Bay City Council 414 presents checks totaling $2,250 collected from their MI Drive to Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools programs for Handy Middle School, Western Middle School, and Central High School! Back row pictured from left to right: Joe Roznowski - Deputy Grand Knight, Mark Hebert - Council Program Director & Diocesan Program Director, & Alan Leppek - Grand Knight. Front row are our recipients representing all 3 schools that participate in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program. Thank you to our volunteers who helped raise this money and made this possible.
Almost two weeks ago The Charlevoix Marathon happened in Charlevoix. Many local service groups help work the aid stations along the route, fueling and cheering on the runners. Charlevoix's Grand Knight Don Jasurda and members of Council #7172 Charlevoix St. Mary's participated for the 1st time this year. They passed out water and Powerade, plus cheered everyone on with smiles on their faces! We all battled rain, wind and hail to help over 2,000 runners cross the finish line!
Today is a special day because the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul - always celebrated on June 29 - displaces the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings teach us much about these two Saints and also about the Church. We'll cover a lot of ground in today's Dad Talk:
Swartz Creek Council 6694 held our annual Ladies / Clergy Dinner on Monday, June 23rd. The annual celebration is a means to express our council's appreciation of both our ladies and our clergy for their unwavering support of us in the work that we do. This year, we took this opportunity to celebrate by acknowledging our council's 50th anniversary as well, with our date of formation being May 18th, 1975. To our delight, joining us in this celebration were Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik and his wife, Lady Mandy, and Worthy State Advocate Dan Fuller and his wife, Lady Kara. We are most appreciative of their attendance, interest, and support of our council.
Pictured Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik presents a plaque in recognition of Swartz Creek Council 6694's 50 years of service to Grand Knight Lance Wildman.
The Leadership in the Michigan Jurisdiction has gathered in Bay City for the 2025 Summer Leadership Conference to prepare for the 2025-2026 Fraternal Year. All of the State Officers, State Directors, Diocesan Directors, District Deputies are planning and Aspriing to SOAR for this next great fraternal year.
Some of the activities at this years Leadership Conference are:
* Installation of new District Deputies
* Remarks from State Deputy Barry Borsenik
* Remarks from our Supreme Territoriorial Growth Director, Alain Cayer
* Improving participation in Take 10 for Chairity
* Discussion around our Fraternal Benefits Growth by General Agents, Ken Huard and Benji Borrelli
* Highlights around Membership and Program Goals in 2025-2026 by SPD Matt Wierzgac and SMD Doug Kokot
* Introduction to State Cor and EFF Director, Christopher Wegner
* Breakout sessions involving COR, Membership, and Faith in Action Programs
* Holy Mass
* Adoration & Benediction
* Comments from State Directors
* Presentations by the State Officers
Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik giving his opening remarks
Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik installed our new Michigan Jurisdiction District Deputies on June 27th at the 2025 Summer Leadership Conference! Thank you to all of our new and returning District Deputies for answering the call to serve the Order in the great State of Michigan!!
In Lansing on June 21st, there was a LARGE Eucharistic Procession from Jackson Field to the State Capitol with approximately 2,400 people in attendance! Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik, Worthy State Advocate Dan Fuller, and Lady Kara Fuller participated in the procession along with the Color Corps!
Council 4404 hosts Annual Grand Rapids Diocesan Priests, Deacons, and Religious Appreciation Dinner. 215 attendees with 71 Priests, Deacons and Religious. A good dinner was shared by all. We listened to informational talks from Director of Priestly Vocations Father Robert C. Mulderink, Grand Rapids Diocesan Chaplain Father Mark Bauer, State Secretary Charlie McCuen and Bishop of Grand Rapids David Walkowiak. Thank you to all that attended.
