By: John Hundiak - Wed, Jun 15, 2022 1:06 PM

Breaking news!

The Special Olympics Unified Cup International Soccer Championships are coming to Detroit!

July 31 – August 6, Detroit will welcome over 300 athletes from 25 nations to compete in football (soccer)—the world’s most popular sport. The Special Olympics Unified Cup features competition broadcast to hundreds of millions of viewers across the globe. The week-long event will showcase athletic performances on the pitch and highlight stereotype-defying stories off the pitch — changing minds and opening hearts through transformational inclusion.  Additional information can be found at www.somi.org.         

The planning for this event is an immense task.  At this point, I can tell you that all Knights are invited to the opening Ceremonies (including the Honor Guards) and the Knights will be asked to cook on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the Corner Park (aka Old Tiger Stadium location).  We will need some grilles to be brought from councils (food will be provided).  If you are able to assist with the grilles and cooking, please contact me directly at j.hundiak@mikofc.org.

There are a variety of volunteers needed for this event.  Below is a link to the signup website.  The site describes the various types of volunteers needed, age requirements and health requirements.

https://specialolympicsunifiedcup2022.my-trs.com/

You may access the Volunteer Guidebook HERE.

As I learn more details and information, I will send out emails, post it on the State Website and send out via your weekly Constant Contact.  I will say that there will be changes along the way so stayed tuned!

John Hundiak   State Special Olympics Director

Robbie Waclawski  Special Olympics Michigan                                           

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Jun 13, 2022 9:24 AM

Archbishop's Gala

 On Friday night June 10th, our State Deputy Walter Winkle presented a check to Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the amount of $100,000 for this year's installment of the Endowment Fund for Seminarians. These are your Councils donations for the last 12 months! We are well on our way to our $1,000,000 goal!

Keep sending in your funds if you have not done so already.

By: Paul J. Palka - Sun, Jun 12, 2022 11:33 AM

Our Worthy State Chaplain Father Paul Ballien was honored by Supreme and the Brother Knights of St John Neumann Council #16169 of Canton on Friday June 11, 2022.

By: Ed Strach - Sat, Jun 11, 2022 10:39 AM

Rise Up and Answer the Call for Life Series Interview:

With Christen Pollo, Advocate for Citizens to Support MI Women and Children; Paul Long, President & CEO Michigan Catholic Conference and Walter Winkle, State Deputy Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus.

This interview will give you a firsthand perspective about the actions against the Reproductive Freedom For All petition and more important information on how you can help promote the dignity and support for Life.

 Thanks, State Life Director

Ed Strach

By: Walter Winkle - Wed, Jun 8, 2022 9:47 AM

The new appoined principal of Lumen Christi School in Jackson is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Jun 6, 2022 10:14 AM

Congratulations to Most Reverend Paul J Bradley on the 13th Anniversary of his installation as Bishop of Kalamazoo! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and inspire your ministry!

Motto: “Waiting in Joyful Hope” St.   Paul’s Letter to Titus 2:13 On June 5,   2009 Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley   was installed as the fourth Bishop for   the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Prior to   his appointment he was appointed   titular bishop of Afufenia and auxiliary   bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh   on December 16, 2004 and was   ordained on February 2, 2005.   Ordained a priest in the Diocese of   Pittsburgh on May 1, 1971 by Bishop   Vincent M. Leonard, Bishop Bradley   held various pastoral ministry   assignments both in the parishes as   well as at the diocesan level. When   then Bishop Donald Wuerl was   installed as the archbishop of Bishop   Bradley was elected administrator of   the Diocese of Pittsburgh by the   diocesan College of Consultors. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Diocese until Bishop Zubik’s installation on September 28, 2007. During his first year as bishop for the more than 100,000 Catholics in the nine-county region of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Bishop Bradley visited all 59 parishes and 22 Catholic schools in the diocese. He released his first pastoral letter, What I Have Heard and Seen in the fall of 2010. He has since written an additional three pastoral letters to the faithful including: He released “We Dare to Say: An invitation to boldly open the door to a vibrant life of faith” in 2010; “The Church: A Center of Hope; Living our Faith with Joy,” in 2014 and the recently released: “Moving Forward in Hope: Charting the Course for the Future”, September 2016. During his seven years leading the Diocese Bishop Bradley has lead a number of initiatives including a revamp of the annual diocesan appeal and the 2016 Diocesan Pastoral Plan which created 28 Parish Collaboratives from the existing 59 parishes and missions. He has ordained 16 men to the priesthood and 23 as permanent deacons. Bishop Bradley attended high school, college and graduate theology studies at St. Meinrad Seminary, St. Meinrad, Ind. He also earned the Master's in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh.

