Dad Talk - The Ascension of the Lord (Cycle A)
- Sun, May 17, 2026 10:05 AM


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.

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.
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:
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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@
As the SDRR's add classes I will amend the list.
Thanks,
Joseph G Langhauser
State Training Director

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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.

We have about three weeks to go before the K of C State Convention and our Charity Raffle! If you
are thinking about donating a raffle basket but need some ideas, here are a couple of links to articles
that will help with the brainstorming process!
Think Outside of the Basket - Gray Matters Foundation
170+ Themed Raffle Basket Ideas for Fundraisers
Some things to keep in mind for your raffle donation:
1. Keep the value between $100 and $500
2. Remember that you and whoever wins your basket will be carrying/transporting it to and from
the Grand Hotel. Please be mindful of size and weight of basket and plan accordingly.
3. Do not include non-shelf-stable foods that may spoil.
4. Gift cards and lottery tickets are items that should be copied/printed for the basket itself, with
the actual cards brought separately for safekeeping by the raffle staff.
When you know what you will be bringing for the raffle, here is the link for the donation form:
Raffle Donation Form
https://forms.gle/pcpkNag32JTvp6Tm7
LADIES! Please consider spending a couple of hours as a volunteer with the raffle! You can sell
tickets, arrange raffle baskets, even help on the day of the drawing! Prior experience is not necessary
and you will be shown what to do.
Raffle Volunteer Sign Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44AFA72BA2F8CF8-62172588-2026
If you don’t, go back to the sign up and check that your name is there. It may not have registered your sign
up.
For questions or additional information, contact:
Kara Fuller, Raffle Chairperson
248-894-7082
k.fuller@mikofc.org
Please click here to download the flyer for the outing to share with your Councils, Friends, and Family and help support Seminarians and Postulates:


