Council 13600 gives a Humeral Veil to St. Perpetua Parish and Pastor Fr Paul Graney!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Mon, Sep 21, 2026 9:43 PM

 

On Sunday, September 13, Grand Knight Gino Simiele of St. Perpetua Council 13600 in Waterford presented a brand-new Humeral Veil to St. Perpetua Parish and Pastor Fr. Paul Graney.

 

The veil will be used during Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, when the priest covers his hands out of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.

 

This gift from the Knights of Council 13600 is a concrete expression of their support for the parish’s liturgical and sacramental life.

 

Swartz Creek Council 6694 hosts Exemplification and welcomes SEVEN Brothers to the Order!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Mon, Sep 21, 2026 8:21 PM

On Sunday, September 20th, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, Swartz Creek Council 6694 hosted an Exemplification of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, welcoming seven men to full Knighthood in the Order. Candidates from the Fenton (2), Flushing (2), and Swartz Creek (3) councils, all within District 504, participated in the ceremony.
 
 
Pictured are our new Brother Knights in the front row (left to right): Thomas Dotson, Jason Dasky, Randal (“Chan”) Chancellor, Lawrence Luttrell, Michael Dean, Billy Waire, and Noah Wright. Standing with them in the back row (left to right) are members of the Swartz Creek Exemplification Team: PGK Ken Lixey, DD Mike Trundle, FDD Dan Cross, Chaplain Fr. Louis Ekka, PGK Bob Kranz, FDD Al Martin, and GK Luke John Hawrylo.

Michigan Knights of Columbus Sock Drive

By: Ronald DePestel - Mon, Sep 21, 2026 8:13 PM

Michigan Knights of Columbus Sock Drive

 

Let’s put our faith into action—one pair of socks at a time!

 

We’re excited to announce this year’s Michigan Knights of Columbus Sock Drive, taking place at the Winter Leadership Meeting. We’re asking councils and members across Michigan to help us provide new, packaged athletic socks for those in need. Socks are needed in all sizes, from newborns to adults.

 

Every pair makes a difference! Please have all donations to your District Deputies by December 1st.

 

Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:40 AM

Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest

 

The Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus proudly supported the 30th Annual Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest to benefit St. Louis Center in Chelsea. The event, hosted by the Italian American Club of Livonia, included Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a festive afternoon of dinner, music, dancing, prize drawings, and fellowship from noon to 5:00 p.m. on September 13.

 

St. Louis Center is a private, nonprofit residential community serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an intentional, faith-based setting. Founded in 1960 when Cardinal John Dearden invited the Servants of Charity (founded by St. Louis Guanella) to care for boys with special needs, the Center has grown into a CARF-accredited village on a 180-acre campus west of Chelsea. Its mission is simple and profound: to recognize the God-given dignity of every person and help each resident live a full, supported life.

 

Michigan Knights have walked with St. Louis Center for decades. Councils across the state contribute through the Intellectual Disabilities Drive (Tootsie Roll campaign), golf outings, Christmas visits, coats and gifts for residents, volunteer service, and major State Council gifts. Over the last decade the Knights have given more than $1.7 million to the Center, including support for operations, facilities, and benevolent care—the gap between government reimbursements and the true cost of loving, round-the-clock care.

 

Among those representing the Order at this year’s Harvest Fest were Past State Deputy Kenneth Unterbrink and Mary; SDRR Ray Bilyk and Jennifer; Michigan Columbian Editor Gary Kolbicz and Marie; Sue Vittorini; Joann VanEenoo; and SDSA Paul Palka and Margaret.

 

 

The Michigan State Council’s presence was also marked by a formal recognition plaque listing State Chaplain Rev. Paul Ballien and the current state officer couples, underscoring that support for St. Louis Center is a priority from the highest levels of the Michigan jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

Our Lady on the River Council 856 celebrates Corporate Communion in Algonac!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:25 AM

 

On Saturday, September 19th, Our Lady on the River Council 856 hosted a Corporate Communion at St. Catherine's Church in Algonac.   The mass was celebrated by Reverend John Dumas and Brothers from four Councils were in attendance.   (Msgr Kromenaker 2251, Anchor Bay 5981, and Au Lac 10724 were all represented to celebrate with Council 856.)

The Fourth Degree Color Corps from St. Mary on the Lake Assembly 2804 provided an honor guard as well.

After mass, the Council hosted an Ice Cream social for the community to celebrate.

Council 856 plans to celebrate two more Corporate Communions this year, one at Holy Cross Church in Marine City, and another at St. Mark's Chapel on Harsen's Island.

Chalice Blessed in Memory of Fr. Nicholas Zukowski

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:13 AM

 

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, parishioners, family, friends, and Brother Knights gathered at St. Martin de Porres Church in Warren for a special 11:00 a.m. Mass to bless and dedicate a gold chalice and paten in loving memory of the parish’s former pastor, Reverend Nicholas Zukowski.

