlaw (Gaylord Diocese) Girls Age 12: Aurora Abair (Saginaw Diocese) Boys Age 12: Gavin DePlanche (AOD Diocese) Girls Age 13: Gabriela Ysasi (Grand Rapids Diocese) Boys Age 13: Mateo Mercado (Lansing Diocese)
Many thanks to our State and Diocesan leaders and to the families for their help:
State Program Director Ron DePestel State Community Director Larry Herman DPD Walter Carrier DPD Edward Hurst Jr DPD Joe and Debbie Brenner DD 304 Doug Flamboe DD 305 Tonino Michienzi DD 314 Randy Kinsey
Below is a photo of the winners along with State Program Director Ron DePestel and State Community Director Larry Herman.
The Soccer Challenge is a Knights of Columbus youth program for boys and girls ages 9 to 14 that tests the most important skill in soccer, shooting accuracy, through penalty kicks. Thank you to every council, volunteer and family who helped these young athletes reach the state championship.
Submitted by Larry Herman, State Community Director.
El lunes 2 de noviembre, la Iglesia celebra la Conmemoración de Todos los Fieles Difuntos. Para muchas familias católicas hispanas, es también el Día de los Muertos: un tiempo para poner el altar en casa, visitar las tumbas de nuestros seres queridos y rezar juntos por quienes nos han precedido. Los Caballeros de Colón de Michigan se unen a nuestros hermanos Caballeros hispanos, a las Damas y a sus familias en este acto de fe y de amor.
Orando por Quienes Nos Han Precedido
Como católicos, creemos en la Comunión de los Santos. Los santos en el cielo, las almas que se purifican en el purgatorio y nosotros, que todavía peregrinamos en la tierra, estamos unidos en Cristo, y la muerte no rompe ese lazo. Nuestras oraciones, nuestros sacrificios y, sobre todo, la Santa Misa ayudan a las almas del purgatorio en su camino al cielo. Por eso las familias mandan ofrecer Misas por sus difuntos, y por eso en el Día de los Fieles Difuntos cada sacerdote puede celebrar tres Misas por ellos.
Tradiciones Familiares Arraigadas en la Fe
La ofrenda familiar es una obra de amor. Las fotos de nuestros seres queridos se colocan junto al crucifijo y a una imagen de la Virgen, muchas veces Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Las velas nos recuerdan a Cristo, Luz del Mundo. El cempasúchil, el pan de muerto compartido en la mesa familiar y las visitas al panteón para limpiar, adornar y bendecir las tumbas nos dicen: te recordamos, rezamos por ti y esperamos volver a verte en la Resurrección. Con la Cruz al centro, la ofrenda se convierte en un lugar de oración.
Un Regalo Espiritual para las Almas del Purgatorio
La Iglesia concede una indulgencia plenaria, aplicable solamente a las almas del purgatorio, a los fieles que visiten devotamente un cementerio y oren por los difuntos, aunque sea mentalmente, cualquier día del 1 al 8 de noviembre. El 2 de noviembre también se puede ganar una indulgencia plenaria visitando devotamente una iglesia u oratorio y rezando el Padrenuestro y el Credo. Se requieren las condiciones habituales: confesión sacramental, Comunión eucarística, oración por las intenciones del Santo Padre y desapego total del pecado.
Hermanos que Nunca Olvidan
El Beato Michael McGivney fundó los Caballeros de Colón en 1882 para cuidar de las viudas y los huérfanos de los hombres católicos. Recordar a nuestros hermanos Caballeros difuntos y apoyar a las familias que dejan es parte de lo que somos. Esta semana, les pedimos que oren por nombre por los hermanos Caballeros, las Damas y los seres queridos que ya partieron a la casa del Padre.
Oración por Nuestros Fieles Difuntos
Dales, Señor, el descanso eterno, y brille para ellos la luz perpetua. Descansen en paz. Amén. Que sus almas y las almas de todos los fieles difuntos, por la misericordia de Dios, descansen en paz. Amén.
Invitamos con mucho cariño a los hermanos Caballeros, Damas y familias hispanas a unirse a nuestro grupo de Facebook, Caballeros de Colón de Michigan, y a compartir los nombres de los seres queridos por quienes están orando. ¡Bienvenidos! ¡Vivat Jesus!
