By: Matt Hoxsie - Thu, Oct 22, 2026 4:18 PM

Congratulations to St Charles Council 2084 in Greenville, named the August Council of the Month for the Diocese of Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids State Deputy Diocesan Representative John Veneklase presented the Council of the Month award to Grand Knight Robert Pratt Jr. The award recognizes the hard work of the Brother Knights of Council 2084 in serving their parish and community through faith, family, community and life.

Well done, Brother Knights of Council 2084! Is your council making a difference in your parish and community? Send us your photos and stories so we can share them with Knights across Michigan.

Vivat Jesus!

By: Michael Mandziuk - Thu, Oct 22, 2026 2:16 PM

Catholic men are invited to a free, one-day Heart of the Gospel Men's Retreat on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at St John Neumann Parish, 44800 Warren Rd., Canton.

The retreat is presented by St John Neumann Parish and St John Neumann Council 16169 of the Knights of Columbus, and is sponsored by our State Chaplain, Fr. Paul Ballien, pastor of St John Neumann. It is open to all Catholic men. You do not have to be a Knight of Columbus to attend.

Heart of the Gospel is a men's retreat developed by the Knights of Columbus together with Fr. John Riccardo and ACTS XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission, and it is offered through Cor, the Knights of Columbus parish-based men's ministry. Through dynamic video talks, Fr. Riccardo walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to embrace Christ's mission more fully. Many men know the story of the Gospel. Far fewer have felt its power in their hearts. This retreat aims to change that.

The day features:

•  5 video talks with Fr. John Riccardo

•  Discussion and prayer

•  Holy Hour and Confession

•  Continental breakfast

•  Lunch

•  Closing with the 4:30 pm Mass

Event Details

•  Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

•  Time: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closing with the 4:30 pm Mass

•  Location: St John Neumann Parish, 44800 Warren Rd., Canton, MI

•  Who: All Catholic men

•  Cost: Free; continental breakfast and lunch included

Registration

The retreat is free, but you must register in advance because seats are limited. Register online at SignUpGenius, in person with a Knight at St John Neumann, or through the parish office at 734-455-5910. Learn more about the parish at sjncanton.org, and about the retreat from Supreme at kofc.org/gospel.

Brother Knights, please share this invitation with your councils, parishes and Cor groups, and bring a friend. Come spend a day with your brothers in Christ and encounter the Heart of the Gospel on November 21 in Canton.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 10:04 PM

St Catherine of Siena Council 6980 in Portage conducted its semi-annual MI Drive, the Knights of Columbus drive to benefit People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

A total of 58 council members and 4 family members volunteered their time at two stores on two days, and then after the weekend Masses. Over $4,000 was collected, and 6 cases of Tootsie Rolls were given out.

The following organizations will each receive over $800:

•  Kalamazoo Diocese Catholic Charities, Persons with Disabilities

•  Joseph A. Cekola Memorial Fund

•  Woods Edge Learning Center

•  ACORN (Adult Agricultural Community Options for Residential Needs)

•  Special Olympics

Thank you to the parishioners of St Catherine of Siena and to everyone who gave so generously, and thank you to the Brother Knights of Council 6980 and their families who volunteered their time to make this drive a success.

Submitted by Joe Magalski, Grand Knight, St Catherine of Siena Council 6980

By: Eugene Suchyta - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:39 PM

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Michigan District 1 of the Fourth Degree exemplified 25 new Sir Knights to the Fourth Degree at St. John Neumann in Canton, Michigan. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jeffrey M. Monforton, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, was the Class Honoree.

Our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen III and new District Master Mike Page joined Vice Supreme Master Walter Winkle Jr., along with other dignitaries, in the knighting ceremony.

State Chaplain and District Friar Father Paul Ballien also attended the ceremony, which included three priests exemplified to the Fourth Degree.

Congratulations and welcome to our newest Sir Knights!

Submitted by Worthy Former District Master Gene Suchyta.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:27 PM

Congratulations and welcome to four new Brother Knights who joined our Order during the District 118 Exemplification on September 15, 2026. The exemplification was hosted by Au Lac Council 10724 and held in the Immaculate Conception parish hall.

