By: Ken Warzybok - Sat, Jun 15, 2024 4:03 PM

On June 15th, the Michigan Knights of Columbus, as part of the Special Olympics Initiative, proudly hosted the blessing and naming ceremony of the Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division Senior League Baseball Field in honor of the esteemed founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Michael J. McGivney.

Through the dedicated efforts of forty-two Knights of Columbus councils across Metro Detroit, a remarkable sum of over $62,000.00 was raised during our annual MI Drives to support the development of this field. Since 2006, a total of over $227,000.00 has been generously donated to the league through previous MI Drives. It has been stated that, "No one is more deserving of the honor of naming this field than the Knights of Columbus."

This newly inaugurated, all-inclusive field for these deserving young athletes will now and forever be known as the Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney Field!

In addition to our Worthy State Secretary-elect, Charles McCuen and Lady Pamela, the esteemed guest speaker at the event was Robbie Waclawski, the Director of Civic Partnership and State Sponsorship for Special Olympics of Michigan. Director Waclawski also holds the distinguished title of Director of Special Olympics for the Michigan Knights of Columbus State Council.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and participated in this event, as well as to those who generously contributed to make this momentous occasion possible...

...and a VERY special thank you goes out to the athletes whose joy and sportsmanship will forever be associated with the name of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney!

VIVAT JESUS!

By: Ken Warzybok - Fri, Jun 14, 2024 1:27 PM

In 2018 (with 8 children and one on the way), the Ampe family were made aware of special needs children in Ukraine that needed homes, lots of love, and medical attention. They discussed the situation with their children who all agreed to adopt a Downs Syndrome child. They started the adoption process and flew to Ukraine to meet (and bring home) their 10th child (Cazimir). When they got there, they stumbled upon Henrik (another child with Downs Syndrome). They had a quick family meeting (via face-time) and the children asked their parents to please “Don’t leave Henrik behind. Bring him home.” Joe and Tiffany have stayed in touch with the families of Casimir and Henrik so they remain connected to their children and, just as important, Casimir and Henrik stay connected with their birth parents.

Then, in 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine and the war began. Joe and Tiffany (with their connection to Ukraine) could not sit by and do nothing. They began raising money and collecting food and medical supplies to take to Ukraine. They worked with their parish and the Knights of Columbus. They reached out beyond Joe’s local council (689) to the entire district and raised over $200,000 for Ukraine. Joe made 2 additional trips to Ukraine to deliver all food and medical supplies raised. The people he met were so grateful and were overwhelmed by the generosity of the Marquette Diocese and the Knights of Columbus (led and inspired by Joe and Tiffany and the entire Ampe family).

Joe and Tiffany have built a wonderful family firmly rooted in their Catholic faith. The Ampe family (along with the Knights in Marquette) have demonstrated their commitment to provide Ukraine with the love, food, medical supplies and money they need to survive.

By: Robert Bagley - Sat, Jun 8, 2024 6:11 PM

Knights on Bikes Michigan went to Sault Ste. Marie Michigan to escort the Feast of Corpus Christi. A very Faith-filled weekend including not only Escorting the Feast of Corpus Christi procession, but also First Saturday Mass, Rosary, Memorial Service for two fallen Knights on Bikes Brothers, Reconciliation, Mass and Benediction.  Followed each day with great food, Fraternity, and community. 

This is the fourth year for K on B escorting this procession. Each year is bigger and better than the previous one. St Mary parish has truly become part of the K ON B extended Family. Thank you Father Al for answering your call from God!

 

Bob "Ace" Bagley 

International President Knights on Bikes

By: Ken Warzybok - Sat, Jun 8, 2024 5:44 AM

On Friday June 7th, Knights of Columbus leaders from throughout the world gathered at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut.

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori presided over Mass in honor of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during the annual Organizational Meeting of State Deputies.

Following the Mass, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly conferred medals of office upon 31 new state deputies. Among them was Michigan's own newly elected State Deputy-elect, Barry Borsenik.  Congratulations, Worthy!

By: Ken Warzybok - Fri, Jun 7, 2024 6:45 AM

On June 6th, distinguished guests including patrons, seminarians, priests, and deacons convened at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit for the Archbishop’s Gala. The event was a resounding success, with attendees enjoying a memorable evening, including a $25,000 cash raffle generously donated by the Weingartz Family.

 

On behalf of the Michigan Knights of Columbus, State Deputy Christopher A. Kolomjec presented a generous donation of $220,000 from the Michigan K of C Endowed Scholarship Fund. This contribution will greatly benefit deserving students seeking higher education opportunities.

The Archbishop’s Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for Sacred Heart Major Seminary, a renowned institution that plays a vital role in the formation and education of over 100 seminarians. These individuals are preparing for service in more than a dozen dioceses and religious communities. Additionally, the seminary provides education to hundreds of lay students, further enriching the community.

By: Robbie Waclawski - Tue, Jun 4, 2024 6:54 AM

It was wonderful to see our 4th Degree Sir Knights at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games. Additionally, it was truly heartwarming to see our Brother Knights generously volunteering their time to prepare and serve over 1,200 meals to volunteers during the competition on Friday and Saturday.

 

During his address to over 2,500 athletes on Thursday evening, State Deputy Elect Barry Borsenik emphasized the significance of our partnership with Special Olympics.

A heartfelt thank you to all those who dedicate themselves year-round to supporting these incredible athletes.

 

Vivat Jesus!

 

State Director of Special Olympics

Robbie Waclawski

By: Ed Strach - Sun, Jun 2, 2024 8:03 AM

This year's Living Rosary is being held on June 15th, 2024 at 2:00 pm on the East Lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in downtown Lansing.  Mass to follow at 4pm at St Mary's Cathedral.  For more information,click here