By: Walter Winkle - Thu, Nov 26, 2020 2:49 PM

Brother Knights, I continue to pray that all of you and your families are well.

As we all continue to deal with the COVID-19 that has plagued our country as well as the world, I ask that you remember the events and people that we are thankful for during this Thanksgiving Holiday. Although we may not be able to be with them, I ask that you contact them and share the things we are all grateful for and to ask if they may need some help.

 The Leave No Neighbor Behind program is an outstanding way to be a true "Knight in Shining Armor" to several vulnerable members in our councils as well as our parish and communities. We may not have been able to do what we planned for the last several months but there are several events that have made this a blessed year.

 As Knights, we need to look at the things that we must be grateful for, the Beatification of Fr. Michael McGivney, our priest's, families, neighbors, friends, and our Knights Family. I believe that we all have a special calling as Knights, we cannot dwell in the thoughts of what we cannot do, but what we can!

 Let us continue to look into the future and share the things we have to be grateful for and why being a Knight of Columbus is so special and share it with someone who is not a Knight. What better gift can we give someone that is not a member, than the people and events that we attend as members with our families?

 New membership is still free until December 31, 2020, just go to www.kofc.org/joinus and enter the code MCGIVNEY2020 in the promo box. Let us all strive to welcome a new Knight before Christmas in our councils and share the special work we do as a member.

 Remember the Holy Cross Services sweatshirt, gift card collection and calendars this year. Your District Deputy will be collecting these and delivering on December 5, 2020. Please contact him if you have any questions.

 We are all praying that this virus will be over soon and to be able to get back to a normal way of life. Do not give up hope!

 From my family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Walter K. Winkle, Jr.

State Deputy

By: Dan Fuller - Tue, Nov 24, 2020 12:07 PM

Here is how we can give this gift.

·  Direct them or take them yourself to https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/join/join-the-knights.html and for spanish https://www.kofc.org/secure/es/join/join-the-knights.html

·  Fill in the information including the parish and council number

·  Have them enter your membership number so you can be credited for growing our order

·  Enter the promo code MCGIVNEY2020

Your friend or family member is now a Knight with E-membership status, and you have given him a priceless gift of Faith and Fraternity for him and his family.

 PS:  For my Brothers that would like help inviting their family and friends to become e-members - Ask your GK, Membership Director, DD, Diocesan Director or me to help you.

·  Ask your council's membership director to contact these people for you.

·  Email your friends/prospects the attached Online Membership document 

·  Have them fill it out and return it to you.

·  Enter this information for these candidates into the kofc.org/joinus webpage

·  They will then be Knights with e-membership benefits

"Rise up and answer the call!"

My God Bless you all and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Daniel C Fuller Jr. State Membership Director Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus

248-761-2244

·  Use the virtual and online tools to grow our Order

·  Build your recruiting Ambassador Team

·  Best growth technique is to "Ask"

Blessed Fr. Michael J McGivney - Pray for us...

By: Dan Fuller - Mon, Nov 16, 2020 4:36 PM

		Please take advantage of this training webinar with Supreme Regional Training Director Jon Olson.   Michigan is still struggling with COVID-19 restrictions, however we need to prepare for that time when our Councils can fully engage in Delta Drive activities in our Churches.  Brother Jon will offer some good techniques to improve our membership growth results.
		Brothers, Since I will be starting DD check-ins this month. All region training sessions will be cut back. This registration link below is for a Delta Drive training on 11/23/2020 at 7PM EST.

This will be my first goto webinar session  instead of goto meeting. It will look slightly different for the attendees and the registration should be immediate

Register for this informative webinar HERE.

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

By: Gary Merritt - Fri, Nov 13, 2020 3:10 PM

Today, eighteen percent of American children and fourteen percent of Canadian children live in poverty. As a result, many families cannot afford to provide even the basic necessity of a warm winter coat. Putting their faith into action, Knights of Columbus councils have handed out more than 500,000 coats to children, with no cost to the recipient, throughout the United States and Canada through the Coats for Kids Program.

Here are three of the Coats for Kids events scheduled in our jurisdiction this fall.

