The Michigan Knights of Columbus State Council proudly congratulates St. Mary of the Hills Council 13950 for receiving the prestigious International Life Program Award at the Supreme Convention. This accolade recognizes the Council’s extraordinary efforts in leading the Special Olympics Initiative, culminating in the construction and dedication of the Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney Field, an A.D.A.-compliant baseball field for the Clinton Valley Little League Challenger Division Senior League.
An introductary video featuring the program was featured at the Supreme Council Awards Presentation: Knights of Columbus Unveil Special Needs Baseball Field
The Special Olympics Initiative, a Faith in Action Life Program, was spearheaded by Council 13950 under the leadership of Program Director Ken Dumais and Grand Knight Tom Schenk. The project raised $65,000 to build a new baseball field at Neil Reid Park in Clinton Township, Michigan, designed to serve developmentally challenged athletes aged 16 and older. This field, named in honor of Knights of Columbus founder Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, is the first in Michigan and the United States to bear his name, symbolizing the order’s commitment to charity, unity, and fraternity.
The initiative overcame significant challenges, including a revised cost estimate of $250,000 due to material shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through persistent fundraising efforts, including a direct mail campaign to councils across the Archdiocese of Detroit, 43 councils—representing 30% of the archdiocese—contributed to the cause. This remarkable collaboration surpassed the initial fundraising goal of $75,000, building on the council’s legacy of support for the Challenger Division, which began with raising $14,000 in 2008 for the Norm Hott Field.
The Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney Field was dedicated on June 15, 2024, in a ceremony attended by 40% of the contributing councils, representatives from eight Color Corps Assemblies, and dignitaries including Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Fisher, Fr. Christopher Muer, and Fr. Stan Ulman. The event featured a blessing with holy water from Lourdes, France, a raffle raising $200 for league equipment, and an opening pitch thrown by Brother Knight Dan Guilbert of St. Isidore Council 7200. The celebration underscored the therapeutic and social benefits of the Challenger Division, giving athletes with special needs the opportunity to experience the joy of baseball and feel “normal,” as expressed by one player.
This initiative not only strengthened ties between the Knights of Columbus, the Clinton Valley Little League, and the Community Parks and Recreation Department but also increased public awareness of the order’s mission. The Michigan State Council commends Council 13950 for embodying the principles of “Faith, Hope, and Love” and setting a replicable model for community service within the Knights of Columbus.
Petoskey Council 923 and Worthy District Deputy Andrew Mayer 208 were hard at work today setting up for their Parish Picnic at St. Francis Xavier on Sunday, August 3rd!
Please see the attached list of Raffle winners drawn this morning for the month of August.
Please share this information with others.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
In Service,
Leah Gordon-Arnold
Executive Assistant to the President & Chief Executive Officer
Holy Cross Services
Mobile/Office: 989-574-0914
1030 North River Road, Saginaw, MI 48609
www.holycrossservices.org
• Letter congratulating parents and inviting father to join our council.• Rosary and Pouch• How to Pray the Rosary Pamphlet• Knights Family Prayer card• Why Join Knights pamphletHas your Council considered Casey Bears in this way to help bring younger families into the Order? For more information on the Casey Teddy Bear program, please contact our State Community Director, Larry Herman at l.herman@mikofc.org
The Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus is proud to announce the ASAP100 initiative for the 2025-2026 fraternal year, aiming for 100% participation of active councils in the Aid & Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program.
ASAP100 represents a commitment to full participation by all active councils in supporting pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes across Michigan through the ASAP program during the 2025-2026 fraternal year.
At the Summer Leadership Meeting in late June, district deputies representing their councils unanimously agreed to strive for 100% participation in the ASAP program. This decision reflects the strong belief in the program's importance to communities statewide.
The ASAP program is vital for supporting pregnancy resource centers and maternity homes. Michigan has consistently led the Order in both participation and donations, and state leadership, along with district deputies, is confident that ASAP100 will further strengthen this commitment.
Thank you to all councils that have supported the ASAP program or contributed through the Pass the Hat initiative at the State Convention. If your council has already donated the maximum amount ($2,000) eligible for the Supreme Council’s $400 match, consider assisting a nearby council with fewer resources by gifting funds to help them participate. Alternatively, organize a donation drive for essentials like diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing. While these material donations do not qualify for Supreme Council matching funds, they count toward ASAP program credit.
Every contribution counts! Even small donations make a difference and demonstrate your council’s commitment to ASAP100. Consider passing a baby bottle at council meetings or requesting a special “ASAP” collection with your parish priest’s approval. Donation drives for items like diapers, wipes, or gently used clothing are also valuable ways to contribute.
A list of pregnancy centers and maternity homes that have previously received ASAP funding is available through the Michigan State Council. Additionally, the Supreme Council website features a map of centers across the state.
Councils will know they’ve met their ASAP100 goal once their online ASAP Grant Request Application is submitted and accepted by the Supreme Council. Monthly reports from the Supreme Council will be shared with district deputies and periodically posted on the Michigan State Council’s website.
For details on the ASAP program and to access the online grant request form, visit the Supreme Council website at 11371 Aid and Support Guide Book and the ASAP Grant Request Application. For additional questions, contact Ed Strach, State Life Director, at 734-476-6296 or e.strach@mikofc.org, or reach out to your district deputy or diocesan program director.
Join us in making ASAP100 a success and supporting life across Michigan!