 

The chalice was presented through the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Chalice Program, a longstanding tradition that honors a deceased Sir Knight by placing his name on a sacred vessel used at the altar. Each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated with that chalice, the Sir Knight is remembered in a uniquely priestly way. The base of Fr. Nick’s chalice is engraved “S.K. Rev. Nicholas Zukowski” with his dates of life, October 9, 1954 – March 4, 2026, and the Fourth Degree emblem of the Order.

 

Fr. Nick was born in Detroit and ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 1, 1982. He served as pastor of St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore for 21 years (1993–2014) and as pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren beginning in 2014. He later served on the in solidum team of priests for the Saints Among the Saints Family of Parishes, remaining primarily at St. Martin de Porres. He also served as Vicar for the Blue Water Vicariate. Fr. Nick was a Fourth Degree Knight. He entered eternal life on March 4, 2026, at the age of 71.

 

Brother Knights from both of Fr. Nick’s pastorates took part in the blessing and dedication: St. Pius X Council #3848 and Fourth Degree members of Bishop Gallagher Assembly #0482, associated with St. Martin de Porres; and Anchor Bay Council #5981 and Fourth Degree members of St. Mary on the Lake Assembly #2804, associated with Anchor Bay Council 5981 and Au Lac Council 10724.

 

Worthy Faithful Navigator David Sczepanski is planning on sending the chalice to Poland to be used by a newly ordained Priest there.

 

Following the Mass, a light reception was held in the parish hall where the chalice and paten were displayed. The blessed vessels will now be sent to a mission parish in Poland, extending Fr. Nick’s priestly legacy to the altar of another community of faith.

 

The Fourth Degree Chalice Program reflects the Knights’ principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, and the Order’s enduring commitment to the priesthood and the mission of the Church. May this sacred vessel be a lasting tribute to Fr. Nick’s faithful service and a reminder of the eternal hope we share in Christ.

 

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” — Luke 22:19–20

 

 

Heart of the Gospel Retreat — Saturday, October 17, Gaylord

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:30 AM

Men across northern Michigan are invited to a full-day Heart of the Gospel retreat on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI.

The retreat is open to all men 18 and older. There is no cost to attend. Lunch and materials will be provided.

Heart of the Gospel is a ready-to-use men’s retreat developed by the Knights of Columbus in collaboration with Fr. John Riccardo and ACTS XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly introduced the program as the Order’s answer to a long-standing request from Knights: a retreat councils can offer without the burden of finding speakers or building an agenda from scratch.

Supreme describes the experience this way:

When you hear the name Jesus, what comes to mind — gentle and kind, or triumphant and unconquerable? Heart of the Gospel reveals both: Jesus as compassionate healer and mighty warrior who battles sin, Satan, and death itself to rescue the one he loves: YOU.

Led by Fr. John Riccardo through dynamic video presentations, the day walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to embrace Christ’s mission more fully. The retreat includes five main formation talks, fraternal discussion, and time for prayer. Many men know the story of the Gospel. Far fewer have experienced its power.

“The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.” — Romans 1:16

What men can expect

  • Encounter the Gospel in a new and compelling way

  • Deepen their relationship with Jesus

  • Build Christ-centered brotherhood with other men

  • Gain clarity about God’s purpose and mission for their lives

You do not have to be a Knight of Columbus to attend. The retreat is offered for the men of the parish and diocese. Watching the videos alone is not the same as hearing them with brothers, praying together, and sharing the day in person.

Event details

Date and time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI

Who: All men 18 and older

Cost: No cost to attend; lunch and materials provided

Registration

Email Seth Peters at s.peters@mikofc.org to register.

Learn more about the program from Supreme at kofc.org/gospel.

Brother Knights: please share this invitation in your councils, parishes, and Cor groups. Bring a friend. Northern Michigan has an open door on October 17 — come encounter the Heart of the Gospel.

 

Au Lac Council 10724 - Adopt A Highway Fall Cleanup

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:13 AM

 
Brother Knights of Au Lac Council 10724 in Ira Township completed their Adopt A Highway Fall Cleanup on September 19! Before the rain came they collected 9 bags of trash along the two mile stretch of Dixie Highway (M29) in Ira Township.
The Au Lac Council has participated in the Adopt A Highway program since 1995. During the past 32 years over 600 volunteers contributed over 800 hours and collected over 1100 bags of trash for disposal. Past Grand Knight Jim Zeck has been the program chairman since 2009 and works with the Michigan Department of Transportation to schedule three sessions (spring, summer and fall) each year and file reports.
 

2026 Heart of Christ Clinic Gala

By: Eugene Suchyta - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:05 AM

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, most of the Michigan State Board, including State Deputy Charles McCuen, III, and State Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien, attended the Heart of Christ Clinic Gala at St. John's Resort in Plymouth, MI. Mass prior to the event was celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA.
 
 
Also on hand were members of the 4th Degree Michigan 1 Color Corps, led by District Master Mike Page. Color Corps were at the Mass, as well as presented and retired colors before and after the gala.