By: Ed Strach - Wed, Oct 7, 2020 10:07 AM

 Taking Action in Building a Culture of Life – 65^th and 66^th Ultrasound Dedications

    Once again, councils through out the state have taken action to Build a Culture of Life by      dedicating the 65^th and 66^th Ultrasounds.

^65th Ultrasound Ceremony, Petosky

    On September 14^th  St. Francis Xavier Council #923, Petosky led with fundraising and assisting in the dedication ceremony for this life saving machine at Pregnancy Help Center, Petosky. Money was raised through the council’s Polish Sausage Supper. 

In attendance was Laura Boss, Executive Director, Pregnancy Help Center, District Deputy, Eric Kessler; Robert Rasmussen; Deacon Glenn Melenyk; Pro Life Chair Couple, Ed & Lynn Strach and staff and boards members from Pregnancy Help Center.

66^th Ultrasound Ceremony – Brighton

Two days later, on September 16, 2020 the 66^th Ultrasound was dedicated at Pregnancy Help Clinic, in Brighton.

The opening and closing prayers and blessing of the Ultrasound was presided by Fr. Gary Koenigsknecht, Pastor, St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Howell. Shari Boley, Executive Director, Pregnancy Help Clinic along with Dr. Kelly Arenz, Medical Director and Suzanne Dubuque, WHNP, Nurse Manager assisted with the dedication and provided very informative facts about the clinic.

This Ultrasound and event was supported by several councils, one assembly. The lead council was St. Magdellan Council #12295, Brighton, Grand Knight, George Barara and chair person Ron Weingartz. Other councils supporting this Ultrasound inlude Fr. John R. Day Council #2659, Howell; Fr. Leo McCann Council #7304, Brighton; Fowlerville Council #8605; Old St. Patrick Counicl #10963, Whitmore Lake; St. Mary’s Council #11761, Pickney; and St. Augustine Council #13450, Howell. Msgr. Herman Fedewa Assembly #2050, Howell was also supporting assembly for this Ultrasound.

Special thanks to the Livingston County Ultrasound Initiative (LCUI) who provided funding and support. Tim & Cindy Donovan were representatives from LCUI who were also guest speakers at the dedication ceremony.

Also in attendance and providing remarks and thanks were Paul Palka, State Program Director and Ed & Lynn Strach, State Pro-Life Chair Couple.

As we continue to Build a Culture of Life through the pathways of Prayer, Taking Action, Standing Up and Giving, let our councils and families give thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for our actions. 

Ed & Lynn Strach

Pro-Life Chair Couple

Michigan State Council

Knights of Columbus

By: Ed Strach - Wed, Sep 30, 2020 10:27 PM

The defense of life and the promotion of human dignity in every stage and condition are preeminent concerns of the Knights of Columbus and the entire Church.

From October 4-12, during Respect Life Month, Knights are called to join all Catholics in prayer with Pope Francis for an end to abortion, euthanasia and the many social ills that bring illness, broken families, unhappiness and premature death, especially for the most vulnerable.

During each unique day of the novena, you can reflect on a quote selected from the teaching of Pope Francis on the sanctity of life, pray a decade of the rosary, and conclude with St. John Paul II’s prayer from Evangelium Vitae. By reflecting on the teachings of Pope Francis and calling upon the help of Our Lady for 9 days, we can deepen our commitment to the Gospel of Life and support the most vulnerable through prayer. The prayers and reflection for the novena can be found here.

Sign up to receive the novena prayer each day.

By: George Stump - Wed, Sep 30, 2020 5:04 PM

Alternate Dates: October 2, 3 & 4 and October 16, 17 & 18 Report

Check Due to MI State Director by: 11/30/2020 Insurance Binder will be e-mailed to the Grand Knight, District Deputy & Financial Secretary via the Gmail mikofc.org account and posted online 30 days before the drive Forms & Supplies: www.MiKofC.org / Resources / Council Forms MI-13 Intellectual Disabilities Drive Work Sheet MI-13a Tootsie Roll Order Form MI-13c MI Drive Insurance Special Needs Vests (order thru your Financial Secretary) Supplies Online/Faith in Action/Life/Special Olympics Questions or Problems Contact: George Stump – State MI Program Director Phone (586) 786-0938 or e-mail: g.stump@mikofc.org Insurance George Stump – State MI Program Director Phone (586) 786-0938 or e-mail: g.stump@mikofc.org Do Not Call the Policy Insurer Tootsie Roll Orders Maureen Fadden – (708) 423- 5193

