By: Gary Merritt - Fri, Apr 8, 2022 11:01 AM

Over 600 people made a Stand for Life by attending this year’s dinner in Troy.

Our State Deputy Walter Winkle, on behalf of state council and the members of the Knights of Columbus of Michigan was able to present a generous donation of $100,000 to Barbara Listing and the Michigan Right to Life educational fund for all that they do to encourage and advocate Life!

Entertainment was provided by George Dennehy, an internationally recognized songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. George inspired all by sharing his powerful prolife testimony.

By: Gary Merritt - Fri, Apr 8, 2022 10:44 AM

The Knights of Columbus Supreme Office and the Fraternal Mission Department’s Programs Team would like to congratulate all of the winners of the 2021 – 2022 Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest. Thank you to all the participating Councils and jurisdictions.

By: Gary Merritt - Wed, Apr 6, 2022 9:14 AM

April 5, 2022

Dear State Deputy and Board:

            I am sorry to miss your conversation this evening. Unfortunately, the conflict on my calendar could not be avoided.  In my absence, I have asked Barbara Listing to read this short letter.

            The topic under consideration tonight, in many regards, is without precedent, in terms of our joint efforts to restore legal protection to the unborn child in Michigan.

            On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Catholic Conference, which includes the seven (arch)diocesan bishops, I can say with complete confidence, that derailing this deafly petition drive, is an absolute top priority of the Roman Catholic Church in this state.

            Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Catholic Conference have joined together to create Citizens to Support Michigan Women and Children.  This is the community which will fight against this proposal being placed on the ballot and will be urging a no vote.

            If we are unable to disqualify enough signatures, to throw out the petition drive, then securing a no vote on this proposed amendment to the state constitution, will remain an absolute priority in the weeks and months just ahead.  

            I would urge the Knights of Columbus, throughout the great state of Michigan, to join us wholeheartedly to defeat what can only be viewed as the greatest challenge to the sanctity of human life that we have ever faced!

            Having said that, I am confident, just as I have been on many occasions in the past, that by working together, we will prevail!  We will emerge victorious!  But the road ahead of us will be filled with unprecedented challenges.

            To that end, we must rise up with an unprecedented level of commitment for these innocent children.

            Please  join us as we proceed full speed ahead.  I cannot envision a victorious outcome without one of the greatest allies the unborn children will ever have…there will be no victory without the Knights of Columbus.

            Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Right to Life of Michigan

Michigan Catholic Conference

Citizens to Support Michigan Women and Children

By: Greg Brunson - Mon, Apr 4, 2022 4:37 PM

Over the last year our State Chaplain Fr Paul Ballien has held a number of Men’s Retreats based on the “Into The Breach” video series and “Guadalupe The Miracle And The Message”.  Since then, additional retreats have begun to take place in other Dioceses across Michigan such as Grand Rapids and all across the U.P.

I happened to attend the first in a series of retreats that Fr Corey Litzner was hosting.  It was at St Michael Parish in Marquette and when I arrived early (and I was terrified that nobody would show up), I met District Deputy Jim Butorac and Grand Knight of Council 1541, Bruce Coron, boiling enough hot dogs to feed an entire U.S. Army Regiment!   I asked them if they will have enough hot dogs and Jim told me they were expecting 60.  As it turned out the room was full, most of the hot dogs were gone, all the pizza was gone, and the retreat went very well.  I was taken back by the outstanding attendance, so was Fr Corey!   Rumor has it there were a couple of men who filled out form 100s’.   Since then, the retreats in Sault Saint Marie, Houghton, and Ironwood have all had very good attendance, especially in Houghton.   The weather however interfered with the Newberry retreat - it was postponed due to a nasty ice storm rolling across the state that evening (to be rescheduled).

On March 25^th, the UP Catholic had a nice article about Fr Corey’s retreats – click the logo below and go to page 5.

Fr Corey has traveled from Sault Saint Marie to Ironwood – from one end of the U.P. to the other because he agreed to be the Diocesan Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus.   This is commitment to our order.  We all, some 60 thousand of us in Michigan, do the good works of our order by using those gifts the Lord has given to each of us.  Our Diocesan Chaplains and brother knights who happen to be Priests, do their part by helping us all grow spiritually.  We are blessed to have them among us.

BOTTOM LINE men:  when you hear about upcoming Men’s Retreats hosted by one of our Diocesan Chaplains, make it a point to attend.   It would be terrific to see large turnouts across the State like we saw from our Brother Knights north of the bridge.

By: John Hundiak - Mon, Apr 4, 2022 3:55 PM

Let’s Play Ball!

Spring baseball fever has already started.  Many Little League Teams have already started their competitions.  Our area is blessed with the Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division.  It has been operating for 29 years!

This division is a program for mentally or physically disabled youth to enjoy the sport of Baseball.  Hott Field in Macomb County provides an environment that is adaptable and usable by those players with mental or physical disabilities.  Over the years, this league has grown significantly and now there is a great need for a Senior League baseball field for mentally or physical disabilities.  This field will be part of the existing Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Baseball and will be designed as a “Special Needs Accessible Filed”. 

