By: Charles E. McCuen - Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:33 AM

Our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen has a message of encouragement for every Brother Knight and every Lady across Michigan, and he is asking all of us to pass it on.

In a note sent to the Michigan Knights of Columbus on Monday, October 19, 2026, Charlie shared that our state leadership is united and ready to lead. "Our State Chaplain Fr. Paul has joined forces with First Lady Pam and Charlie, the State Deputy in our bid to be all we can be in the Michigan Knights of Columbus," he wrote.

Together, State Chaplain Father Paul Ballien, First Lady Pam McCuen and Charlie are setting a bold goal for our jurisdiction. "It will be great to be leading the Order, as only Michigan should, by the Winter Organizational Meeting with a huge surge in inviting men and their families to join!"

That surge starts with a simple invitation. Every one of us knows a Catholic man from our parish, our workplace or our own family who would be a great Brother Knight. Charlie reminds us that we already have what we need to reach him. "Let's use our Programs and Values as Catholic leaders to show us the way!"

Our programs give men and their families a real way to live out their faith, serve their parish and community, and grow together. When a man sees Knights at work, whether at a fundraiser, a Mass, a family event or a service project, he sees what membership means. The best recruiting tool we have is simply living our principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism, and then asking him to join us.

Most of all, Charlie wants us to remember that none of us does this alone. "When we work as a team we cannot lose. Pass it on!"

That spirit of teamwork is at the heart of Michigan's Big Four, Spirituality, Membership, Communication and Accountability, and of the State Deputy's theme, "In the One, We are One." When councils, assemblies, districts and state leaders pull in the same direction, there is no limit to what Michigan can do.

So this week, take Charlie's challenge to heart. Invite a man and his family to your next council meeting or event. Share this message with your council. And let's show the Order what Michigan can do by the Winter Organizational Meeting.

Ready to invite a man to join? He can become a member online at kofc.org using promo code BLESSEDMCGIVNEY for free online membership.

As Charlie closed his message, "Thanks for all you do for Michigan."

Vivat Jesus!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sat, Oct 24, 2026 7:45 AM

Harrison Butker at Chiefs training camp in St Joseph, Missouri. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Lunn, via DVIDS (public domain).

Football fans know Harrison Butker as the reliable right foot of the Kansas City Chiefs. The three-time Super Bowl champion (LIV, LVII and LVIII) set a Super Bowl record with a 57-yard field goal in February 2024. What many fans may not know is that he is also a brother Knight.

Butker joined the Knights of Columbus as a student-athlete at Georgia Tech and has been a member since 2015. When he kicked a game-winning field goal in his first career game with the Chiefs in 2017, the Supreme Council congratulated "brother Knight Harrison Butker, member of Council 14496," the Georgia Tech college council. Today kofc.org features him as a member and college council alumnus.

His return to the faith began in college. A teammate, punter Grant Aasen, pointed him to the Catholic Center on campus, where the chaplain answered his questions. "My conversion, my reconversion back to the faith, really started with the sacrament of reconciliation," Butker said. Both friends went on to join the Knights, and Aasen later served as best man at Butker's wedding. Their story is told in the Knights of Columbus video series "Everyday Heroes." You can watch it on the Knights of Columbus YouTube channel: "NFL Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker Finds Catholic Faith, Friendship" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRFqqP5D0_Q

"I really enjoy the fraternal aspect of these Catholic men coming together," Butker said. "These are all a bunch of Catholic guys trying to live out their vocations. To have that to unite us, I think creates a lot of great friendships and bonds."

In 2020 he spoke to the Order's 55th annual College Councils Conference. He told the young Knights that the morning after winning the Super Bowl, he still had to take out the garbage. "The greatest impact that I will make with my time on this earth is remaining dedicated to my primary vocation, helping my family get to heaven," he said. He challenged them to show "what a Christ-centered life looks like put into practice," and added, "Men need to play active roles within our Church, and I believe being a Knight is a great start."

Butker lives that faith at home and on the road. He has served at the altar at Mass, and during the season priests celebrate Mass for him the night before away games. Each evening he leads his wife, Isabelle, and their children in the rosary, and the children are learning their prayers.

Brothers, his witness is a reminder that every Catholic man, whether he plays on Sunday or sits in the pew, is called to live his vocation with conviction and joy. If you know a Catholic man who is looking for that kind of brotherhood, invite him to join us at kofc.org/joinus.