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS

Thursday November 12, 2020

Sacred Heart School 150 E. Summit Ave, Muskegon Heights, Michigan 49444

The school is located on Hoyt St. Please park in the parking lot and enter the building through the double doors of the school. *SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE ENFORCED AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED*

When: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Coat sizes: Boys & Girls sizes 4 to Boys & Girls size Large (Youth sizes for children K- 8th Grade)

Contact Garret Kelenske 231-571-5617, g.kelenske@mikofc.org

 PONTIAC

Saturday November 14^th, 2020 Sábado 14 de noviembre del 2020 

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

St Damien of Molokai Parish- St. Vincent de Paul Church

46408 Woodward Ave, Pontiac, MI 48342, USA

En St. Damien del Salón Parroquial de Molokai junto a la Iglesia de San Vicente de Paul

Coat sizes: Boys & Girls sizes 4 to 14

Tallas de abrigos:  Niños y Niñas De talla 4 a 14

For COVID-19 Precautions: Only one parent with Child or parent with child’s Birth Certificate are allowed in the building

Solo se permite la entrada a un padre de familia con sus hijos/hijas o puede venir el padre de familia con el certificado de nacimiento del niños/niñas

SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE ENFORCED AND MASKS ARE REQUIRED

If you or your family member are sick, please do not attend

SE REQUIRE TAPABOCAS Y MANTENER LA DISTANCIA SOCIAL.

Si usted se siente enfermo o un miembro de su familia le pedimos de la manera mas atenta que no asista a este evento

Contact Joseph Langhauser 248-489-6257, j.langhauser@mikofc.org

GRAND RAPIDS

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Where: Holy Name of Jesus Parish 1630 Godfrey Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 When: Saturday, 10am to 1pm.

Coat Sizes: boys and girls sizes 4, to boys and girls XL No need to sign up. First-come, first-serve basis.

Child must be accompanied by a parent and child must be present. We be social distancing; everyone needs to wear a face mask at event.

Contact: Marty Brown 616-560-0479, m.brown@mikofc.org

DETROIT

Saturday December 12^th

When - tentatively from 11 am to 2 pm at St. Anne’s church in Detroit. 

1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216

Contact - Detroit Program Director Lou Brotchner at 734-837-6371 l.brotchner@mikofc.org

Coats for Kids. As you may be aware, coats are available from our Supreme Council’s website for councils to purchase. Like in previous years, councils are able to conduct their own coat giveaway to local children that may be in need. Alternatively, our State Council will be sponsoring a number of Coats for Kids events at different locations in Michigan. Councils can participate by donating money to the State Council which allows more coats to be distributed at these events. It’s a great way for councils that don’t have the resources or the ability to distribute locally to help fund the state events. And of course earn a credit towards the Columbian award. To donate write your council check to the Michigan State Council, memo: Coats for Kids and mail to State Secretary Chris Kolomjec - 378 Fisher Rd Gross Point Farms 48230.

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

By: Greg Brunson - Fri, Nov 13, 2020 10:25 AM

Faith In Action – SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

Brothers, with the Covid19 situation most councils are not meeting in person and there are many parishes where councils are not allowed to meet in large numbers, or at all.  That being said councils need to find ways to continue to do the good works of our order as well as finding ways to pray together.

The Spiritual Reflection Program can lend itself to a virtual setting rather well actually.   By now everyone should be using virtual meeting environments of some kind such as ZOOM.   Reflect on the picture below, imagine this to be a virtual session, with Father leading a large group of Brother Knights in an hour of prayer together.    This can be very easy to do and the technology is there as a tool for us all to use.

In this picture these young men are close together, they could just as easily be separated by great distance.   It matters not that we are separated by distance.  What matters is that we are spending time with our Lord together.   Some Councils have already done this type of program, which is fabulous!   There is nothing stopping every Council in Michigan from holding an hour of Spiritual Reflection – virtually.    Ask your Chaplain to lead and be part of this.

In today’s world the Knights of Columbus are needed more than ever and we need to pray together and remain strong in our faith.    If you know of a Catholic man who has not attended mass or have fallen away from the church – invite them to an hour of Spiritual Reflection.  Let other Catholic men see how the Knights of Columbus have Unity and Fraternity of spirt.

Remember also to complete a form 10784 when holding an hour of prayer together.  As with  any Faith In Action program try to get in the habit of filling out the 10784 and send it to fraternalmission@kofc.org , and send a copy to forms@mikofc.org so that the appropriate State Faith In Action Director will know who is doing what – it is important.  