On Monday, November 2, the Church celebrates the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, known as All Souls Day. For many Hispanic Catholic families, it is also Día de los Muertos, a time to set up a home altar, visit the graves of loved ones and pray together for those who have gone before us. The Michigan Knights of Columbus join our Hispanic Brother Knights, Ladies and families in this act of faith and love.
Praying for Those Who Have Gone Before Us
As Catholics, we believe in the Communion of Saints. The saints in heaven, the souls being purified in purgatory and we who are still on our earthly pilgrimage are united in Christ, and death does not break that bond. Our prayers, our sacrifices and above all the Holy Mass help the souls in purgatory on their way to heaven. That is why families have Masses offered for their loved ones, and why on All Souls Day every priest may celebrate three Masses for the dead.
Family Traditions Rooted in Faith
The family ofrenda is a work of love. Photos of loved ones are placed beside the crucifix and an image of the Virgin, often Our Lady of Guadalupe. Candles recall Christ, the Light of the World. Cempasúchil marigolds, pan de muerto shared at the family table and visits to clean, decorate and bless the graves all say: we remember you, we pray for you, and we hope to see you again in the Resurrection. With the Cross at its center, the ofrenda becomes a place of prayer.
A Spiritual Gift for the Souls in Purgatory
The Church offers a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, to the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray for the departed, even mentally, on any day from November 1 to 8. On November 2, a plenary indulgence may also be gained by devoutly visiting a church or oratory and praying the Our Father and the Creed. The usual conditions apply: sacramental confession, Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father, and complete detachment from sin.
Brothers Who Never Forget
Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 to care for the widows and orphans of Catholic men. Remembering our deceased Brother Knights and supporting the families they leave behind is part of who we are. This week, please pray by name for the Brother Knights, Ladies and loved ones who have gone home to God.
A Prayer for Our Faithful Departed
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Hispanic Brother Knights, Ladies and families are warmly invited to join our Facebook group, Caballeros de Colón de Michigan, and share the names of the loved ones you are praying for. ¡Bienvenidos! Vivat Jesus!
The celebration of All Saints and All Souls can raise many questions. Why do Catholics believe in purgatory? Didn't Jesus save us from all our sins? Why bother praying for the dead? Don't we go straight to heaven after death? What's heaven like when we get there? Today's Solemnity of All Saints gives us an opportunity to consider the answers to those questions in the context of this Sunday's beautiful Mass readings. And that's exactly what we're going to do in this week's Dad Talk. Please share with a friend, and God bless! Dad
The Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus is now on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter! Our new official account, @MichiganKofC, launched on Friday, October 30, 2026. It gives Brother Knights, our families, our parishes and our friends one more way to keep up with the good work Knights are doing in every corner of Michigan.
Why X? Many Catholic leaders, dioceses, Catholic news outlets and the young men who may one day join our Order follow the news on X every day. Being there lets us share the story of charity, unity and fraternity in Michigan with a much wider audience, and it connects our state to the Supreme Council and to Knights around the world.
What will you see there? Starting October 31, every post on our Facebook Page also goes out on X at the same time: council news, exemplifications and new Brother Knights, Council of the Month honors, charity drives, parish and family events, Fourth Degree activities, and messages from our state officers. Our welcome post is pinned to the top of the profile.
Following us takes just a few seconds. Open the X app or go to x.com, search for @MichiganKofC, and tap Follow. You can also go straight to our profile at x.com/MichiganKofC. Tap the bell icon to turn on notifications so you never miss an update.
Councils and Brother Knights, we need your help to get the word out! Please follow @MichiganKofC, repost our updates to your own followers, and tag @MichiganKofC whenever your council shares an exemplification, fundraiser or service project on X. Your tags help us find your good news and share it statewide.
You can also find the Michigan Knights of Columbus on Facebook at facebook.com/MichiganKofC, on Instagram at @michiganknightsofcolumbus, and right here on mikofc.org, where Statewide News is updated throughout the week. Thank you to everyone who has already followed us in our first days on X!
