PGK Pat Bohr recognized for his hardwork and dedication

By: Matt Hoxsie - Fri, Aug 8, 2025 11:47 AM

On August 7th, after a Council Officer Installation, District Deputy Matt Hoxsie presented Worthy Immediate Past Grand Knight Pat Bohr with a PGK Pin in recognization of his service to the Order as a immediate Past Grand Knight.

 

During his term, PGK Pat lead Au Lac Council 10724 to  TWO back-to-back Star Council Awards and State Faith in Action Program Awards, while also dealing with challenges in his own personal life!

 

Congratulations to PGK Pat and thank you for your service to the Order!!  

 

Niles Ultrasound Dedication featured on the Local News!

By: Ed Strach - Fri, Aug 8, 2025 11:32 AM

New Ultrasound Machine Dedicated at Women's Care Center in Niles

 

On August 8, 2025, the Women's Care Center in Niles, Michigan, celebrated the dedication of a new ultrasound machine, made possible through a partnership with the Knights of Columbus. The ceremony, led by Bishop Edward Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, marked a significant milestone for the center, enhancing its ability to provide critical early ultrasound services to expectant mothers. Four local Knights of Columbus councils from New Buffalo, Niles, Buchanan, and Edwardsburg united to fund this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to supporting life-affirming resources in the community.

 

The ultrasound machine was acquired through the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative, which focuses on raising funds to equip centers like the Women's Care Center with vital technology. "The early ultrasounds are truly amazing. Women get to see their baby for the first time," said Abby Ray, director of the Women’s Care Center of Niles, emphasizing the emotional impact of seeing a baby’s heartbeat. Jeff Zochalski, Grand Knight of Council 14366, highlighted the initiative’s goal of helping mothers connect with their unborn children. 

 

The entire article can be found here:  Dedication ceremony for new ultrasound machine

 

Need help identifying your Field Agent?

By: Matt Hoxsie - Fri, Aug 8, 2025 11:16 AM

Have Insurance questions and not sure who to ask?   Want to know more about the Fraternal Benefits available to you, but you are unsure of which FIeld agent is assigned to your area?

 

You can locate and contact your Field Agent by going to this link:  Find an Agent near you

 

 

 

Worthy PSD Walter Winkle appointed as Vice Supreme Master!

By: Barry M. Borsenik - Fri, Aug 8, 2025 11:02 AM

Congratulations to Worthy Past State Deputy Walter Winkle Jr. on his new appointment as Vice Supreme Master of the Father Hennepin Province effective September 1, 2025!!! 

 

We are excited and honored to have a Brother Sir Knight from the Michigan Jurisdiction leading the Patriotic Order for the Hennepin Province!!

 

Anchor Bay Council 5981 installs its Officers with a night of Fraternity and Family!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Thu, Aug 7, 2025 7:27 AM

Worthy GK Richard Burke hosted the Officers Installation for Anchor Bay Council 5981 on Wednesday, August 6th. District Deputy Matt Hoxsie installed the Officers into the Council with the Ladies putting the medals of office on to each of the Brothers. Each year, Council 5981 turns the installation into a fraternal and family event by celebrating the start of the new Fraternal Year with the Officers and their families with dinner at a local restaurant immediately following the installation.
 

Coats for Kids - BOGO Offer!

By: Larry Herman - Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:30 PM

 
☀☀Coats for Kids – Michigan State Council
It’s not too late to help provide warmth to children in need this winter! Councils across Michigan are invited to participate in the Coats for Kids program, benefiting local children during the cold months.
Special Offer: Buy One, Get One Free (BOGO) from Supreme!
To take advantage of this offer:
• All BOGO orders must be submitted by the State Council.
• Decide where your council or district will distribute the coats (coordinate with local pastors).
• After fundraising, determine coat case types (visit knightsgear.com for options).
• Complete the order form posted on the State website.
Shipping Locations (Only 5 available this year):
1. Detroit: K of C Council 1802, 3530 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte
2. Gaylord: TBD
3. Marquette: St. Anthony, 280 N Boulder St, Gwinn
4. Lansing/Saginaw: Center for Hope, 812 Root St, Flint
5. Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo: Walgreens Store #9131 (MTM Office), 2643 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids
Payment Instructions:
• Make checks payable to Michigan State Council
• Write “Coats for Kids” in the memo line
• Submit checks to your SDRR (if tracking locally) or to Larry J Herman (address on the form)
• You’ll receive confirmation once the form and payment are processed
Important Notes:
• Orders of 10 cases will be fulfilled with 20 cases due to BOGO
• For Feature Program credit (2 points), you must order 6 full-price cases
• Final statewide order will be submitted September 22, 2025
• Deadline for payments/forms: September 15, 2025
• Coats are distributed on a first come, first served basis – act early!
 
Questions? Contact:
Larry J Herman
l.herman@mikofc.org
State Community Director
Let’s make a difference this winter – one coat at a time
 
#KofC #CatholicMen #FaithInAction #MIKofC #KnightsOfColumbus #coatsforkids

St. Mary of the Hills Council 13950 Honored with International Life Program Award for Blessed McGivney Field!

By: Barry M. Borsenik - Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:19 PM

 

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.

 

An introductary video featuring the program was featured at the Supreme Council Awards Presentation:  Knights of Columbus Unveil Special Needs Baseball Field

 

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.