The annual Winter Organizational Meeting of the Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus was held at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel on December 8th and 9th. State, Regional, and District leaders gathered to discuss planning for success during the second half of the Fraternal Year.
See the video here
Brothers and Sisters,
Knights on Bikes held their annual Christmas Party in Okemos, Michigan on December 1st and 2nd.
On Friday December 1st, everyone had a great time at the KofC Night at the Grand Rapids Griffins!
Maybe we brought the Griffins good luck as they defeated the Milwaukee Admirals 4-1!
Here is the ceremonial picture taken of our group on the ice following the game.
A once in a lifetime opportunity! Join our State Chaplain on a Lenten Pilgrimage to Italy, March 6th - 14th.
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Congratulations to all of the nominated families!
Make The Connection
On November 18th, I had the pleasure of visiting the Heart of Christ Clinic to deliver some much-needed donations of diapers and wipes. While I was there, I also had the opportunity to take a tour of the facility.
During my visit, I had a conversation with a young man who shared with me how the Michigan Knights of Columbus played a vital role in making it all happen. This gentleman hopes that one day there will be a Heart of Christ Clinic in every Michigan diocese. To accomplish this, he would begin a chain of introductions, connecting key people and leaders of organizations throughout the State, including the Knights of Columbus. This is how the Heart of Christ Clinic was formed in Detroit, and it can happen anywhere as long as people are open to making the connections.
This experience reminded me of an important concept that I will be discussing in my presentation at the upcoming Winter Meeting. It's called the "six degrees of separation," which suggests that any person on this planet can be connected to any other person through a chain of acquaintances, with no more than five intermediaries. It's a fascinating idea that highlights the inter-connection of our world.
Imagine if I can teach just ten Brother Knights to recruit using the same strategies I employ. If each of them goes out and recruits ten prospects, and those new brothers do the same, we will soon have a strong and vibrant membership that exceeds our goals. And just like the Heart of Christ clinic, it can happen as long as we are all open to making the connections.
Now, let's talk about Fraternal Benefits Nights. We are nearly halfway through this fraternal year, and unfortunately, only 53 councils have hosted one FBN, with 13 councils having hosted two. I'm sure you will agree that this is not an impressive percentage, and we need to improve it by making the connections if we want to achieve the Circle of Honor again.
Brothers, I am convinced that you all have the opportunities and talent to make this happen. My job now is to provide you with the methods and the vision and the teamwork for the remaining 7 months of this Fraternal Year.
I am so grateful for all that you do, and as I give thanks to the Lord this week on Thanksgiving, you will be in my prayers.
Richard Shelt
State Membership Director