As we prepare to celebrate All Saints Day on Sunday, November 1, our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen has recorded a special video message for every Brother Knight and every family across Michigan.
Charlie reminds us that holiness is closer than we think. "The saints weren't perfect people with extraordinary talents," he says. "They were ordinary men and women who said yes to God in everyday moments of life."
That is exactly what Michigan Knights do every single day. As Charlie puts it, "We feed the hungry. We honor our veterans. We support our priests and seminarians. We protect the unborn and strengthen families. We show up when our neighbors need help."
"None of us is asked to be perfect," Charlie says. We are simply asked to be faithful, living charity, unity and fraternity "right where we are."
Charlie also has an invitation for all of us this week. Think of a Knight in your council or parish who lives his faith that way, and share one thing he does that inspires you. Post it on social media and tag him, or simply tell him and your council at your next meeting. In Charlie's words, "Let's celebrate the ordinary saints among us."
On this Solemnity, let us give thanks for all the holy men and women in heaven, ask for their prayers, and follow the example of the many faithful Brother Knights, Ladies and families who serve so generously in our parishes and communities.
"Because when Catholic men stand together in faith and service, the Church grows stronger, and so does Michigan."
The Michigan Knights of Columbus ask all Brother Knights and their families to pray for the repose of the soul of Maralene M. Brothers, wife of Former District Deputy and Past Grand Knight John Brothers of Msgr Kromenaker Council 2251 in St Clair. Maralene passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the age of 71. The news was shared with the State Council by Worthy Vice Supreme Master Walter Winkle.
Maralene and John were married for 43 years. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Anchorville and served for many years as the Religious Education secretary at St Mary Catholic Church in St Clair, where she treasured the friendships she built.
Please keep Brother John, their daughters Elizabeth and Mary and their families, her grandchildren, her brother and sister, and all who loved her in your prayers.
Visitation: Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:00 AM, before Mass Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 9764 Dixie Hwy Anchorville (Ira Township), MI 48023
A private family interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery will follow. Memorials may be made according to the family’s wishes. Her full obituary is available from Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
On behalf of the Michigan State Council, we wish every Brother Knight, his Lady and their families a safe and happy Halloween this Saturday, October 31.
Halloween takes its name from All Hallows’ Eve, the vigil of All Saints Day. This year the Solemnity of All Saints falls on Sunday, November 1, followed by All Souls Day on Monday, November 2. As we enjoy the fun of the evening, let us also remember the saints who have gone before us and pray for the souls of our faithful departed, including our deceased Brother Knights.
Many of our councils host Trunk or Treats and other family events around Halloween. Thank you to every Brother Knight who gives his time to make these evenings fun and safe for the children of our parishes and communities.
A few simple tips can help keep the night safe for everyone. Add reflective tape or carry flashlights or glow sticks so trick-or-treaters can be seen after dark. Make sure young children are always accompanied by an adult, and older children go out in groups on a planned route. Check all treats at home before anyone eats them, and set aside anything unwrapped or that looks tampered with. Drivers, please slow down in neighborhoods and watch carefully for children crossing between parked cars.
All Saints, pray for us. Have a safe and blessed Halloween. Vivat Jesus!
Fr. Alfred Saylor Council 3774 in Allen Park has named its Family of the Month and Knight of the Month for October 2026, and thanked two brother Knights for their hard work.
The October Family of the Month is Patrick and Marianne Delaney. Patrick has been a Knight for about three years and recently accepted a leadership role as council Guard. For several years, the Delaneys have organized and run Wrestling in the Park, an event that brings families and the community together. They also give their time and talents to their parish, St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Allen Park.
The October Knight of the Month is Past Grand Knight Joseph J. Martinez. Joseph served as Grand Knight during the COVID-19 pandemic and now serves as Deputy Grand Knight and Program Director. He has also been the council's Entertainment Director for more than a decade.
The council also gave a well-deserved thank you to Tim Danilowicz and Tom Stevens, who spent more than five hours of their own time cleaning up and repairing leaky roofs at both the Council and the Hall. They were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Giuseppe Anthony Lalli shared the news with the council's Facebook group. Congratulations to all of this month's honorees!