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

Greg Brunson State Faith/Vocations Director

By: Garret Kelenske - Thu, Nov 12, 2020 3:02 PM

Worthy Brother Knights, I would like to remind you all about this program that has been around for three years. Unfortunately, it has been underutilized and I hope this will help to get more Councils involved with it. This is the description of the program as it is in the Leadership Guide.

Youth Sportsman Program 

The goal of this program is to encourage men to get involved in setting great examples for the youth of the Parish and community by getting them outside and enjoying what Michigan has to offer in the way of hunting and fishing:

1. Decide on the event. Examples are: Fishing Contests, Big Buck Competitions, Small game Contests, Pheasant Hunts or Duck Hunt.
2. Research all Fish and Game Regulations pertaining to the event on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources web page.
3. Decide on the length of the contest. Will it be a one-day event or for the whole season?
4. Decide on awards prizes or just good old bragging rights.
5. Have a Lunch or Dinner after the event to promote fraternity and good sportsmanship.
6. Look for possible sponsorship's or prize donations.
7. Create a flier to promote the event and have Father review it for his approval. 

This an open-ended program. During the summer and winter, the State of Michigan offers free fishing weekends. This is one way to keep the cost down for this program. Fishing is also free for persons under the age of 17 years. This program is limited only by your imagination so please think outside the box. Remember to follow all Fish, Game and Firearm Regulations. This is an opportunity to involve community not just your church or council. Promote the Knights of Columbus in the public eye in a very positive way. This is also an opportunity to get some of the less active members involved in a new and exciting event. Keep in mind that wild game can be donated to help feed the needy in our communities.

  As it states this is an open-ended program so if you have a member of the Council collect the information about   taking a youth sportsperson out this year and participating in a hunting or fishing event. An example would be   taking a son or daughter out Deer Hunting, taking a grandson out Fishing or perhaps taking a neighbor and their   youth out for the first time for an event. It does not have to be just a contest. Please collect the data and fill out   form #10784 for your Council. Just like many of the programs in the Knights you are probably already doing this   program. Please take the time to fill out the form and take credit for it.

 "Rise up and answer the call"

Your Brother in Christ Garret A. Kelenske State Family Director

By: Dan Fuller - Thu, Nov 12, 2020 8:02 AM

In Michigan, the Fall season brings us many celebrated traditions with family and friends.  We gather together at hunting camps and around Thanksgiving tables to share stories with friends and family.  This year we as Knights have new stories to share; the story of our founder Blessed Fr. McGivney and free membership in the Knights of Columbus.

Here is the ammunition you can use for Membership Season

·  Know your story, "Why did you become a Knight and what does it mean to you."

·  Tell Blessed Fr. McGivney's story

·  Invite your family and friend to be e-members at kofc.org/joinus using free promo code MCGIVNEY2020

·  "Leave No Neighbor Behind" programs that help our communities during this pandemic 

·  Be proud and loud, invite every catholic gentleman that you know

Membership growth incentives are what we can put in our game bags or buck poles 

·  Oct1 - Dec 31st Supreme sponsored competition vs Division 1 States - IL, NY, OH, TX, ONT, FL, PA, (Michigan needs to win this time)

·  Council Quick Start recognition at the State Chaplain Tribute Banquet in February

·  Ambassador Club recognition for personally recruiting 2 to 12 new members this year

·  Blessed Fr. McGivney Medallion for 5 new members

·  State Deputy will buy your Council Dinner for the top membership growth

·  State Deputy will buy your Chaplain a KofC Stole and Chasuble

·  https://mikofc.org/resources/Membership-Incentives 

It is membership season, for my Brothers headed to deer camp with friends and family and for those Brothers that are celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, I leave you with this prayer from a novena to St. Hubert.

 Happy Hunting and Blessed Fr. McGivney, Pray for us.

Daniel C Fuller Jr. State Membership Director 248-761-2244

"Rise up and answer the call"

By: Greg Brunson - Wed, Nov 11, 2020 4:01 PM

Brother Knights

Despite the Covid19 situation, our State is doing surprisingly well with vocational support through the RSVP Program.  Let me begin by recognizing three districts in Michigan who have already reached 100% council participation with RSVP!

