National Do Something Nice Day
By: Gary Kolbicz -
Thu, Oct 3, 2024 9:17 AM
OCTOBER 5th IS NATIONAL DO SOMETHING NICE DAY
Make your friends and family smile this October 5th on National "Do Something Nice Day". This day encourages us to perform acts of kindness for strangers or loved ones — or both! It’s easy to become so caught up in our own stresses and struggles that we forget to show kindness to others. This day is a great reminder that doing good deeds makes the world better — and might even help you better manage your own troubles in the process.
National Do Something Nice Day Activities:
Get involved in a local organization in your community. If you’re having trouble deciding how or where to volunteer, consider what your strongest skills are and how you can use them to help others. If you’re great at construction, lend a hand to Habitat For Humanity. If you’re a web developer, offer your coding skills to a charitable organization that needs a website revamp or teach local kids some programming basics. In most communities, there are local soup kitchens or homeless shelters that can always use the help of kind, compassionate people.
Extend a small gesture of kindness to let a stranger know you care. Pay the bill of the person behind you in line at the coffee shop. If you see someone crying alone in public, offer them a tissue or — if the situation calls for it — some other kind of assistance. If someone thanks you for your good deed, ask them to pay it forward by helping someone else who needs it when the time is right. No matter what, keep spreading goodwill!
3. Call someone just to tell them you care
Call someone you care about out of the blue, just to let them know how much they mean to you. It just might make their day! If you know someone who is going through a hard time in life, gently check in with them and let them know they're on your mind. If you can swing it, send them a bouquet or drop off a homemade meal. Your personalized attention can make a world of difference.
In short: BE the reason someone is smiling!
Grand Rapids 2024 Soccer Challenge
By: Randy Kinsey -
Wed, Sep 25, 2024 2:31 PM
GRAND RAPIDS DIOCESAN SOCCER CHALLENGE
By Randy Kinsey, Diocesan Program Director - Grand Rapids/North
The Grand Rapids Diocesan Soccer Challenge was held on Saturday, September 21st at Sacred Heart in Grand Rapids, sponsored by Sacred Heart of Jesus Council #13641.
Congratulations to the Winners!
Age 10, Brendan Hull, #8117, District 311
Age 11, Liam Ashby, #13641, District 313
Age 12, Carson Morehouse, #7487, District 313
Age 9, Astrid Kennedy, #13641, District 313
Age 10, Julia Rogovich, #13641, District 313
Age 13, Elliot Covelle, #8117, District 311
Sincere thanks to GK Jackson Bargenquast, FS Jason Bargenquast, and PGK Mike Menardie of the host council for doing an outstanding job hosting and supporting the event. Thanks also to SDRR Marty Brown, DD Bob Wassick, DD Rich Olszewski, DD Fred Kraemer, DD Greg Grzegorski, and DD Sam Chansler for helping out with registration, judging, scoring and rebounding balls, making this a truly "Diocesan" and successful event!
Community News Update Sept 22 2024
By: Larry Herman -
Sun, Sep 22, 2024 9:07 PM
COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE
Fall is here and it is time to make sure that children around the State of Michigan have warm coats. Yes, the Coats for Kids program is well underway and the response from councils statewide has been nothing short of phenomenal! Councils have risen to Fr. McGivney’s call to care for widows and orphans. As of this writing, councils have submitted checks totaling over $107,000 for the program. Every diocese has contributed to this event. Distributions sites are being set up and the goal is to get all the coats on the backs of kids by the end of October. This is a marvelous example of Charity, the Order’s first and foremost principle. Congratulations to everyone who has participated in showing the world what the Knights are all about.
There is news about the Casey Bear Program. The Bears are back in stock and I am working on fulfilling the orders that I currently have. Please send check and order forms to the address on the order form. The order form can be found by clicking here
Don’t forget these key dates for this Fraternal Year; everyone is invited:
*State Soccer Championship Finals
Saturday October 5, 2024
Registration: 12pm, Competition: 1pm
St John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
*State Essay Contest Forms Submission
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Email copy to Larry Herman at l.herman@mikofc.org
*State Spelling Bee Championship Finals
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Registration: 12pm, Competition 1pm
Fr. Van Rooy Council 2470, 1021 Woodside Avenue, Essexville, MI 48732
*State Free Throw Championship Finals
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Registration: 12pm, Competition: 1pm
Sacred Heart Parish Gym, 319 E. Illinois St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Be Blessed and stay warm!
Larry Herman
State Community Director
Fall is the Season of Change and Membership
By: Ken Warzybok -
Sun, Sep 22, 2024 9:53 AM
September 22nd marks the arrival of Autumn 2024, bringing with it cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and pumpkin spice at every corner!
As the season of change, Fall is the perfect opportunity to bring a positive shift into your life. The Knights of Columbus offer a welcoming space for Catholic men seeking to make a positive impact. Membership in our Order will enhance your life in ways you cannot imagine.
Our Michigan Bishops are strongly encouraging every Catholic man to prayerfully consider joining the ranks of the Knights of Columbus.
Make this Fall your opportunity to be part of a larger, purpose-driven community! Join the Knights of Columbus today at
kofc.org/joinus and become a vital force in our charitable mission!
A Message from our Bishops throughout Michigan
By: Douglas Kokot -
Sat, Sep 21, 2024 11:59 AM
Greetings Brothers,
This is Doug Kokot, your State Membership Director. I have exciting news: Our Bishops are putting their support with us as we continue to grow our Michigan Jurisdiction by announcing the Bishops Invitation. Our Michigan Bishops have sent out a letter to all parish pastors announcing their support and encouragement to join the Knights of Columbus. The Bishops' Invitation letter is included below.
Worthy Grand Knights, collaborate with your parish office to determine the parish’s preference for the Bishops’ invitation weekend. During that weekend, your council should provide men at masses and parish events to answer questions and invite Men to join the Knights of Columbus on behalf of their Bishop. Your District Deputy will be following up with you to answer any questions and assist you as needed.
REMEMBER: It's not too late to invite men to join us on behalf of our Bishops!
Thank You for all you do,
Vivat Jesus
“SOAR With Us”
Douglas D. Kokot
State Membership Director
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Dear Brothers in Christ,
We Catholic men are called to a life of service. We are called to care for our families, serve our communities, and participate in the life of the Church. This call to service is answered on a regular basis by the men who are the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney, a young priest who saw a needin his parish. His solution to the problems facing Catholic Americans at that time has become an organization of over 2 million members who live their faith through charitable works, defending the faith, and caring for their families.
The Knights of Columbus, which began in the parish of St. Mary’s in New Haven, Connecticut, are now active in 16 countries. Last year the Knights donated more than $185 million and 50 million man-hours to charity.
As a Knight of Columbus myself, I have personally witnessed the tremendous work that these men accomplish in our diocese. However, the work is never done, and for the Knights to continue their good works of charity the organization needs to grow. I strongly encourage every man in this diocese who is a practicing Catholic and is at least 18 years of age to prayerfully consider joining the ranks of this exemplary organization.
Members of the Knights of Columbus will be available in parishes after Masses on a weekend in September with more information. Please take some time to visit with these men so that you may join us in our mission to promote the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Membership in the Knights of Columbus will enhance your life in ways you cannot imagine.
Yours in Christ,
The Bishops of Michigan