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 5, 2022 9:49 AM

Brother Knights and Families; Our State Camporee is set for Friday, August 12 through August 14. This year’s event will be held at the Mecosta Pines Campground located at 550 S Tallcott St. in Morley, MI. We have a total of 13 Campsites (4 Water & Electric and 9 Full Hookups), 1 Rental Trailer and 2 Cabins reserved. Please complete the registration form then, send the Registration Form and Payment to me by no later than Saturday, June 25h . If you are interested in Full Hookup please contact me at 616-329-0781 to confirm availability before completing the Registration Form, currently we have 8 available. Remember that sites are first come first serve.

For those who do not camp or do not have a camper there are several Hotels within 15 miles of the campground

Please find the Registration Form, tentative schedule and Hotel List linked HERE.

Just to give a few highlights of what we are planning, we will be doing a Bean Bag Toss Tournament, Potluck, and Mass as we normally do, but we are also looking into the possibility having something for the kiddos, and maybe a Wine Tasting for the adults. If you have ideas please forward them to me at j.baldridge@mikofc.org or if you are interested in helping with any of our events for the Camporee please reach out me, your help will be greatly appreciated.

Vivat Jesus, Alan Baldridge State Camping Chairman j.Baldridge@mikofc.org 616-329-0781.

By: John Hundiak - Sun, Jun 5, 2022 8:42 AM

WE’RE BACK!!

They are back.  The Summer 2022 Special Olympic Games are open once again at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI.  Over 1,000 Special Olympians joyously and energetically paraded into the stadium awaiting the Opening Ceremonies and the ‘Lighting of the Olympic Torch’ to begin the games.    Our State Deputy, Walter Winkle, Jr. was on hand fist-bumping the hands and wishing the Olympians well. Members of the 4th Degree Honor Guard were once again on hand to greet and welcome back the athletes.

The athletes sang the National Anthem and all recited the Special Olympian’s pledge.  Then the Law Enforcement Torch Run officers accompanied the Special Olympians as they walked the track with the Torch, climbed the stairs and lit the Torch to a fantastic roar of all those attending.  I bring you all back a message of THANK YOU for all of your support and prayers over the past few years while they competed virtually!

More pictures from the Opening Ceremonies are on the MI State Facebook page.

Article from Channel 9/10 News site.

John Hundiak, State Special Olympics Director

By: Ed Strach - Sat, Jun 4, 2022 10:08 AM

80th Ultrasound Dedication – Devote Yourselves to Prayer

It was with great honor to have the Most Reverend David Walkowiak, Bishop of Grand Rapids assist at the 80th Michigan Knights of Columbus Ultrasound dedication ceremony. This Ultrasound dedication ceremony took place on Monday, May 16, 2022 at Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) Grand Rapids. This Ultrasound initiative was lead by Fr. Faucher Council #1300 and Diocesan Program Director Jim Digman and supported by fourteen other councils and parishes in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. 

Congratulations and thank you to the members of Fr. Faucher Council #1300 and the councils listed below.  The councils and parishes in the Grand Rapids Diocese raised $15,919 in the support of Defending Life with this Ultrasound unit. The Supreme Council Knights of Columbus provided the other 50% of the cost totaling $31,858. Portland Council #2168, Portland Our Lady of White Lake Council #12985, Montague George J. McCarthy Council #2975, Grand Haven St. Christopher the Martyr Council #13653, Howard City St. John Neumann Council #7115, Holland St. Alphonsus - Seelos Council #15495, Grand Rapids Bishop Richter Council #7761, Rockford Holy Trinity Council #15548, Comstock Park Albert C. Doerr Council #7869, Remus St. Mary Magdalen Council #16623, Kentwood Bishop Kevin Britt Council #8117, Ida Msgr. Victor Gallagher Council #12668, Reed City St. Mary’s Council #11581, Marne Knights of Lake County Council #13865, Baldwin It is through the initiatives of our councils and parishes that help Defend Life and continue to support pregnancy centers throughout the state.

Ed Strach State Life Director

Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus

734-476-6296

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, May 31, 2022 10:09 AM

Greetings from Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly

Attendees to the Michigan State Convention were privileged to hear this message from our Worthy Supreme Knight.

To view the video, click on the picture.