Ø  District 504, Lansing Diocese – District Deputy Richard Perry

v  6694 Swartz Creek

v  6742 Grand Blanc

v  7418 Fenton

v  8489 Flushing

Ø  District 509, Lansing Diocese – District Deputy John Yanok

v  7304 Brighton

v  7891 Brighton

v  11761 Pinckney

v  12295 Brighton

Ø  District 121, Detroit Diocese – District Deputy Jason Myers

v  2950 Utica

v  11957 Shelby Township

v  13983 Shelby Township

Well done!   Additionally, District 509 in Lansing has achieved 100% council participation three years in a row.     These three districts are good examples of how important support for vocations is and how necessary the RSVP program is for our future Priests.    I would be remiss if I did not mention Council 2950 in Utica - which leads the entire state in vocations support year after year, and for many years.  The St Lawrence Council along with seven or eight other councils in the state have for many years led Michigan in this effort.  Now is the time for many of our smaller councils to become engaged with RSVP and lend a hand in vocational support, statewide.

For the councils in the state who have not been involved with RSVP in the past three years, I will be attending a council meeting of yours in the weeks and months ahead.   I have already visited many of your meetings already either in person or by ZOOM.  Just last evening for example I visited a council to talk about RSVP and had a very productive meeting with those brother knights.  That council is very typical of many who have supported seminarians in the past but stopped when the man they supported became ordained.  Does this sound like your council?

We can do better, and we will do better – my goal is to have every council in Michigan supporting a seminarian or postulate.   The good news is we are already showing signs of getting there!   For the current year in Michigan we have: 18 Councils and 2 Assemblies who are supporting a seminarian with RSVP, Councils who have not done so in at least three years, or ever.

That is fabulous news and a good place to be.

Lastly when you submit your form 2863 for refund, make sure you also complete a form 10784 since it is a Faith In Action program - then send it along with your 2863.  Remember also to send copies of both forms to forms@mikofc.org – as always with any Faith In Action program.

Greg Brunson State Faith/Vocaions Director

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

By: John Hundiak - Thu, Nov 5, 2020 6:04 PM

The State Special Olympics Organization Team has opened up the Virtual 2020 Ties & Tennies Gala with free access to Knights.  This is a fun event where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Special Olympics as well as bid on one of the fantastic fundraisers.  Information is listed below.  Viewing the virtual event is free for Knights! Please join us!

The Special Olympics Michigan Ties & Tennies Gala is virtual this year, and you are invited to join the party from home: ← CLICK THE LOGO TO REGISTER TO VIEW THE LIVE-STREAM GALA PRESENTATION

REGISTER TO VIEW THE LIVE-STREAM GALA PRESENTATION:
* THIS Friday, Nov. 6th
* 7pm - Photo Montage Welcome | 7:30pm - Program Begins

BID IN THE AUCTION:
* Bidding is open NOW, and closes Sunday, Nov. 8th at 7pm
* Won items will be shipped or dropped-off to you

ENTER THE BOOZE-WAGON RAFFLE:- HERE
* Raffle for Wagon full of various liquor (photo in purchase link below)
* $20 per ticket, available for purchase at: SOMI Wagon of Cheer

* Winner drawn on SOMI Gala Facebook

MAKE A DONATION, SUPPORT AN ATHLETE!
* Fund-a-need for our "Return to Play" plan:
* SOMI Fund-a-Need

Thank you for your support of Special Olympics Michigan!  If you watch the Gala at your own home watch-party, please share those on Facebook / Instagram and tag @SOMIgala.

John Hundiak, State Special Olympics Director, Michigan Knights of Columbus
Robbie Waclawski, Special Gifts Manager, Special Olympics Michigan

Any questions / comments about the Ties & Tennies Gala can be directed to
the SOMI Fundraising Team at: 313-444-0690 (call or text)

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Nov 2, 2020 9:32 AM

Father Lam Le Grand Rapids Diocesan Chaplain, State Deputy Walter Winkle and Grand Rapids Bishop David Walkowiak with the reliquary containing a second class relic form Fr. Michael J. McGivney.

Father Le hosted a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday November 1 at his parish, Saint John Paul II in Cedar Springs, in honor of the Beatification of Father McGivney The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Walkowiak and attended by the State Board and their wives along with many State and Diocesan Directors, District Deputies and many knights and their families.

Hopefully you were able to attend one of the many Thanksgiving Masses offered around the State celebrating Father McGivney’s new title as Blessed.

You may view the replay of the Thanksgiving Mass from Saint Mary’s in New Haven Ct. here.