Council 6980 in Kalamazoo District 406 held an Exemplification Ceremony on Sunday, April 19th 2026 in the Trinity Chapel at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Portage. We are excited to welcome three new Brother Knights to Council 6980 – Michael Kraft, Jared Richardson and Koen Suender!
Pictured above - Left to Right: Council 6980 Grand Knight Joe Magalski; Council 6980 Degree Team Members Dan Kloosterman and Jeff Phelan; Council 6980 New Brother Knight Jared Richardson; Council 6980 Chaplain Fr. Joseph Abraham; Council 6980 New Brother Knights Michael Kraft and Koen Suender; Council 6980 Degree Team Member Steve Borchert; District Deputy 406 John Byrnes; Kalamazoo Diocese SDRR Nick Zafer; Supreme Assistant General Agent Doug Nurenberg.
Please click here to download the flyer for the outing to share with your Councils, Friends, and Family:
In a powerful example of community service and brotherhood in action, members of Knights of Columbus Council 7487 (Bishop Fulton Sheen) in Jenison recently partnered with Solid Rock Ministries of Zeeland to build an ADA-accessible ramp for the wife of a fellow Knight.
The Helping Hands Project was sparked by a simple but urgent need: following surgery, the wife faced significant challenges entering and exiting her home safely. Recognizing the situation, her husband’s brother Knights mobilized to provide a solution that would restore her independence and peace of mind.
Solid Rock Ministries played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the effort. The organization secured all necessary permits, carefully designed the ramp to meet ADA standards, and sourced the required materials. Their preparation ensured that the project would proceed efficiently and safely.
With plans in place, members of Council 7487 stepped in to bring the vision to life. Armed with tools, skills, and a shared commitment to service, the brother Knights dedicated a full day to constructing the ramp. Through teamwork and determination, they completed the build in just one day—transforming what could have been a prolonged hardship into a swift and meaningful act of support.
The collaboration highlighted the strengths of both groups: Solid Rock Ministries’ organizational expertise and the Knights’ willingness to serve through hands-on labor. More importantly, it demonstrated the deep sense of fraternity that defines the Knights of Columbus—men supporting one another and their families in times of need.
For the recipient and her family, the ramp represents more than just accessibility; it is a symbol of compassion, faith, and community. For those who participated, it stands as a reminder that even a single day of service can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
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¡Saludos Hermanos y Hermanas!
El sábado 18 de abril, el Sacred Heart Major Seminary se convirtió en un lugar de poderoso encuentro cuando 157 hombres de toda la Arquidiócesis de Detroit se reunieron para la 17ª Conferencia Anual de Hombres Hispanos. El día estuvo marcado por la fe, la fraternidad y la renovación espiritual, centrado en una verdad sencilla pero profunda: Cristo es Rey y la verdadera fuente de nuestra fuerza.
Uno de los resultados más inspiradores del día fue la respuesta entusiasta al llamado al servicio. Treinta hombres decidieron dar el siguiente paso en su camino de fe al unirse a los Caballeros de Colón. Su decisión refleja no solo el deseo de crecer espiritualmente, sino también de estar en solidaridad con otros hombres católicos comprometidos con la caridad, la unidad y la fraternidad.
Equipo de Crecimiento de Membresía
Pona Magaña – Director Supremo de Desarrollo Hispano, Doug Kokot – Director Estatal de Membresía, Martin Brown – Representante Regional del Diputado Estatal de Grand Rapids, Julio Salinas – Director Estatal de Alcance Hispano y Armando Figueroa – Consejo 14598
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
On Saturday, April 18, Sacred Heart Major Seminary became a place of powerful encounter as 157 men from across the Archdiocese of Detroit gathered for the 17th Annual Hispanic Men’s Conference. The day was marked by faith, fraternity, and spiritual renewal, centered on a simple yet profound truth: Christ is King and the true source of our strength.
One of the most inspiring outcomes of the day was the enthusiastic response to the call to service. Thirty men chose to take the next step in their faith journey by joining the Knights of Columbus. Their decision reflects a desire not only to grow spiritually but also to stand in solidarity with other Catholic men committed to charity, unity, and fraternity.
Membership Growth Team
Pona Magana – Supreme Hispanic Development Director, Doug Kokot – State Membership Director, Martin Brown – Grand Rapids State Deputy Regional Representative, Julio Salinas – State Hispanic Outreach Director and Armando Figueroa – Council 14598
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On July 4, 2026, the Michigan Knights of Columbus will gather to install our new State Officers. This important ceremony marks the beginning of a new fraternal year and honors the men who have stepped forward to lead our Order in service to Christ, the Church, and our communities across Michigan.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th Birthday of our nation—making this Installation a truly historic occasion.
One of the best ways to support this celebration is by participating in the Installation Ad Book.
The Ad Book serves as:
• A commemorative record of this historic moment
• A visible sign of unity across Michigan
• A way to honor and support our State leadership
When your council, assembly, or business places an ad, it sends a powerful message that Michigan Knights stand together — “We Are One.”
Your participation helps:
• Support a dignified and memorable Installation ceremony
• Showcase your council or assembly’s charitable works
• Provide businesses an opportunity to visibly support the Knights and our mission
We encourage every council, assembly, and Catholic-friendly business to participate.
Reserve your ad and review full details here:
2026 Installation Ad Book Letter
Cut off here if space is limited.... (Bonus material)
The process is simple, and everything you need is included in the document:
• Ad Contract
• Instructions for submission
• Contact information for assistance
Please act soon and help us build a strong and unified Ad Book worthy of this historic celebration.
Together, let us demonstrate that Michigan Knights truly are united — “We Are One.”
Thank you for your continued support.
Vivat Jesus!
Joe Langhauser
Ad Book Co-Chairman
947-999-2286
Gary Kolbicz
Ad Book Co-Chairman
586-939-3886
Michigan State Council
Knights of Columbus
For more information reachout to any member of the Installation Ad Book Committee:
Bob Bodine
Bill Leveque
Joe Yekulis
Bob Bagley
Robert Wassik
Larry Herman
Roger Markham (DD201)
Bradley Covaleski (DD705)
Richard Gilles (DD702)
Wally Papciak
Matt Hoxsie (DD118)
Gary Mallia (DD112)
Michael King (DD106)
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Joseph G Langhauser
State Training Director
947-999-2286
To read the full article and watch the video, please click this link:
Michigan Knights hold Ceremony Honoring Veterans
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - The Michigan Knights of Columbus remembered and honored veterans today.
The organization held a ceremony where 65 men became Sir Knights of the Fourth Degree.
Also known as the Patriotic Degree, they pledged to support the U.S. Constitution and be active patriots. They answer the call to serve and contribute where they can.
“Well, we’re not all called to be active military, but we can all do our part to support them and to support our country,” said Barry Borsenik, state deputy of Michigan Knights of Columbus.
Over 60,000 Knights of Columbus reside in Michigan. They participate in charitable activities across 400 councils around the state.