Vivat Jesus!

By: Matthew Wierzgac - Sat, Oct 24, 2026 7:04 AM

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, Father Bill Ashbaugh and the St Thomas the Apostle Catholic community in downtown Ann Arbor opened wide their doors and their hearts to the pro-life community as they again hosted a Pro-life Mass and Eucharistic Procession as part of the Ann Arbor 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign.

An estimated 125 people of all ages attended the Mass, including members of the pro-life community, parishioners of St Thomas the Apostle, and a small delegation of Sir Knights from the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, who brought up the gifts during Mass.

Following Mass, Father Ashbaugh, Deacon Rich Badics of St Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor, and Deacon Larry Gjernes of St Joseph in Ypsilanti led the Eucharistic Procession, with Sir Knights of the Honor Guard walking beside the canopy. More than thirty participants of all ages walked the almost two-mile route on a cold fall day, onto the University of Michigan Diag and through the streets of Ann Arbor. Along the way, women bowed and made the Sign of the Cross, and a gentleman tipped his hat in respect.

The procession paused on the front steps of St Thomas the Apostle to pray a Litany for Life, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, before entering the church for Benediction.

Thank you to Father Bill, Deacon Rich, Deacon Larry and the St Thomas the Apostle community for hosting, and to the Sir Knights of the Honor Guard who joined this public witness for life.

Reported by Sandie Weathers, Campaign Director, 40 Days for Life Ann Arbor. Submitted by SK Matt Wierzgac, State A/V Director.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Fri, Oct 23, 2026 8:05 PM

On the evening of October 23, members of the Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus and their wives attended the Ties and Tennies Fundraising Gala for Special Olympics Michigan, held at Detroit's historic Michigan Central Station.

True to the evening's name, guests paired formal wear with their favorite sneakers and Crocs, which made for a festive night supporting Michigan's Special Olympics athletes.

During the program, State Secretary Vern Miron addressed the audience on behalf of the Michigan Knights. He spoke about our long-standing support of Special Olympics Michigan and its athletes, which comes largely through the councils and Brother Knights across the state who take part in our annual Tootsie Roll Drive. Special Olympics Michigan thanked the Knights of Columbus from the stage and with a "Thank You" sign recognizing our support of its athletes.

Every Tootsie Roll handed out at a church door or storefront helps make moments like this possible. Thank you to every council and Brother Knight who works the drive each year. Your efforts change lives.

Vivat Jesus!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Thu, Oct 22, 2026 4:18 PM

Congratulations to St Charles Council 2084 in Greenville, named the August Council of the Month for the Diocese of Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids State Deputy Diocesan Representative John Veneklase presented the Council of the Month award to Grand Knight Robert Pratt Jr. The award recognizes the hard work of the Brother Knights of Council 2084 in serving their parish and community through faith, family, community and life.

Well done, Brother Knights of Council 2084! Is your council making a difference in your parish and community? Send us your photos and stories so we can share them with Knights across Michigan.

Vivat Jesus!

By: Michael Mandziuk - Thu, Oct 22, 2026 2:16 PM

Catholic men are invited to a free, one-day Heart of the Gospel Men's Retreat on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at St John Neumann Parish, 44800 Warren Rd., Canton.

The retreat is presented by St John Neumann Parish and St John Neumann Council 16169 of the Knights of Columbus, and is sponsored by our State Chaplain, Fr. Paul Ballien, pastor of St John Neumann. It is open to all Catholic men. You do not have to be a Knight of Columbus to attend.

Heart of the Gospel is a men's retreat developed by the Knights of Columbus together with Fr. John Riccardo and ACTS XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission, and it is offered through Cor, the Knights of Columbus parish-based men's ministry. Through dynamic video talks, Fr. Riccardo walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to embrace Christ's mission more fully. Many men know the story of the Gospel. Far fewer have felt its power in their hearts. This retreat aims to change that.

