By: William Leveque, Sr. - Sun, Oct 21, 2018 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Sat, Oct 20, 2018 7:30 PM

The 2018 Michigan State Soccer Challenge was conducted on Saturday, October 13.  Many thanks to Everest Academy in Clarkston where we held the event.  Luckily it was great fall weather!  The event winners are:

Special thanks to Saginaw Program Directors John Turek and Ray Gehlman for attending and working the event, as did Detroit Program Director Terry Carl.  Also thanks to District Deputy Joe Brenner for working and coordinating the location.  It was also great to have State Warden Charlie McCuen and State Program Director Bill Leveque in attendance. 

By: Gary Merritt - Sat, Oct 20, 2018 7:30 PM

October 17, 2018 Diocese of Saginaw The Most Rev. Joseph Robert Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, died on Oct. 16 in Saginaw, Mich. Bishop Cistone was born on May 18, 1949. He was the second of three sons born to Josephine R. (Altomare) and Daniel A. Cistone, Sr. He was baptized and grew up in the close-knit Italian parish community of Our Lady of Consolation in Philadelphia. He received his elementary education from his parish school and later graduated in 1967 from Father Judge High School for Boys.

That same year, he entered Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook, Pa., where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1971 and Master’s of Divinity in 1975. Bishop Cistone was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1975, by John Cardinal Krol for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

On June 8, 2004, Pope (now Saint) John Paul II appointed then Monsignor Cistone to become an Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Cistone chose for his episcopal motto a phrase from his daily devotion to Philadelphia’s Saint John Neumann: Father of Mercy and Love.

Bishop Cistone was appointed Bishop of Saginaw by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on May 20, 2009. Two months later, on July 28, at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Saginaw, Bishop Cistone was installed as the sixth Bishop of Saginaw.

Soon after his arrival in Saginaw, parish leadership called upon Bishop Cistone to address the need for parish restructuring. In 2011, as part of an overall plan to strengthen the Church of Saginaw and position parishes to better engage in the work of evangelization, Bishop Cistone announced the historic undertaking, Planning Tomorrow’s Parishes. The strategic planning process, designed to engage parishioners to assess the state of churches across the 11 county Diocese of Saginaw and develop recommendations to enhance the vibrancy of parish life, led to Bishop Cistone’s decisions in January 2013 to restructure parish communities and designate use of churches to better serve the faithful.

Bishop Cistone encouraged the faithful to trust in the Lord’s plan, a message he first shared in his pastoral letter, “A Future Full of Hope”, in 2011. In it, he shared his vision for a complete revitalization of the diocese, which included a commitment to evangelization, vocations, lifelong discipleship and promotion of a deeper love, appreciation and understanding of the gift of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. The hallmark of his leadership is reflected in the restoration of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw.

Bishop Cistone enjoyed spending time among the people, providing public witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ as he celebrated Mass, led Holy Hours, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, particularly to the youth, traveled with pilgrims to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., hosted guests at the Bishop’s Ball and Golf Classic, prayed outside the abortion clinic, ministered to migrant workers, spoke at community events, visited Catholic schools and much more across the Diocese of Saginaw.

In addition to his many commitments within the diocese, Bishop Cistone served as a member of the Board of Directors for Catholic Relief Services, and traveled to El Salvador and Ethiopia on the organization’s behalf.  In November of 2017, Bishop Cistone was elected as Chairman of the committee on national collections for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He also served in other leadership positions on the national and state levels for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Michigan Catholic Conference.

For the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Cistone served on the following committees: Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, African American Affairs, Budget and Finance, Catholic Relief Services as well as the Audit Committee on Budget and Finance. Bishop Cistone served on other boards including the Board of Directors of the Michigan Catholic Conference, the Religious Sister of Mercy of Alma Finance Committee, the Sacred Heart Mercy Health Care Center Advisory Board, Our Sunday Visitor Institute Advisory Committee and the Dow Company Community Advisory Panel.

Surviving are two brothers, Daniel (Joann) Cistone Jr., Anthony (Margaret) Cistone; nieces and nephews, Joann (Mark) Chiavon, Daniel Cistone III, Andrew Cistone; great-nieces, Stella, Alessandra, Francesca and Mariella. Bishop Cistone was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Cistone, Sr. and Josephine (Altomare) Cistone.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Diocese of Saginaw Cathedral Renovation. Contributions may also be made to the Daniel and Josephine Cistone Endowment Fund..

