By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 26, 2022 11:03 AM

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly

My Brother Knights:

After nearly 50 years, the wrong decision that was made in Roe v. Wade has been set right. The Supreme Court’s historic decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’ Health Organization overturning both Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, is a watershed moment in the movement that generations of Knights of Columbus have worked and prayed for. Indeed, it is one of the most significant advancements in human rights in our nation’s history.

We are grateful and encouraged by the Court’s finding that abortion is not a “constitutional right.” But we must not think that today is a day to declare victory. Instead, I call upon every member of the Knights of Columbus to redouble their personal efforts to build up the Culture of Life that St. John Paul II described in his prophetic encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae.

With Roe reversed, federal advocacy to protect unborn life is still necessary, but the decision opens wide the doors for states to consider their own abortion laws as well. Many states have laws that immediately protect unborn human life. Others have taken regrettable steps to make themselves “sanctuaries” for abortion-on-demand. Pregnancy resources centers will become even more vital as they reach out to serve pregnant women, new mothers and their children.

In the months and years ahead, Knights should work to support — or start — marches for life in every state. Another critical action we can all take is to increase our support for pregnancy resource centers in our communities. To that end, the Supreme Council has announced a $5 million campaign to support new mothers and their children through a new program: ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy). These pregnancy centers and maternity homes are now the front lines of the pro-life movement, and Knights should continue to stand and serve with them. You can support this effort by making a donation today.

Even before the Dobbs decision was officially released, we saw numerous instances of violence and vandalism targeted at pregnancy resource centers and Catholic churches across the country. Let us find our response in the words Pope Francis addressed to the 2021 Supreme Convention, which called on us to be men “committed to building up rather than tearing down, promoting healing and reconciliation in place of hatred and recrimination, and inviting all to undertake the ‘journey of fraternity’ that can lead to a world ever more in accord with God’s saving plan for our human family.”

Finally, we must continue to pray and fast for the end of abortion. How fitting it is that the Dobbs decision arrived on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us pray in thanksgiving for this decision, and continue to implore the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe as we work to build a Culture of Life in which every human life, made in the image and likeness of God, is welcomed in life and protected in law.

Fraternally,

Patrick E. Kelly

Supreme Knight

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 26, 2022 11:02 AM

To honor our outgoing State Chaplain Paul Ballien, a dinner roast with him as the target, and with the State Deputy’s approval, was held the evening of  Wednesday June 22 in Sterling Hts.

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 26, 2022 11:02 AM

State Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien

We should take this time “to celebrate that our many years of hard work in fighting for life has achieved a victory in striking down Roe v. Wade. While we should give praise to God for that, there is still more work to be done in the states to ensure that babies in the womb are protected. Thank you to all the Knights that have helped promote the pro-life cause and let us all keep up those efforts! 

God Bless!

The following is a statement of Archbishop Vigneron with the support of our State Deputy Walter Winkle

June 24, 2022 – Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:

“While the decision announced today by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cause for praise and thanks to God, it does not mean our work is over. I join my brother bishops in Michigan in affirming that the Church must redouble her efforts to ensure every woman, child, and family has the support necessary to thrive in pregnancy, early childhood, and beyond.

"In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we have partnered with Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan to launch Walking With Moms in Need, which equips Catholic parishes and parishioners to assist pregnant and parenting mothers. We seek to address and resolve the struggles women and families face, rather than contributing to the “throwaway culture” that proposes eliminating people as an acceptable solution.

"As we renew and redouble our efforts, let us continue to pray unceasingly for all pregnant women and their children, that they know the love of Christ as shared through the witness borne by you, me, and all Catholics.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us."

Brother Knights,

Yesterday's Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a historic moment for the Defense of Life. While we took time to celebrate and thank God for this decision, we must be vigilant in our efforts to stand with our pro-life pregnancy centers to ensure they can continue their mission to serve women during and after pregnancy. 

There have been several instances of pro-life pregnancy centers being vandalized and defaced. We have been advised by the Supreme Council to ensure the safety of our members by refraining from acting as "security guards" for pro-life pregnancy centers. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty is greatly appreciated. However, our members are not trained as security guards and your safety is paramount and our focus is on your well-being. 

We as members and families of the Knights of Columbus should also continue in our support of these centers through our prayers, talents and generosity. Over the next several months we will be sharing with you new initiatives from the Knights of Columbus and United State Catholic Conference of Bishops that will require our focus and support.

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

State Deputy Walter Winkle

State Life Director Ed Strach

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Jun 23, 2022 12:21 PM

Our State Deputy Walter Winkle had the pleasure of joing with many members and their wives in honoring the Priest, Deacons and Religious of the Grand Rapids Diocese at the annual Diocesan Priest, Clergy and Religious Appreciation Dinner on Tuesday evening June 21.

This year’s event was hosted by Bishop Haas Council # 4362 in Wyoming at the KC Banquet Center. The emcee was PGK and FDD Ken Skonecki who thanked all for coming and introduced Rev. Fr. Theodore J. Kozlowski, council Chaplain of Bishop Haas who opened the evening with the invocation and grace.

