Five districts from across the Lansing area met at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing on Wednesday, July 30.
Council leaders from Districts 507, 508, 510, 515 and 517 gathered to learn from State Council Training Director Dean Hayward and State Deputy Regional Representative John Yanok, among others.
State Council Training Director Dean HaywardState Deputy Regional Representative John Yanok
In January, 2025, St Catherine of Siena Council 6980 in Portage started giving the Casey Teddy Bear to families who have sons or daughters baptised. This has been well received. We put together a bag that also contains the following:
• 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 pamphlet
Has 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.
What is ASAP100?
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.
How Was ASAP100 Decided?
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.
Why ASAP100?
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.
For Councils Already Participating
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.
For Councils with Limited Resources
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.
Finding a Local Pregnancy Center or Maternity Home
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.
Tracking ASAP100 Progress
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.
More Information
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!
☀On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, District Deputy Alan Darish performed the Officer Installation Ceremony for Father Edmund Battersby Council 7586 at St. Joseph Church, South Lyon, Michigan.
Congratulations Brother Knights!! Thank you for your commitment to your Council and the Order!
Back row: District Deputy Alan Darish, Warden Dave Huck, Chaplain Father Stan Tokarski,
Grand Knight Bob Donehue, Deputy Grand Knight Mark Galecka, Chancellor Steve Penkevich,
Advocate Marc Daniels
Front Row: Recorder John McCarter, Financial Secretary Mark Munzenberger, Trustees Ed Salna,
Mark Zarem, Wil Wilson, Treasurer Craig Lukomski, Guard Dennis Patton
👏👏On July 29, Council 3292 held an Exemplification in which three men joined the council. Among those in attendance were DD Dan Timmerman, AOD Membership Directors Hans Hansen and Lou Brotchner, and GK Mike Driscoll.
The Kalamazoo Knights on Bikes supported Council 2515 and served at mass at Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, 27th.
If you are interested in serving the Order, evangelizing in your Catholic faith, making new friends with like-minded interests, and are passionate about riding, please consider joining Michigan Knights on Bikes at https://mikonb.com
Join the Father McGivney Guild and Support His Path to Sainthood!
Brothers and Ladies of the Michigan Knights of Columbus, let’s unite to advance the cause of our founder, Father Michael J. McGivney, to sainthood! His inspiring legacy of fraternal charity, evangelization, and empowering the laity lives on through us.
By joining the Father McGivney Guild for free at fathermcgivney.org, you can:
Pray for Father McGivney’s intercession and canonization.
Receive a free quarterly newsletter with updates on his sainthood cause.
Have your intentions remembered in a weekly Mass for Guild members.
Watch the powerful documentary An American Blessed to see Father McGivney’s journey from humble beginnings to founding the Knights of Columbus.
In Bay City at Our Lady of Peace Parish (St Mary's Church); the congregation is about to experience a major change in clergy leadership. Reverend James Carlson, one of two Sacramental Ministers at the parish, is being reassigned to the Nativity of the Lord Parish of Alma and St. Louis, effective August 1, 2025. Reverend John Sarge, also a Sacramental Minister at the parish, is retiring effective July 31, 2025. Along with both of the parish priests, Deacon Ken Kochany, the Director of Parish Life, is set to retire effective July 31, 2025.
On Sunday, July 27 after the 8:30 AM mass, the Knights of Columbus Council 414 presented each of them with a certificate of appreciation for their ministry and an embroidered K of C Council 414 blanket. Presentations were overseen by Grand Knight, Alan Leppek. Presenting to Father Sarge was S.K. Glenn Covaleski, past council Lecturer, representing the council level. Presenting to Deacon Kochany was Faithful Navigator S.K. Terry Doyle representing the assembly level.
Presenting to Father Carlson was S.K. Bradley Covaleski, DD705, representing state and supreme levels. 21 Knights from the council posed for the group photo with many others in the audience including several from Council 414's Ladies Auxiliary - a vital part of their council. We wish to thank Father Jim, Father John, and Deacon Ken for their ministry, friendship, and being a fierce supporter of our council. They will be missed.
Lady Katherine and I are asking anyone who can help to please say a Rosary for First Lady Mandy, asking our Lady to intercede for her so that she will have a complete and speedy recovery from her stroke. We will be saying it this time on the Feast of The Assumption, August 15, 2025. It can be said anytime/anywhere.
Thank you in advance to everyone who can participate.
Prayers to all and this is hoping everyone has a great day.
🏍️🏍️ The Michigan chapter of Knights on Bikes, a vibrant apostolate of Catholic men who combine their love for motorcycles with their devotion to Christ, is making waves in evangelization and community service. As highlighted in a recent article by The Pillar, this group of Knights of Columbus members is redefining the biker image by showcasing faith, reverence, and brotherhood.
Led by figures like Bob Bagley, the international president of Knights on Bikes, and Deacon Lawrence Paczkowski from the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Michigan chapter engages in powerful acts of witness. From praying the rosary at rest stops to volunteering at Detroit food pantries, these Knights demonstrate that faith can thrive in unexpected places. Their leather vests, adorned with Knights of Columbus emblems, spark conversations that open doors to share the Gospel, even with unlikely individuals like members of secular biker clubs.
The group’s commitment extends to supporting local parishes, escorting dignitaries like Cardinal Raymond Burke, and participating in events like the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. Their annual rally in St. Augustine, Florida, brings together hundreds of Knights for spiritual renewal, with Michigan members making the 1,000-mile journey as a pilgrimage, complete with daily Communion services.
Bagley emphasizes the unique brotherhood of Knights on Bikes, rooted in their shared identity as Knights of Columbus and their passion for riding. This ministry welcomes men of all appearances—long hair, tattoos, or leathers—who seek to live out their faith boldly. Their presence at Mass, kneeling in reverence, challenges stereotypes and inspires others.
Interested in joining this dynamic group? Michigan Knights on Bikes invites Brother Knights to ride for God and the Church. Visit mikonb.com to learn more and become part of this powerful ministry.
Left to right: Brian Rohrbaugh, president of the central region; Bob Bagley, international president; Lawrence Stewart, president of the Mountain region. Photo courtesy of Bob Bagley.
The Kalamazoo Knights on Bikes supported Council 2515 and served at mass at Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, 27th.
Join the Father McGivney Guild and Support His Path to Sainthood! 
Pray for Father McGivney’s intercession and canonization.
#KnightsOfColumbus #FatherMcGivney #Sainthood