Steps for a Successful Drive • Appoint Chairmen • Check vests & canisters – Equipment with “Mentally Retarded” on them may not be used • Order supplies before August 21, (at least six weeks before the drive) – details above • Request permission/permits to solicit from localities and businesses early • Meet with your pastor for approval if you are soliciting at your church • If soliciting in roads, safety approved vests (ANSI Type 2), must be worn. • Decide which agencies will receive the funds collected before the drive. Are they appropriate? (Intellectual/Developmental Disability only) • Schedule sufficient workers for times and locations • Submit report form and check within 30 days of the drive on the current MI-13 Drive Work Sheet found on State website – MI-13 – Revised form 7/16 • Deliver checks as soon as the Financial Secretary receives them – checks void after 180 days Helping People with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

To access Tootsie Roll Order form, Liability Insurance Cert. and MI Drive worksheet click here.

By: Joseph Yekulis - Wed, Sep 30, 2020 10:48 AM

State Deputy Walter Winkle of the MI K of C presents Fr. Enzo Addari with a $25,000 check for their commitment to the Children’s Homes in St. Louis Guanella Village. Also included (L to R) are State Program Director Paul Palka, State Chaplain Fr. Paul Bellien, George Blaha, State Membership Director Dan Fuller, and Joe Yekulis. Photo by Kelly Flaherty

The big hitters who came out to show their support for St. Louis Center at Paesano’s in Ann Arbor on Sunday night September 13th and at UM Golf Course on Monday September 14th were more than just the folks who showed up with golf clubs in their hands. Renowned sports broadcaster George Blaha of the Detroit Pistons/ MSU Football, State Rep. Julie Alexander (R – Hanover) and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) were also on hand to show their support for the children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who call St. Louis Center their home.

According to Fr. Enzo Addari, CEO of St. Louis Center, “We are grateful to the many people who came out to support us with their prayers and their donations during these two events. Fundraising has been difficult this year as a result of the pandemic, and we couldn’t be happier with this year’s turnout for both events.

Please visit  stlouiscenter.org  for more information or to make a donation.

You may read the entire article from The Chelsea Guardian here.

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 29, 2020 5:33 PM

Promoting State Youth Sportsmanship

Program Suggestions on how to run:

Gentlemen I have been asked how to run a Big Buck Contest. I have found no Councils in the Michigan Jurisdiction doing this, so I have put together some ideas on how to run one. Please keep in mind that these are only suggestions. Councils are free to run this contest any way they would like. Please remember to follow all State and Federal hunting and firearm rules and regulations. This is a program to help get the youth out in the woods to promote hunting. Please think out of the box and introduce a youth to hunting that maybe would not have the opportunity to participate.

Decide what part of the season you will be running the contest. (i.e. youth hunt, archery, firearm, or muzzle loader)

Decide on an entry fee, most of the contests I have seen require the fee be paid in advance of the competition. The Council can use this as a fund raiser. Please keep in mind if the price of the entrance fee should also reflect in the prizes like any fundraiser. Remember that there are going to be fewer entries in a Youth Hunt than will be in one of the other hunts. Councils can come up with their own registration form to fit their needs but I am working on a generic one.

Decide on prizes they can be cash, sporting equipment or whatever the Council comes up with. All State laws must be followed.

Decide on the scoring system. This is where the real work in this program is. Councils can download the Boone and Crockett score sheets online they can be found at this site, https://www.boone-crockett.org/download-bcscore-charts. The Difference between Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young is that Boone and Crockett allow for scoring of deer regardless of how they are killed. Pope and Young are strictly archery only. There are many types of scoring charts, you want white tail typical and non-typical. I am sure the question of what is typical and non-typical is going to be asked so here is the brief explanation. Typical has matching horns on both sides while non-typical may have a different number of tines on either side. This adds a little more to the scoring work because you will have two classes if you decide to. On the score sheet you will notice that for a trophy entry you need to have a certified judge sign the form. We are only using the scoring sheets for our contest. If you think you have a record trophy Buck please have a certified Boone and Crockett judge measure and submit the form. The scoring is the hardest part of running the event. Decide when you will be doing the scoring, daily during the season, or perhaps only at the end which would take some time. Please make sure your judges have all practiced measuring according to the score sheet. Make sure they are all doing it the same way to avoid any issues. I have been told that a piece of string works the best for measuring with a tape measure set on a table.

Promotion like any other event is the key to a successful program. This program falls under the State Youth Sportsmen Program. Please promote it with the intention of getting the youth out in the woods to continue our time-honored traditions of hunting and fishing we have in Michigan. As with all programs please think out of the box, is there a youth whose parents do not hunt in the council maybe you could take them. The first few events may take some time to iron out all the bugs as with any new program. These are just a few guidelines to help you along, I am sure that many different questions will come up and some problems. I am confident that the membership will be able to figure out solutions to them. As with all Knights of Columbus events please fill out Supreme form #10784. If there is anything, I can do to help please feel free to get a hold of me.