Much work has already been done on the field (located on Harper Rd in Clinton Twp).  Many generous donations have been received from local municipalities and corporations.  However, to complete the field by this summer, we need to raise $75,000 to cover the construction costs.

Here is the challenge from Challenger Field: If the Knights of Columbus can raise the $75,000 needed, then the name of the field will be ‘McGivney Field’!  This will stand out in the community and demonstrate the dedication that the Knights have towards God’s needy children.

I am asking that all councils consider donating at least part of their Spring 2022 MI Drive monies to this worthy cause. This donation can also be considered a Special Olympics donation on your 10784s.  To make a donation from your Council or MI Drive monies, make checks payable to:

Checks can be sent to:

Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Baseball

Memo line: McGivney Field

Marilyn Wittsock

c/o CVLLCB

57249 Junction Court KC Special Olympics

Washington, MI 48094

Once we meet this challenge and the field is ready for dedication, all Knights and families from around the State will be invited to the inaugural game.

Brothers, this is an extraordinary opportunity to put our Faith in Action and help those in need.  Please prayerfully consider your Council’s participation in this worthy cause.

Rise Up And Answer The Call!

John Hundiak

State Special Olympics Director

By: Ed Strach - Sun, Apr 3, 2022 3:51 PM

Live streaming for the Respect Life Annual Benefit Dinner at 7:00pm on April 5^th:

Link HERE

 Brother Knights and Families,

The 44^th Annual Right to Life MI Respect Life Dinner is only a few days away! This is to provide our council members outside the Southeastern Michigan area the opportunity to join us live for this at http://www.respectlifemi.org/

We look forward to having you as a virtual guest for this event and thank you for Rising Up an Answering the Call for Life!

Ed & Lynn Strach

Pro-Life Chair Couple

734-476-6296

By: Ed Strach - Sun, Apr 3, 2022 6:46 AM

From Michigan Catholic Conference & Supported by the Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus

A petition drive (Reproductive Freedom for All) has started, sponsored by Planned Parenthood and the ACLU, to get a constitutional amendment for an unlimited right to abortion on the November ballot.

This amendment would repeal dozens of state laws, including our state’s ban on tax-funded abortions, the partial-birth abortion ban, and fundamentally alter the parent-child relationship by preventing parents from having input on their children’s health.

The petition drive is also an attempt to invalidate the state's long-standing ban on abortion, which is poised to become effective again, if or when the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.

Now, more than ever, your help is needed to stand up for the unborn and speak up for the dignity of human life at all stages. This amendment is opposed by the Michigan Catholic Conference, the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on public policy. 

Help spread the word about why people should NOT sign the Reproductive Freedom for All Petition. 

For more information, visit supportMIwomenandchildren.org 

By: Ed Strach - Thu, Mar 31, 2022 9:38 AM

Wonderful news! As part of the Flint Ultrasound initiatives, the 78^th Ultrasound dedication ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 9^th. Luke Project 52 Clinic of Flint will be hosting an open house between noon and 3 p.m. with the Ultrasound dedication ceremony beginning at 1p.m. Details are below.

Saturday, April 9^th at 1:00 PM

Luke Project 52 Clinic of Flint

5131 W. Bristol Road, Flint 48507 

734-646-8206

 Lead council: St. John the Evangelist Council #7418

Grand Knight: Craig Hering    

Lead: Michael Archambault, Advocate

 Thank you for Rising Up and Answering the Call for Life!

Ed Strach, Life Director

By: John Hundiak - Wed, Mar 30, 2022 9:05 AM

Jersey Mike’s will donate all sales on Wed. Mar. 30, 2022

to Special Olympics

Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs, asks customers to eat a sub this March to help local athletes across the U.S. attend the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, June 5-12, in Orlando, Florida.

For the first time in the 12-year history of the company’s March Month of Giving fund raising campaign, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators nationwide will support a single cause. Throughout March, customers can make donations through Jersey Mike’s mobile app or in-store. As added incentive, special deals will be announced each week on Twitter and through Jersey Mike’s email club.

The fundraiser culminates with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 30, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state Programs attending the USA Games.

Jersey Mike’s is the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, and it hopes to raise even more for the non-profit organization than last year’s record-breaking $15 million fundraising campaign. Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $47 million for local charities since it began in 2011.

Jersey Mike’s Michigan locations found HERE  

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Mar 29, 2022 1:38 PM

Knights in Ukraine gather with Cardinal Konrad Krajewski (center), almoner of His Holiness, and Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki of Lviv in a storage area at the Seminary of the Archdiocese of Lviv, March 9. The seminary has become a distribution point for humanitarian aid to Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion. Photo by Tamino Petelinšek

You may read the entire article, see photos and watch a video on the Supreme website HERE.

Donate here - UKRAINE SOLIDARITY FUND