Funeral Arrangements for the Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone

 Sunday, October 21st: 

1:00 pm - Reception of the Body

Presider: Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator

1:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Visitation

5:30 pm – Eucharist (Mass for Our Deceased Bishop)

Presider & Homilist: Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator

7:00 pm – Evening Prayer (Office of the Dead)

Presider & Homilist: Reverend William J. Rutkowski

 Monday, October 22nd:

9:00 am – Morning Prayer (Office of the Dead)

9:00 am – 8:00 pm – Visitation

3:00 pm – Knights of Columbus Recitation of the Rosary

Leader:  SK Barry Borsenik, KofC State Advocate

7:00 pm – Vigil for the Deceased

Presider: Most Reverend Walter A. Hurley, Apostolic Administrator

Homilist:  Reverend Peter J. Gaspeny, Chair of the Presbyteral Council 

Tuesday, October 23rd:

9:00 am – Visitation

11:00 am – Funeral Mass

Presider: Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, Metropolitan Archbishop of Detroit

Homilist: Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Arlington

Final Commendation:

Presider: Cardinal Justin Rigali, Emeritus Archbishop of Philadelphia

Mount Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw, Michigan

By: William Leveque, Sr. - Fri, Oct 19, 2018 7:30 PM

Knights of Columbus

Michigan State Council

2018-2019 Youth Activity Dates

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest – Council winners are due to State Youth Activities Director by January 31, 2019.  Age groups 5-7, 8-10, and 11-14.  Order kits by 10/31/2018. 

State Free Throw Championship – March 10^th, 2019.  Held at Sacred Heart Parish Gym located at 319 E. Illinois St. in Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.

·       Council Championships are suggested to be held in January

·       District (if needed) and Diocesan Championships are recommended to be held in February.

Youth Essay Contest – Council Winners are due to the State Youth Activities Director by March 15^th, 2019.  Open to Catholic students in public, parochial or private schools from grades 8-12.

State Spelling Bee – March 16^th, 2019 at Fr. Van Rooy council #2740 located at 1021 Woodside Ave. in Essexville, MI 48732.  Age groups are grades 4-6 and 7-9.

·       Council spelling bees are suggested to be held in October or November.

·       Diocesan bees are suggested to be held in December or January.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness Poster Contest – Due to State Youth Activities Director by March 30^th, 2019.  Age groups are ages 8-11 and 12-14.

Links: 

Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest

http://www.kofc.org/un/en/resources/programs/keep-christ-in-christmas/5024-kcic-poster-contest-guidebook.pdf

Free Throw

http://www.kofc.org/en/programs/community/free-throw-championship.html#/Action%20Steps

Youth Essay

http://www.kofc.org/en/programs/community/catholic-citizenship-essay-contest.html#/Action%20Steps

Spelling Bee

Rules & Regulations

By: Gary Merritt - Sat, Oct 13, 2018 7:30 PM

 Men: Are You Ready to accept the Challenge?

Our communities need strong Catholic men to answer the call to lead with faith, protect our families, serve others and defend our values.

For over one hundred years, Knights of Columbus have done exactly that, standing up for the Church, serving the least among us, and strengthening our parishes and families.

Eligible Catholic men can now join the Knights of Columbus online in a simple, streamlined process.

As a member, you join a worldwide community of nearly two million men, including more than 65,000 in Michigan, who stand together.

Men have a duty to lead, protect, serve and defend. The world needs more committed, unified   Catholic men to answer the call. Will you answer?

You may view an information and question answering booklet about the program here.

To view the Supreme vidoe An introduction to Online Membership here.

An informational booklet concerning the Michigan activities is available here.

Visit www.kofc.org/joinus to learn more about the many benefits of membership in the Knights of Columbus. For information about Michigan State Council activities, visit www.mikofc.org, and for K of C Supreme Council national and international activities, visit www.kofc.org.

For a complete discription og the Online program read this Supreme article here.

To view a great article on e-membership from Knightline 5-18 click here.

MICHIGAN STATE COUNCIL CONTACTS

These directors and coordinators can provide additional information about E-membership:

  Doug Kokot, State E-Membership Director d.kokot@mikofc.org  616-891-6922

  Dennis Schneider, Young Adult Coordinator d.schneider@mikofc.org

  James Kraus, State Membership Director, j.kraus@mikofc.org

  William LeVeque, State Program Director, w.leveque@mikofc.org

  For further information about E-membership go to: www.kofc.org/joinus 

 A complete description of the Online Membership progam can be found on this link.

To view a great article about E Membership in the Mich Catholic Click on the logo.

By: William Leveque, Sr. - Sun, Oct 7, 2018 7:30 PM

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Sep 30, 2018 7:30 PM

Michigan State Council K of C Agenda

 Thursday January 17, 2019

                  Departs: Richard Council #788 - 5300 N. Grand River, Lansing MI 48906 - 5:00 pm

Thursday January 17, 2019

                  Departs:  Monaghan Council #2690 - 19801 Farmington Rd. Livonia MI 48152 - 6:30 pm

Friday January 18, 2019

                  Arrive:  Basilica, Washington D.C.:  7:30 am Mass

Friday January 18, 2019

                  Meet:  March staging area:  11:30 am

After March: 

                 Depart for Hilton Double Tree, 8727 Colesville Rd Silver Spring, MD 20910

Saturday January 19, 2019

                 Transportation (NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE) to the Tour of St. John Paul ll Shrine at 2:00 pm   along with Holy Mass at 4:00 pm

Cost for Hilton Double Tree:  $99.00 per room per night plus tax (KING ROOM ONLY)

                                                 Reservations:  Call Hilton Double Tree 1-800-560-7753

Request group code: MIK Rooms reserved under Michigan Knights of Columbus

Place room reservations on your credit card

                                               Cost of Bus:  $150.00 per person                                                                               

Helpful information for your convenience: https://marchforlife.org

http://marchforlife.org/6-tips-from-a-local-for-riding metro                                                                                            

Sunday January 20, 2019

              Depart: Hilton Double Tree:  8:00 am.