Your Brother in Christ Garret A. Kelenske State Family Director

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Sep 27, 2020 6:49 PM

A virtual encounter of ourlargest fund raiser of the year! This year we are aiming to raise $10,000 to help renovate and expand our community garden. We use this produce to help our surrounding community members in Center Line and the need has only grown for fresh produce in the face of a pandemic. Our students learn valuable skills in our gardens and in our schools through the cultivation of these foods.  Processing, meal preparation and cooking are just a few of the very real benefits our students receive from our gardens. Please join us in bringing to life our vision of an expanded Community Garden.

A virtual encounter of our largest fund raiser of the year!

Night Under the Stars for Rising Stars Academy is an event that raises money to support Rising Stars Academy, a post-secondary for students with special needs.  This virtual fundraiser is replacing our largest fundraiser that was cancelled due to COVID this past year.  Funds for this even are earmarked for expansion of programs related to our community garden.  Your money will help us expand the footprint of our 3 acre garden and provide opportunities for students to learn about healthy food and experience the joy of watching their seeds turn into food - as well as help us teach them to be good community members by providing food for those less fortunate in our community.  Every little donation will go directly to the instruction of our students.  There will be a live broadcast on Thursday October 1, 2020 @ 7:30 p.m. (link) to register).   

Please consider donating or bidding on an item in our auction. We have been blessed with some amazing chefs that will come to your house and cook dinner for 6 of your closest friends.

Brandon Zarb

from DAC,

Austin Covert

from Foundation Hotel/Apparatus Room, Ryan Prentiss from Prime & Proper,

Hassan Musselmani

Drunkin Rooster. Eric Z

Captain Z's Fishing Charters

will again auction a fishing charter.

Andy Campbell

RSAFoundation Bakery is offering a Macron Baking/Wine Pairing class. Chef Mark Prentiss will be auctioning off dinner for 6 prepared and served by Rising Stars Students at the school.

See a list of the top items to be auctioned  here.

Thanks you for considering this worthy cause, SD Walter Winkle.

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Sep 22, 2020 12:27 PM

The 2019-2020 Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay contest produced many fine essays submitted from young Catholics across the state.  One of our state winners, Noah Bock from Temperance, had his submission selected as the Knights of Columbus international winner in the 12th grade division.

Noah, who now attends the University of Michigan, wrote a fantastic essay on the topic, “The meaning of virtue and how you live and embody the virtue of charity”.  His essay was judged the winner from Council #8902 Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Temperance, and entered in the Michigan State Council’s competition where it was judged our state winner. 

Noah comes from a K of C family and attends Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Temperance.  He’s indeed represented his parish and our state very well.  Thank you and congratulations Noah!

Michael Haughey

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Sep 20, 2020 2:56 PM

These young Knights received awards at the 2020 College Councils Conference. Houghton, Michigan is known for its harsh winters, averaging about 400 inches of snow per year. The winters are especially tough for the elderly, which is why the Knights of Columbus members at Michigan Technological University decided to chop firewood to help keep them warm.

In recognition of the Knights’ exemplary service and accomplishments last year, Michigan Technological University Council 17237 received the Outstanding College Council Award at the 55th College Councils Conference – the Knights of Columbus’ annual gathering for members of councils on college campuses.

This year’s conference – the first virtual College Councils Conference in the Order’s history – recognized not just these young Knights’ service to the elderly, but their work in helping to foster faith on campus. During the school’s Winter Carnival Celebration, the Knights built an ice chapel capable of holding up to 200 people. Throughout the weeklong festivities, more than 400 people attended Mass at the ice chapel. Also at the festival, the council helped build camaraderie with their classmates by serving more than 90 pounds of chicken wings.

It’s these examples of brotherhood and service – and many more – that has led to the council’s growth, and their recognition as this year’s Outstanding College Council. In total, the Knights at Michigan Technological University welcomed 22 new men to their council this past year alone.

This year’s runners-up for Outstanding College Council were Texas A&M University Council 10624 in College Station Texas and Vanderbilt University Council 15020 in Nashville, Tenn. The former led a group to fight against pornography, cleaned up the campus and hosted a pro-life dinner. The latter hosted a Valentine’s Day dinner and virtual fish fry during Lent.

