By: Michael Fontana - Mon, May 25, 2026 9:15 AM

HOLY CROSS SERVICES

Michael J. Fontana

Special Services Liaison

248-224-5583

m.fontana@mikofc.org

It is with sadness and a heavy heart that I announce that Holy Cross Services will be dissolving by year end 2026. An official announcement was made to our K of C membership this week at the Michigan State Council Annual Convention held at Mackinac Island. Over the last several years, the HCS Board of Directors has discussed and reviewed many different options and has done what it could with the resources available and made the tough decision to end the legacy of HCS.

Holy Cross Services was originally founded as Boysville of Michigan, transitioned to Holy Cross Children Services and then to Holy Cross Services. Through your generous donations over the years, we were able to service the needs of young children, teens, young adults, foster children and families along with homeless individuals and veterans with basic necessities such as food, housing, care and love in our numerous facilities located throughout the State of Michigan. Without the financial, human and spiritual assistance and support of the Knights of Columbus members like you, a lot of this would never have taken place.

On behalf of the HCS Board of Directors, leadership team, staff and clients served over the years, we say THANK YOU to all of you for your individual donations, council donations, district donations, local fundraisers, sweatshirts, coats, toiletries, gift baskets, gift cards, prayers and unwavering support. The sharing of your time, talent and treasures will not be forgotten.           

As a previous HCS Board Chairman and current member of the Board of Directors, it has been my pleasure to serve as your HCS Liaison since my appointment several years ago. It has truly been an honor and privilege to work with all of you and the team at HCS. May God continue to bless all of you and your families in the coming days, weeks, months and years to come.  

By: Matt Hoxsie - Mon, May 25, 2026 9:10 AM

Congratulations to the Michigan State Council New Board!

At last week's Michigan State Convention, we elected our new State Board of Officers that will assume their new roles 7/1/26.

State Deputy - Charles E. McCuen III

State Secretary - Vern A. Miron

State Treasurer - Daniel C. Fuller, Jr.

State Advocate - Joel J. Kendzorski

State Warden - Dean W. Hayward

A motion was proposed by the State Board to increase State Per Capita effective 7/1/26 to $20 per year, $10 assessed in July and $10 in January. The resolution was moved, supported and approved by our delegates.

By: John Bursch - Sun, May 17, 2026 10:05 AM

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sat, May 16, 2026 12:03 PM

The Honor Guard of St. Joseph Assembly 2211 was called upon to assist in the celebration of Holy Confirmation, held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church on Monday, May 4, 2026. The Sacrament of Holy Confirmation was received by students from St. Mary Queen of Angels (Swartz Creek), St. Robert Bellarmine (Flushing), and Good Shepherd (Montrose).

Pictured L-R, Back Row: Reverend Brian Lenz, Deacon Bryan Root, Reverend Louis Ekka, Gary Carlin, Mike Trundle, Don Fyock, Patrick Bisson, Commander Gene Richards, Most Reverend Bishop Earl Boyea, Front Row: PFN Ken Lixey, Warren Edwards, Ed Smeader, PFN Jack Tylus, District Marshall Don Pollard, Reverend John Fain, and Reverend Christian Salata.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sat, May 16, 2026 11:41 AM

Knights from Paw Paw Council 3798 were at the Bert Goens Learning Center in Lawrence, Michigan to assist the students in their Field Day activities on May 13, 2026.

Students competed in various track & field activities such as the long jump, Javelin throw, running and lawn bowling.

Pictured L to R: Grand Knight Michael Grvey, Brian Francisco, Tim Jannsen, Deputy Grand Knight David Vana, Phil Hover, Dave Meisling, John Yellich, and Bill Zolp.

By: Larry Herman - Sun, May 10, 2026 8:44 AM

**Michigan Knights of Columbus Launch the 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge – Faith, Family, and Fútbol!**  

This summer, Knights of Columbus councils across Michigan have an exciting opportunity to unite their parishes and communities through the power of soccer while growing our Order and celebrating youth athleticism. The **2026 Summer Soccer Challenge** combines international soccer watch parties with a fun, competitive youth penalty kick event designed for boys and girls ages 9–14.  

### What is the 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge?  

It’s a youth penalty kick accuracy competition where participants take **15 shots** at a specially marked goal:  

- **Ages 9–11**: Shooting from 10 yards  

- **Ages 12–14**: Shooting from 12 yards  

**Scoring Grid**:  

- Upper corners = 20 points  

- Lower corners = 10 points  

- Center = 5 points  

Councils are encouraged to host watch parties for major summer soccer matches, create a festive atmosphere, and run the penalty kick competition as a highlight event. All materials needed are available through the Knights of Columbus, including the **Soccer Challenge Playbook (#4576)** and **Entry/Score Sheets (#11964)**.  