The new members are (left to right, first row):

•  Mike Schulte, Council 5981

•  Brandon Wade, Council 10724

•  Jim Briley, Council 856

•  Aaron Rehahn, Council 5981

Thank you to Au Lac Council 10724 for hosting, and to every Brother Knight in District 118 who helped welcome these men into our Order. Please join us in congratulating our newest Brothers in Charity, Unity and Fraternity!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:19 PM

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Brother Knights in their green Knights of Columbus shirts joined the crowd at the Angels' Place Fall Fest, held at the Detroit Country Day Field House in Beverly Hills. Among those on hand were our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen and First Lady Pam McCuen, our Worthy State Warden Dean Hayward, and State Deputy Special Assistant Paul Palka and Lady Margaret Palka. The festival ran from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and was held mostly indoors, so the day was set to be a good one rain or shine.

Angels' Place, based in Southfield, is a Christ-centered community that has provided loving homes and professional support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1992. Its annual Fall Fest brings residents, families, staff, and friends together for an afternoon of games and fellowship.

The field house turf was filled with activity stations, and our Knights jumped right in. Brothers were seen tossing bean bags alongside young people, sending flying discs down the field, chipping golf balls into the target net, and squaring off in a friendly game of tabletop foosball. Just as important, they took time to stop, visit, and share a laugh with the guests and families who came out for the day.

Being present matters. Afternoons like this are a simple way for Knights to live out our first principle of Charity, standing with families and showing every person the dignity and friendship they deserve.

Thank you to everyone at Angels' Place for welcoming us, and to every Brother Knight who gave up a Sunday afternoon to be part of the fun. Special thanks to First Lady Pam McCuen and Lady Margaret Palka for sharing the photos and the story.

To learn more about Angels' Place and its mission, visit angelsplace.com.

Photos courtesy of First Lady Pam McCuen and Lady Margaret Palka.

By: Walter Winkle - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:00 PM

On Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, 2026, Michigan was represented in the Columbus Day Parade in New York City. Vice Supreme Master Walter Winkle, District Master Mike Page and Sir Knight Chris Ballor were the only three Sir Knights from Michigan to make the trip, and Vice Supreme Master Winkle brought three Ohio Sir Knights along with them.

They joined a large contingent of Fourth Degree Sir Knights in full regalia, marching behind the Knights of Columbus "One Nation Under God" banner alongside the American and papal flags. Along the way the group gathered for photos, including a large group photo of Fourth Degree Sir Knights on the steps in Central Park.

The Columbus Day Parade is a chance for our Order to honor Christopher Columbus, the namesake of the Knights of Columbus, and to give public witness to the Catholic faith he carried to the New World. Marching in the Fourth Degree, the Patriotic Degree, Sir Knights show love of God and love of country side by side.

Thank you to Vice Supreme Master Winkle, District Master Page, Sir Knight Chris Ballor and our brother Sir Knights from Ohio for representing Michigan so well, and to Chris Dodson for gathering the photos from the day. We hope even more Michigan Sir Knights will join the trip next year!

By: Paul J. Palka - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 8:32 PM

At the recent Michigan Catholic Women’s Conference at the Lansing Center, a booth for HEAL Nigeria (Home to Enhance African Life) caught the attention of the Michigan Knights. The organization, whose motto is “Called to Self-Emptying Service,” presents a compelling opportunity for Michigan Knights of Columbus to put our principles of Charity and Unity into action by supporting authentic Catholic formation and poverty relief in rural Nigeria.

HEAL’s Mission

HEAL’s mission is to form Servant Leaders through poverty relief, education, and entrepreneurship in the Self-Emptying Spirit of Christ (Philippians 2:6-11). Grounded in the example of Jesus—who “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7)—and the teaching that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26), HEAL provides concrete help while forming young people to lead with humility and service.

Founded by Fr. Leo Okonkwo (recently ordained for the Diocese of Bauchi) and Nick Costello, a longtime Knight of Columbus and University of Notre Dame graduate, HEAL operates as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization. In rural southeast Nigeria (Imo State), it supports two K-12 Catholic schools, including Berthrand Okonkwo Memorial Comprehensive Academy (BOMCA) in the Akpim area. These schools serve roughly 200 poor and marginalized children from subsistence farming families, including orphans and children of widows, in places where educational opportunity is scarce.