Honor Guard members from assemblies around the Diocese presented the colors and led all in the Pledge of Allegience.

Council 4362 donated $5,000.00 to the Bishop’s discretionary fund. The check was presented to Msgr. William Duncan, Vicar General of the Diocese and Pastor of St. Sebastian in Byron Center by Grand Knight Dave Erdmans and Financial Secretary Tony Arbanas along with the State Deputy.

In the State Deputys’ address he thanked all for attending to show honor to our Clergy’s commitment to their vocation. He expressed his gratitude for the support of our Knights by our priests and gave an update of the Jurisdictions status.

Grand Rapids Diocesan Chaplain Fr. Mark Bauer spoke of a man’s resposibilty to his faith and family as a Knight of Columbus and closed the evening with prayer.

By: Robert Bagley - Tue, Jun 21, 2022 4:51 PM

We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Corpus Christi celebration, making it another event to remember. Holy Name of Mary parishioners, Fr. Dominic and parishioners, other walkers from the Eastern U.P. and elsewhere, choir members, altar boys, canopy bearers, golf cart drivers, Knights of Columbus, Knights on Bikes, water station servers, helping hands hospitality team, photographers, the Country Club for their cart donation, the VFW for allowing us the use of their trailer, and the city police department.

Thank you, Fr. Nick, for your enthusiasm in shepherding us in the renewal of our love in the presence of Jesus Christ - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist.

By: Ed Strach - Tue, Jun 21, 2022 3:09 PM

The 81st Michigan Knights of Columbus Ultrasound dedication ceremony took place on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Pregnancy Help Clinic Flint. This Ultrasound placement was led by Fr. Louis P. Gauthier Council #10170 and part of the Flint Ultrasound initiative that has placed multiple Ultrasound units in the Flint area.

Supporters of the Pregnancy Help Clinic Flint Ultrasound Initiative: These supporters are responsible for raising $19,265, 50% of the cost of this Ultrasound with the other 50% provided by Supreme Council Knights of Columbus totaling $38,530! District #502, District Deputy Bob Vandesteene Councils #4090 Davison, #4285 Mt. Morris, #10170 Burton (lead council), #11532 Burton, #13703 Clio District #504, District Deputy Rick Perry Councils #6694 Swartz Creek, #6742 Grand Blanc, #7418 Fenton, #8489 Flushing District #512, District Deputy Mike Szukhent Councils #695 Flint, #8245 Flint, #8669 Montrose,#12090 Flint, #17509 Flushing, Memphis Council #10501, St. Francis Council #4401, Msgr. Patrick R. Dunigan Assembly #510.

Special thank you to the Livingston County Ultrasound Initiative and their continued support!

Ed Strach, Life Director

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Jun 21, 2022 9:37 AM

Hundrens display their faith by participating in a Corpus Christi Procession which is displayed in the montage below.

There is a great article with more photos in Detroit Catholic.

You may view a short video of the procession HERE.

By: Walter Winkle - Mon, Jun 20, 2022 10:45 AM

On Sunday June 19th, Michigan Knights of Columbus State Deputy Walter Winkle, First Lady Karen Winkle, along with State Secretary Christopher Kolomjec and Lady Julie, marched in the Eucharistic Procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Joined by an estimated 250 faithful, the procession followed a 2-mile walk from The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament to Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

Thank you to District Master Mark Brezenski and the Honor Guard, councils #14427/Northville and #8118/Detroit for supplying water on this beautiful and blessed day!

By: Ed Strach - Thu, Jun 16, 2022 9:55 AM

To help you do this, I highly encourage you to visit Citizens to Support MI Women and Children online: https://supportmiwomenandchildren.org. On this website, you will find printable resources that tell the truth about the amendment and can be used to guide you, your community, and your churches in learning the facts. This is a great resource to use that will help you answer this urgent call to action.

And finally, I am available to answer any questions you have about this call to action. You may call me or email me and we can discuss any questions or ideas that you have.

Now is the time to Stand Up for Life! Our action, or inaction, in this initiative will have a lasting impact for generations to come. 

Ed Strach State Life Director

Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus

734-476-6296

By: Ed Strach - Thu, Jun 16, 2022 9:49 AM

Order your “Created in the Image of God”baby blankets!

 Place your today for only $10 per blanket (additional shipping fee for orders of five or less blankets).

Created in the Image of God

· Blankets include Knights of Columbus logo with the Created  in the Image of God inscription · Material is cotton and double layered · Size is  45”x 45”

 · Donating these blankets will support your local pregnancy center

· Parish baptism gift

· Donate to your local hospital (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit—NICU)

· Great gift idea for family and friends

 Click below for the order form and mail your order in today! 

Click HERE for the order form and mail your order in today!

Thank you for your order and support of Life. If you have any questions please contact us at;

Ed & Lynn Strach Michigan State Pro-Life Couple

734-476-6296