### Great Incentives for Participating Councils  

Councils that **exemplify at least 3 new members** between **June 1 and July 31** *and* host a 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge event will receive a **special edition t-shirt** for **two members of their choice**.  

State champions in each age and gender category will also be recognized and awarded special Soccer Challenge t-shirts. This is a fantastic way to reward your council’s hard work, attract new members, and make a positive impact on local youth.  

### How Your Council Can Get Involved  

1. Talk to your pastor and develop a plan.  

2. Reserve a venue and test all equipment (projector, Wi-Fi, streaming, etc.).  

3. Decide on food — council-provided or family potluck.  

4. Gather necessary supplies: soccer balls, Playbook, Entry Forms, and Membership Enrollment Forms.  

5. Promote the event to the parish and community.  

6. Host the watch party and penalty kick competition while running a membership drive during the event.  

7. Submit your **Entry/Score Sheet (#11964)** to fraternalmission@kofc.org by **July 31** for credit and potential awards.  

**Volunteer roles** are simple and family-friendly: registration, scorers, and ball retrievers.  

### Let’s Make This Summer Memorable  

The 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge is more than just a game — it’s an opportunity to live our principles of **Faith, Family, and Fraternity** while building stronger communities and welcoming new Knights.  

Michigan councils: Now is the time to step up, gather your fellow Knights, parishioners, and families, and show what we can do together on and off the field!  

For more information and resources, contact your State Council or visit the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council resources. Questions? Reach out to your local council leadership today.  

**Let’s kick off an unforgettable summer of soccer, fellowship, and membership growth!**  

*Knights of Columbus – Michigan*  

*Faith • Family • Fraternity*  

Click on the Flyer Below for more information:

2026 Summer Soccer Challenge

By: Joseph Langhauser - Sun, May 10, 2026 8:33 AM

The 2026–2027 Michigan Knights of Columbus Training Decks are now available on the Michigan Knights of Columbus website under the Training tab. Resources are available for Grand Knights, Financial Secretaries, Membership Directors, Program Directors, and COR Directors.

Your State Deputy Regional Representative (SDRR) is scheduling in-person training sessions across the state. These sessions are open to all council members and are strongly encouraged for both newly elected officers and those looking to deepen their understanding of their role.

Current Upcoming Training Opportunities:

Detroit-West Archdiocesan Council Officers Training
 Saturday, May 16, 2026
 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
 Our Lady of Victory
133 Orchard Dr, Northville, MI

Detroit-West Archdiocesan Council Officers Training
 Saturday, June 13, 2026
 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
 St. John Neumann
44800 Warren Rd, Canton, MI

Detroit-West Archdiocesan Council Officers Training
 Monday, June 22, 2026
 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (EDT)
 Our Lady of the Woods
21892 Gudith Rd, Woodhaven, MI

Plan now to attend a session that fits your schedule—strengthen your leadership, support your council, and help build a stronger future for the Order.

Questions or concern contact one of the State Training Directors Joseph Langhauser j.langhauser@mikofc.org or Dean Hayward d.hayward@mikofc.org

By: Ed Strach - Sun, May 10, 2026 8:27 AM

By: Ed Strach - Sun, May 10, 2026 8:20 AM

Our District Deputies have committed to 100% of active council participation in the Aid & Support After Pregnancy program (known as ASAP100). If a council has yet to submit an ASAP Grant Application or make an additional donation, this is your opportunity to donate at the State Convention.

Remember, a $500 donation through the ASAP Grant Application process will be eligible for an additional $100 donation from the Supreme Council. Councils can still make donations through the ASAP Grant Application process if donations are less than $500. 

ASAP donations received at the State Convention will be directed to Heart of Christ Clinic, past receipt of the discontinued Supreme “Pass the Hat” State Convention incentive. Matching funds from the State or Supreme Councils will not apply. 

Let's plan to meet the ASAP100 Michigan commitment! Checks should be made out to: Michigan State Council. Memo: ASAP100/Council # and can be dropped off at the State Convention during registration.

Note from our State Deputy Barry Borsenik endorsing this message, The goal is 100! No Excuses.

By: John Bursch - Sun, May 10, 2026 8:06 AM