What HEAL Provides

Through these schools and related programs, HEAL offers:

•  Formal Catholic education and religious formation, including catechesis and preparation for the sacraments.

•  Daily nutritious meals that help keep children in school amid widespread food insecurity.

•  Agricultural and technical skills training so students can support themselves and their communities.

•  Poverty relief such as food, basic medical care, clean water, and other essentials for orphans, widows, and vulnerable families.

The long-term vision is to form young Africans in the principles of Servant Leadership so they can contribute to the peace and prosperity of their society. Students are taught not only academic subjects but also the spirituality of self-emptying service, reflecting the Gospel call that animates HEAL’s work.

Why This Matters to Michigan Knights

This mission aligns closely with the Knights of Columbus. We are called to charity that reaches the poor and vulnerable, to support Catholic education and the Church’s mission, and to live as men of faith who put the Gospel into practice. Supporting HEAL is a concrete way for councils and individual members to extend the spirit of Blessed Michael McGivney’s founding vision—practical help rooted in Catholic faith—across the world.

Many Michigan councils already sponsor or participate in the Catholic Women’s Conference where this opportunity was discovered. Promoting HEAL continues that spirit of encounter and service.

How You Can Help

Michigan Knights are encouraged to learn more and consider ways to support this work:

•  Visit healnigeria.org for full information on programs, updates, and ways to give.

•  Share HEAL’s mission with your council, parish, or family as a possible charitable project or personal donation opportunity.

•  Pray for the students, teachers, and missionaries serving in rural Nigeria.

•  Consider a council-level donation, fundraiser, or ongoing partnership that fits your local resources and priorities.

Donations to HEAL are tax-deductible. As with any charitable opportunity, councils are encouraged to review the organization’s materials and discern what level of involvement is appropriate for their members.

In a world that often measures success by status and self-interest, HEAL offers a clear witness to Christ’s self-emptying love. By supporting this mission, Michigan Knights can help form the next generation of servant leaders while living out our own call to charity.

For more details or questions, visit healnigeria.org or contact your council’s Grand Knight or Faith in Action director to discuss possible next steps.

Vivat Jesus.

By: Charles E. McCuen - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 8:16 PM

Six men were exemplified into the Patriotic Degree during a Fourth Degree mini exemplification hosted by Msgr. Thomas O. Martin Assembly #2210 at St. John Vianney Church in Clyde Park. District Master Steve Stressman and his team conducted the ceremony.

State Deputy Charlie McCuen took part in his second exemplification in a week, carrying the sword of Former State Secretary Antonio Vittorini. Antonio's wife, Susan, gave it to him as a gift.

Congratulations to our newest Sir Knights, and thank you to Msgr. Thomas O. Martin Assembly #2210 and the degree team for their work. As our Worthy State Deputy reminds us, "Plan the work and work the plan, we still have room for more men to join us!"

By: Armando Figueroa - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 7:18 PM

El domingo 18 de octubre de 2026, siete nuevos hermanos Caballeros fueron recibidos en los Caballeros de Colón durante una Ejemplificación de Caridad, Unidad y Fraternidad celebrada en español en la Parroquia San Juan Diego en Detroit.

La ceremonia fue realizada por el Equipo de Ejemplificación en español, liderado por Armando Figueroa, Director de Alcance Hispano de Michigan. Como es nuestra costumbre, a cada nuevo hermano se le entregó un rosario y el pin de solapa con el emblema de la Orden, marcando el comienzo de su camino de fe, servicio y hermandad.

Este es un paso muy importante para los hombres católicos hispanos del área de Detroit. Estos nuevos hermanos están creciendo en número y trabajando para fundar un nuevo consejo, y pedimos a todos los Caballeros de Michigan que los mantengan en sus oraciones mientras construyen un hogar de caridad y fraternidad en su comunidad parroquial.

Gracias al Diputado de Distrito Claude J. Bergeron (DD131) por compartir estas fotos y esta noticia. ¡Bienvenidos, hermanos! ¡Vivat Jesus!