Estimated Arrival:  Livonia – 6:30 pm.  Lansing – 8:00 pm.

Make check for bus payable to:

Michigan State Knights of Columbus

Mail to: Tim & Cindy Donovan 4074 Cemetery Rd. Fowlerville, MI 48836

Phone Inquiries:  517-214-5120 or 763-5621 Email:  mailto:t.donovan@mikofc.org

Deadline for Reservations:  DECEMBER 18, 2018

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 25, 2018 7:30 PM

Wednesday September 19th, 2018 marked the dedication of the 49th Ultrasound Machine in Michigan.

Fr. Simon Manjooran began the ceremony with an opening prayer & blessing the Ultrasound machine which took place at Positive Options Center in Allegan.

In attendance, District Deputy James Pitsch, Council #2515 GK Matt Heusser, Faithful Navigator Rich VanEizenga, Positive Options Center Director Christina Madison, Executive Director Carolyn Doyle along with Board Vice President Steve Fredericks and staff and Brother Knights from Allegan Council #2515. Others in attendance and pictured is retired priest Fr. Don Klingler and MI K of C Life Director Tim Donovan.

Executive Director Carolyn Doyle communicated the importance of this Ultrasound Machine while thanking the Knights of Columbus for their generosity and commitment to Protecting the Unborn. Positive Options Center Director Christina Madison also thanked the Knights of Columbus for their overwhelming generosity that has and will continue to change the hearts and minds of those facing difficult decisions. Fr. Don Klingler concluded the day’s festivities by leading us in a very inspirational closing prayer.

Many thanks to all who participated and donated that may not be mentioned, please know that without all of you none of this would be possible.

Let us not forget Supreme Knights of Columbus for their matching funds program which has reached 950 Life Saving Ultrasound Machines Order wide.

 God bless, Tim & Cindy Donovan

Pro Life Chair Couple Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus 

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 18, 2018 7:30 PM

In November of each year, there is a Memorial Mass hosted by the Knights of Columbus Detroit Archdiocesan Vocation League (DAVL).    This Mass is in remembrance of the members of the Knights of Columbus, their spouses, families & friends who have been called to be with God the Father. This year’s Memorial Mass will be held at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The Seminary is located at 2701 Chicago Blvd. in Detroit.

The Memorial Mass is open to all Knights of Columbus members, their families & friends. Also attending are the Priests and Seminarians of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.  Following the Mass, everyone is invited to attend breakfast and a short program. The seminarians who are not on assignment that day are also invited to share breakfast with us.

This is a great way to experience the seminarians, their backgrounds and their experiences while attending the Seminary, as well as to follow their call to the religious life. A free will donation of $10.00 per person is suggested.

We pray that you will be able to schedule time to join us in this special Mass in remembrance for those who have gone before us. If you are interested in attending the breakfast, please RSVP by Friday, October 25th to Robert Garstka at 586- 484-0781 or by email at rjgars@comcast.net.

Names for the memorial plaque can be obtained by contacting Robert Garstka.  Plaques start at $25.00 per line to a maximum of 4 lines for $100.00.  An application for Memorial Plaques is linked below.

Michigan Knights of Columbus

Detroit Archdiocesan Vocation League

Memorial Plaque

A beautiful and lasting rememberence is to have your loved one enrolled in the Knights of Columbus Vocations Committee Memorial Society Plaque, which now hangs in the Chapel of Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. The application process is open until October 19, 2018. The application may be opened here; Memorial Mass Plaque Application.

William H. Chasse                                     Deacon Wayne Slomiany

State Deputy                                            Evangilazation/Vocations Director

Jeff Gapczynski                                         Deacon David G. Zygmontowicz

DAVL Chairman                                         Evangilazation/Vocations Director

Bob Garstka

DAVL Memorial Mass Chairman

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 18, 2018 7:30 PM

Visit 25 Colleges and Universities in One Evening

High School Juniors, Seniors and Parents-Please Join Us!

 2018 Knights of Columbus Catholic College Night

Tuesday September 18, 2018    4:30 – 8:30 P. M.

Madonna University

 36600 Schoolcraft Rd. Livonia, MI  48150

 Spend a few hours with over 25 Catholic Colleges and Universities from the Midwest

that will be displaying and answering questions about their

Catholic Institutions

In addition, there will be seminars on the

 New Federal Government FAFSA process,

 Finding the right Scholarship and Grants

 Won’t you please join us?

 Free parking and admission.  FREE PIZZA!

 For more information and registration please visit;

 www.catholiccollegenight.org   

Registration not required but appreciated.