Fostering brotherhood and serving those most in need is simply what Knights do. Members on college campuses across North America completed countless programs, and several were recognized at the College Councils Conference in the following program award categories:

Vivat Jesus, Jay Czerniak Charter Grand Knight (2019-2020) 

A year and a half ago on March 8th 2019, Council #17237 at Michigan Technological University received our charter and joined the Knights of Columbus Order as a new College Council. In fact, that charter is currently mounted on the wall behind me as I write. When looking at the names listed there, they are not some long forgotten brother Knights from years gone by, but rather men that I have had the immense privilege to walk with and grow closer to Christ with. All the men listed plus countless others have helped define what are council was this past year, who we are now, and are continuously laying the brick work for the future.

On the night of September 11th, we had the opportunity as a council to gather, albeit with masks, to watch the first ever Virtual College Council Conference hosted by supreme. The night turned out to be quite the night for us as awards for the previous fraternal year (2019-2020) were presented.

We were honored to receive recognition for having achieve 11 Stars for exceeding our membership quota for the Star Council Award. We were also grateful to be recognized for having the highest recruitment percentage of any college council with 92% or 22 new members that were recruited this past fraternal year adding on to our existing total of 24 brother Knights.

However, the largest honor came when we were awarded the Outstanding College Council Award. For those who may not know the Outstanding College Council Award is given to the college council that best exemplifies the mission and ideals of the Order and has, in a unique way, gone above and beyond to make a difference on campus and in the surrounding community. The fact that our council, in our first full fraternal year, brought home the most prestigious honor that can be bestowed to a college council is a true testament to the culture of our council and the culture of the community at St. Albert the Great Catholic University at Michigan Tech with whom we are affiliated.

This award means a great deal to the entirety of our council who strove to live by the pillars of the order, charity, unity, and fraternity this past year. We were proud to donate the $500.00 that accompanies the award to our local life outreach center. Michigan Tech is by far the smallest public university, with around 5,000 undergrad students, and the first in Michigan to ever win this award and we could not have done it without the support our local Knights of Columbus Councils in our district who helped us get started and gave us their full support since the beginning.

While this award is something to celebrate, I believe I speak for the whole council when I say that all glory goes to God. We are not in it for the awards but rather the opportunity to grow in fraternity with each other, strengthen our faith and serve our community and campus in the image of Christ. Moving forward we will not be resting on our laurels; we hope to seize the momentum that this award has presented us and continue to grow our council and live out the fraternal mission of the Knights of Columbus. We here at Council #17237 at Michigan Technological University hope that our story of growth and achievement in our year and half existence encourages all Knights to continue their faith journey.

Vivat Jesus, Jay Czerniak Charter Grand Knight (2019-2020) 

Share your story with andrew.fowler@kofc.org

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Sep 10, 2020 5:38 PM

September 30, 2020 | 7:00 - 7:40 PM

State Deputy Walter Winkle Jr., and Archbishop Allen Vigneron invite you to register for “We Are Not Giving up on Life,” a historic statewide virtual event. Join our keynote speaker, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, along with our host and musical guest Matthew West for a fundraising event like we’ve never seen before!

Registration

Visit RTL.org/RespectLife to register and learn more about this historic virtual event. Can’t join us on September 30? After the premiere, this virtual event will be available 24/7 until November 3rd. Please e-mail respectlife@rtl.org about opportunities for additional sh

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By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Sep 10, 2020 10:53 AM

Brothers,   I am offering 4 different training sessions for State, Regional, District and Council leaders in the month of September. They are Delta Drive, Council Growth, Council Experience and You are Your Programs. Let me give a brief statement on these training sessions

Delta Drive: This training session talks about what items should be part of every organized growth drive. It also talks about planning and organizing the drive to make them effective

Council Growth: This training talks about the “why” of growing your council and how together we can be successful at it.

Council Experience: One secret of successful councils is that they engage their council members. This engagement leads these members to have positive membership experiences leading to more involvement from them and their families, leading to more men becoming interested in the council and ultimately the council’s ability to do more for the parish and the community.

In this training, we’ll break down the five areas of engagement and provide practical, proven tactics for making sure that you engage your members in each of these areas. We’ll start with a council engagement assessment so you can see where your council has opportunities to improve so that you can focus specifically on these areas.

You are Your Programs: This is a new training presentation that we start talking about what programs we do and how we are looked at by the community by what the program that they see.

 All these sessions will be under one hour long including a Q&A period. These 4 sessions are designed to complement each other and make councils look and take action on the whole council success.

Here are the dates for and times for the training sessions.

          Here is the Form link to sign up for these sessions

Fraternally Jon Olson Supreme Midwest Regional Training Director