The day features:

•  5 video talks with Fr. John Riccardo

•  Discussion and prayer

•  Holy Hour and Confession

•  Continental breakfast

•  Lunch

•  Closing with the 4:30 pm Mass

Event Details

•  Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026

•  Time: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closing with the 4:30 pm Mass

•  Location: St John Neumann Parish, 44800 Warren Rd., Canton, MI

•  Who: All Catholic men

•  Cost: Free; continental breakfast and lunch included

Registration

The retreat is free, but you must register in advance because seats are limited. Register online at SignUpGenius, in person with a Knight at St John Neumann, or through the parish office at 734-455-5910. Learn more about the parish at sjncanton.org, and about the retreat from Supreme at kofc.org/gospel.

Brother Knights, please share this invitation with your councils, parishes and Cor groups, and bring a friend. Come spend a day with your brothers in Christ and encounter the Heart of the Gospel on November 21 in Canton.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 10:04 PM

St Catherine of Siena Council 6980 in Portage conducted its semi-annual MI Drive, the Knights of Columbus drive to benefit People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

A total of 58 council members and 4 family members volunteered their time at two stores on two days, and then after the weekend Masses. Over $4,000 was collected, and 6 cases of Tootsie Rolls were given out.

The following organizations will each receive over $800:

•  Kalamazoo Diocese Catholic Charities, Persons with Disabilities

•  Joseph A. Cekola Memorial Fund

•  Woods Edge Learning Center

•  ACORN (Adult Agricultural Community Options for Residential Needs)

•  Special Olympics

Thank you to the parishioners of St Catherine of Siena and to everyone who gave so generously, and thank you to the Brother Knights of Council 6980 and their families who volunteered their time to make this drive a success.

Submitted by Joe Magalski, Grand Knight, St Catherine of Siena Council 6980

By: Eugene Suchyta - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:39 PM

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, Michigan District 1 of the Fourth Degree exemplified 25 new Sir Knights to the Fourth Degree at St. John Neumann in Canton, Michigan. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Jeffrey M. Monforton, Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, was the Class Honoree.

Our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen III and new District Master Mike Page joined Vice Supreme Master Walter Winkle Jr., along with other dignitaries, in the knighting ceremony.

State Chaplain and District Friar Father Paul Ballien also attended the ceremony, which included three priests exemplified to the Fourth Degree.

Congratulations and welcome to our newest Sir Knights!

Submitted by Worthy Former District Master Gene Suchyta.

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:27 PM

Congratulations and welcome to four new Brother Knights who joined our Order during the District 118 Exemplification on September 15, 2026. The exemplification was hosted by Au Lac Council 10724 and held in the Immaculate Conception parish hall.

The new members are (left to right, first row):

•  Mike Schulte, Council 5981

•  Brandon Wade, Council 10724

•  Jim Briley, Council 856

•  Aaron Rehahn, Council 5981

Thank you to Au Lac Council 10724 for hosting, and to every Brother Knight in District 118 who helped welcome these men into our Order. Please join us in congratulating our newest Brothers in Charity, Unity and Fraternity!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Wed, Oct 21, 2026 9:19 PM

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Brother Knights in their green Knights of Columbus shirts joined the crowd at the Angels' Place Fall Fest, held at the Detroit Country Day Field House in Beverly Hills. Among those on hand were our Worthy State Deputy Charlie McCuen and First Lady Pam McCuen, our Worthy State Warden Dean Hayward, and State Deputy Special Assistant Paul Palka and Lady Margaret Palka. The festival ran from 1:00 to 4:00 PM and was held mostly indoors, so the day was set to be a good one rain or shine.

Angels' Place, based in Southfield, is a Christ-centered community that has provided loving homes and professional support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1992. Its annual Fall Fest brings residents, families, staff, and friends together for an afternoon of games and fellowship.

The field house turf was filled with activity stations, and our Knights jumped right in. Brothers were seen tossing bean bags alongside young people, sending flying discs down the field, chipping golf balls into the target net, and squaring off in a friendly game of tabletop foosball. Just as important, they took time to stop, visit, and share a laugh with the guests and families who came out for the day.

Being present matters. Afternoons like this are a simple way for Knights to live out our first principle of Charity, standing with families and showing every person the dignity and friendship they deserve.

Thank you to everyone at Angels' Place for welcoming us, and to every Brother Knight who gave up a Sunday afternoon to be part of the fun. Special thanks to First Lady Pam McCuen and Lady Margaret Palka for sharing the photos and the story.

To learn more about Angels' Place and its mission, visit angelsplace.com.

Photos courtesy of First Lady Pam McCuen and Lady Margaret Palka.