By: Ed Strach - Fri, Apr 10, 2026 10:51 PM

The Michigan State Council is excited to announce a helpful new **training video** that walks local Councils and Assemblies through the simple process of applying for an **Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) Grant**.

Launched by the Supreme Council following the *Dobbs* decision, the ASAP program continues to deliver critical support to pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across Michigan and beyond. Since 2022, Knights have provided millions of dollars in aid to help mothers and babies in need. For every $500 your Council or Assembly donates to a qualifying pregnancy resource center or maternity home (up to $2,000 per organization per year), the Supreme Council matches with a $100 grant directly to that center—up to $400 maximum per supported organization.

Our new **training video** makes the application process straightforward and stress-free. Watch it here:  

**https://youtu.be/tMGwBdSjoE0**

In just a few minutes, you’ll learn exactly how to submit your online ASAP Grant Request Application at kofc.org, including the required documentation such as donation receipts and a W-9 from the recipient organization.

**Why participate?**  

- Strengthen your Council’s pro-life impact in your local community.  

- Michigan’s ASAP100 initiative encourages 100% participation from active Councils this fraternal year.  

- Current incentives make it even more rewarding for Councils that recruit new members while supporting ASAP.

Donations of cash, checks, or in-kind items like baby supplies all qualify when made between July 1 and June 30 of the fraternal year. Submit your application within a month of the donation for fastest processing.

**Get started today!** Visit [kofc.org/asap](https://www.kofc.org/what-we-do/programs/life/aid-support-after-pregnancy/) for the full handbook, guidelines, and online application. Then watch the training video to ensure your submission goes smoothly.

Questions? Contact  Michigan State Council State Life Director, Ed Strach at:  e.strach@mikofc.org

Together, Michigan Knights are building a stronger Culture of Life—one grant, one mother, and one child at a time. Let’s make ASAP100 a success!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Thu, Apr 9, 2026 6:07 PM

Please join us for this FREE webinar on your to use your Fraternal Benefits to invest with integrity, pursue your financial goals, and make a charitable impact with K of C Asset Advisors.

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, 8:00pm EST

Click here to register:  Invest with Integrity Webinar Registration

By: Matt Hoxsie - Thu, Apr 9, 2026 5:59 PM

Please consider helping Cross Catholic Outreach pack over 60,000 meals for families and individuals in need!

Saturday, April 18th, 8:00am  - 12:00pm

Powers Catholic High School, Flint, MI

By: Sue Wasmund - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:40 PM

2026 State Convention – April 5, 2026 Update

The 2026 Annual State Convention of the Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus is scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, May 20th, May 21st, and May 22nd, 2026. The convention will begin on Wednesday at 3:50 p.m. with the Opening Mass and should end on Friday after elections, at approximately 1:00 p.m.

HOTEL ASSIGNMENTS: If you have sent in your room reservation form and have not heard back confirming your hotel assignment, please contact Susan Wasmund at (586) 907-2423. Some people have had issues with the new electronic process and have thought they registered for the convention and room and found they did not! We do not want anyone to arrive at the convention and find there is no record of them. 

CANCELLATIONS: We all know that things happen in our lives and we need to rearrange our plans. If for some reason you have to cancel, please contact the hotel you are assigned of your need to cancel then please let Cliff and/or Susan Wasmund know so they can try to backfill the room. If you cancel, the cancellation fee for your hotel is your responsibility and not that of the State Office. We can try to help though if we have a waiting list for rooms and we can backfill with someone else. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: People are excited about this year’s convention, and we are receiving quite a few questions about times, costs, dress attire, etc. We are going to start early in this communication! Gentlemen, you will receive a copy of the agenda as time gets closer but let us try to ease some of the angsts right now: 

1. What time does the convention start? The convention starts with the Opening Mass in the Theatre of the Grand Hotel at 3:50PM on Wednesday, May 22nd. 

2. Is there a cost to walk to the front porch of the Grand Hotel if you are staying at a hotel in town? No. Because we are holding the convention at the hotel and have 100% occupancy, there is no charge to approach the hotel, walk the front porch or enjoy the Grand Hotel. 

3. What is the dress attire for the convention? Business casual is acceptable, no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops, or sandals. A nice pair of khaki slacks and council shirt is preferred. 

4. Is there a dress code to eat in the Grand Hotel Dining Room? Yes, if you are staying at the Grand Hotel, your breakfast and dinner are in the Main Dining Room. There is a dress code, and T-shirts and hoodies are not permissible in the dining room for any meals. 

5. What is the dress attire for the State Deputy’s Banquet on Thursday evening? The dress attire for the banquet is “dressy.”  If you are a District Deputy, State Director, etc. white dinner jackets are appropriate. Suits are also appropriate for men. Ladies will be wearing dresses (long, tee-length or cocktail dress) or dressy slacks and a top. Men – if you have a jewel of office – bring it and wear it. If you are staying at a hotel downtown and plan to attend the State Deputy’s Banquet on Thursday evening, May 23, 2026 – tickets for the meal will be available for purchase at the Grand Hotel front desk during the convention. The price of the tickets is $90.00 per person, but this is a 5-course dinner at the Grand Hotel. If you have not attended the banquet in the past, it is a “must do” while at the convention.

