Message from our State Deputy

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Mar 19, 2020 7:30 PM

Brother Knights: I pray this finds you well.

Please be advised that your State Officers are closely monitoring the situation regarding the upcoming State Convention. As of today, the Supreme Office has only cancelled those conventions scheduled for April. Those conventions will be held by online and/or tele-conferencing. We continue to be in close contact with the Grand Hotel and the other island hotels that serve our convention annually.

It is possible that all conventions will be canceled and if this happens, they will be done by a virtual meeting. Supreme is looking into Dobie Connect. Please continue to plan for our state convention and we will keep you up to date by EMAIL if there are any changes. Keep in mind any deposits required by the hotels will be refunded if necessary but will be governed by each individual hotel’s policy regarding cancellation and refunds. The Michigan Knights of Columbus have no say regarding these policies. Therefore, any questions should be directed to the hotels once they are assigned.

After careful consideration on the well-being of all brother Knights and their families we have decided it's best for everyone that we cancel this year’s MI Drive. It wasn't an easy decision to make but due to many questions and the perception that some could take, it was the best decision to cancel the Palm Sunday time frame.

My hopes are that you try to reschedule the drive for the month of May (if conditions are better) and or October. The State Office will have insurance for those time frames. Please remember those that count on us for our Drive monies. Many organizations would find it difficult without our support.

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact George Stump our State MI Director with any of your questions.

Normalcy will return and the Knights of Columbus will always support the less fortunate.

Please keep up your best spirits as we manage our way through this unusual situation. Be patient, hope for the best, this will pass. But always plan prudently.

As we find ourselves in an unprecedented time, with our Church, schools, businesses and council events being closed or postponed to a later date due to the concerns from the most recent virus, we cannot sit and be idle on the sidelines. This is a time we as Knights look at our councils and their families to see where we can help; help the elderly, help with food delivery, help get formula and diapers to babies and their families. We step up when others will not or cannot.

Ask your pastors who or how your councils can help.

Be smart when helping in your community by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands often. Many people can’t help themselves and this is where we the Knights of Columbus come in.

Please stay calm, don’t overreact and have faith with prayer. This will pass and we will get back to normalcy.

I know at times like this the last thing some may think about is asking men to join our great organization but now is the time more than ever. The more that join our ranks the stronger we will be, the more we can do. We will always protect the Catholic Church, Be here for our Bishops, Priests and all Clergy.

Please share this with your council officers. God bless everyone,

Bill Chasse Michigan State Deputy