6. If we stay at another hotel, how do we attend the State Deputy’s Banquet on Thursday night? Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Front Registration Desk of the hotel on Wednesday or Thursday. They will not be available at the restaurant at the time of the banquet. If you plan on attending, you also will communicate your attendance to your District Deputy so he can ensure seating for you with his District. 

7. Is there transportation from the hotels in town to The Grand Hotel? Yes, there are taxis (horse drawn) that will be available to get you back and forth if you do not want to take the walk. All taxis have a charge, including the Grand Hotel taxi. The taxi service has been advised of our convention, and the hotels will be collaborating with their guests to schedule transportation, if needed. 

8. If you are Honor Guard in the 4th Degree, please bring your uniform, sword, and plan to fall out for the three Masses during the convention along with the Living Rosary held on Thursday late morning. If you are interested in being part of the State Deputy Banquet “escorts,” please let your Marshal know at the Living Rosary. 

Any questions regarding room accommodation questions should go directly to Clifford Wasmund, Administrative Secretary to the State Deputy at (734) 634-7989 or c.wasmund@mikofc.org or Susan Wasmund at (586) 907-2423 or s.wasmund@mikofc.org. 

By: Robbie Waclawski - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:36 PM

By: Edward Perkins - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:31 PM

A mini Lenten Retreat with Internationally acclained Catholic speaker, Steve Ray was  recently held at St. Kateri, Dearborn, MI. 

By: Matt Hoxsie - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:22 PM

By: Ed Strach - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:17 PM

By: Larry Herman - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:13 PM

2026 State Essay Winners

 In January, 28 essays were received from students from all over the state. 

 The theme this year was an interesting topic for the youth to research and write about: “Out of 267 Popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorites?” 

 Essays were well written and contained some creative insight. The winners were Arianna Boukouris 8th grade (Council 4401), Violet Osantowske 9th grade (Council 13983), Michael Mondry 10th grade (Council 13983), William Laprise 11th grade (Council 13983) and Sienna Nguyen 12th grade (Council 13983).

 Their essays have been submitted to Supreme for consideration in the International Essay competition. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated!

2026 State Spelling Bee Winners

The State Spelling Bee finals was held at Fr. Van Rooy Council 2740 in Essexville, MI on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Twenty-four competitors from around the State competed in the two different levels (Grades 4,5,6 and Grades 7,8,9). Following a challenging competition, both the winners and runners-up achieved success.  Level 1 Winner Marguerite Raths (Saginaw Diocese), Level 1 Runner-Up Vincent Stanza (AOD), Level 2 Winner Elise Tranchida (AOD) and Level 2 Runner-Up Jonathan Manrique (AOD)

Please join me in congratulating the winners and continue to encourage future champions to compete in the Michigan State Spelling Bee.

2025 State Free Throw Championship

The State Free Throw Championship was held at Sacred Heart Parish Gym (Council

1297) in Mt Pleasant on Sunday March 15th. We had approximately 70 participants in the competition this year. After 2 hours of competitions, we had 12 State Champions.

Please join me in congratulating the winners and continue to encourage future

champions to compete in the Michigan State Free Throw Challenge.

Brynlee Walker Council 2724, Lilly Rogers Council 7418, Blaise Basler Council 13641,

Keelei Latoski Council 8554, Kamden Kraemer Council 9523, Aubrey Farrand Council 7623,

Levi Luitinen Council 6293, Samuel Rossi Council 1585, Charlie Curcio Council

2975, Isabella Bennett Council 8892, Bennett Basler Council 13641, Emilia Schultz Council 13526

Larry J Herman, FDM

State Community Director

By: Larry Herman - Mon, Apr 6, 2026 5:11 PM

Supreme Recognition for Community Programs

In recent months, Michigan has received multiple recognitions for its Community Programs.

The Coats for Kids initiative achieved significant success within the state this year. As of March 10, 2026, Michigan ranks first nationally for this program. With the collaboration of local councils, the state distributed 18,504 coats—purchasing 1,540 cases containing 12 coats each. This total represents an increase of 385 coats compared to the previous year. Washington State holds second place, trailing Michigan by 241 cases. Sincere congratulations are extended to all who contributed to the success of this impactful program.

In February Keira Mackmiller, sponsored by Council 7891 in Brighton, was named the international winner of the Soccer Challenge in the 12-year-old category.

During the month of February, the State level judging for the Supreme Essay Contest was concluded. There were thirty students that participated in the essay contest, and they did an excellent job on writing their essay based on the topic “Out of 267 Popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorites”? The State of Michigan had three international runners-up out of a possible five. Congratulations to the following students:

• Arianna Boukouris (8 th Grade), sponsored by Council 4401in Farmington. Arianna chose Pope Saint Peter, Pope Francis and Pope Saint John Paul II.
• William Laprise (11 th Grade), sponsored by Council 13983 in Shelby Twp. William chose Pope St Nicholas I, Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.
• Sienna Nguyen (12 th Grade), sponsored by Council 13983 in Shelby Twp. Sienna chose Pope Saint Peter, Pope Paul III, and Pope Pius IX.