Pass the Hat at the State Convention
By: Matthew Wierzgac -
Wed, May 7, 2025 5:34 PM
As we prepare for the 125 th State Convention next month this is a reminder that the “Pass the Hat” Aid & Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) Supreme incentive is back again this year. This will mark the third year of the Supreme Council’s initiative and incentive to support pregnancy centers throughout the Order.
Results from the “Pass the Hat” incentive for Michigan in the past two years have been wonderful. During this time councils, personal donations and the state council have combined to raise a total of $171,740. With the Supreme Council’s incentive of $36,800 has resulted in a total of $208,540 donated to Heart of Christ Clinic in Detroit. With the doors of the clinic open for only over a year and a half these funds were critical to its start-up and successful growth in the future.
Why is this important? All funds collected at the State Convention will provide our designated ASAP location, Heart of Christ Clinic, the necessary funds to continue providing Catholic based health care. This is the model for future Heart of Christ Clinics in other dioceses.
What can you do? Promote and vote (if necessary) on Pass the Hat funds at your council meeting.
What next? Have your check payable to: Michigan State Council, memo: ASAP.
Bring your check to the State Convention or mail to: Ed Strach, Life Director, 522 Berkshire, Saline, MI 48176 by Monday, May 12, 2025. I
Let’s continue our work of Service and Optimism for Heart of Christ Clinic to Aspire to continue providing Responsible health care to those in need.
Thanks,
SK Matthew Wierzgac, FDD, PGK, PFN
State Program Director
Exemplification/Travel Marshal – MI District 2
Council 10963
M: 734.323.5888
H: 248.504.8096
m.wierzgac@mikofc.org
32nd Annual DAVL DInner
By: Michael Cousins -
Mon, May 5, 2025 4:34 PM
The 32nd annual Detroit Archdiocesan Vocations League (DAVL) dinner was held on Sunday night, May 4th at Zuccaro's Banquet Center in Chesterfield, MI.
Fr. Anthony Camilerri was the keynote speaker and gave a wonderful presentation about his own journey to the Priesthood as well as how vocations come from the family.
Over three hundred people attended, with Polish food being catered and raffles and prizes to help with the fundraising.
Chairman Greg Brunson and the committee did an excellent job with the dinner and presentations.
Thank you all for your support!
Pere Marquette Kayak/Canoe/Walk Pilgrimage - May 18th
By: Matt Hoxsie -
Mon, May 5, 2025 4:07 PM
Council 1492 will be hosting a Pere Marquette Kayak/Canoe/Walk Pilgrimage on May 18th, the 350th anniversary of Pere Marquette's death.
For those that are kayaking, please bring your kayak and meet at the Pere Marquette Conservation Park boat launch by 12:15pm. We will start the kayak pilgrimage from there at 12:30pm, then kayak along the South shore to the Memorial Cross Shrine. We'll dress for the weather (bring a raincoat, shell, etc. if needed). With it being the anniversary, those who would like to dress in historic garb for the kayak trip, feel free to. We'll start the Rosary at the Pere Marquette Memorial Cross Shrine at about 1:30pm.
For those not kayaking, please meet at the Cross Shrine by 1:30pm. The wider community has been invited to be at the Cross Shine at 2:00pm. At that time we'll have a presentation with some dressed in historic clothing, have coffee and donuts, maybe have a parade around the Cross Shrine grounds, etc.. After the event, those who kayaked will kayak back to the Pere Marquette Conservation Park starting point.
Jim Dennis, GK 1492
Email: gk1492@mikofc.org
Detroit Tigers Fraternal & Family K of C Day 2025
By: Michael A. Kozakiewicz -
Mon, May 5, 2025 3:04 PM
Come join us at the Michigan State Council Fraternal & Family K of C Tiger Day 2025!
Detroit Tigers vs. Los Angeles Angels
Saturday, August 9th, 2025 - 6:10pm
DO NOT CONTACT THE TIGERS BOX OFFICE- USE THE FORM BELOW TO ORDER!
- Lower Baseline Box Seats are $47.00 each
- Mezzanine Seats are $25.00 each
All ticket requests must include payment in full. Orders which do not include payment will not be processed.
Make all checks payable to the MICHIGAN STATE COUNCIL with Tiger Day on the memo line.
ALL TICKET REQUESTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SATURDAY JULY 12TH!
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 313-779-1348.
Mike Kozakewicz –Chief of Fraternal Activities
A reflection from our State Chaplain as we prepare for the Conclave
By: Matt Hoxsie -
Mon, May 5, 2025 2:26 PM
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In last Sunday's Gospel, we heard Jesus ask Peter, "Do you love me?" When Peter responded Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep." How providential that this is the Gospel passage proclaimed as the Church prepares for another successor of Peter. The cardinals will begin the papal conclave on Wednesday. Let's ask for St. Peter's intercession that they would be docile to the Holy Spirit in their deliberations. Let us pray that our new holy father would love Jesus and care for the flock as St. Peter did. Let's give thanks to God for the gift of our faith and trust that Jesus will always guide the Church.
In Christ,
Father Andy
State Chaplain
Introduction to new State Public Relations Director
By: Matt Hoxsie -
Fri, May 2, 2025 10:15 PM
Introduction to State PR Director, Matt Hoxsie
Worthies All!
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Matt Hoxsie and I have recently accepted the appointment of State Public Relations Director. I will be working with the State Council, District Deputies, and all local Councils to help promote all of the good works that our Order does across the State of Michigan, as well as help waterfall information from the State Council to all of the members of our great Order in Michigan.
Brother Ken Warzybok preceded me in this role, and I hope to live up to the standards that Ken set. Ken always did a great job of capturing all the AWESOME programs and activities that you and your Councils performed and somehow managed to stay on top of information that was sent his way.. We will surely miss Ken. Please continue to pray for Ken and the repose of his soul, as well as keep his family in your prayers.
A little about me.. I am the current District Deputy of District 118 in the Detroit East Region and immediate PGK of Anchor Bay Council 5981. I have been a member of the Order for twenty years. In addition to being an active member in Council 5981, I am also a member of the Fourth Degree in Our Lady on the Lakes Assembly 2804. I have been married to my bride, Laurie for twenty-seven years, and we have two children, Noah and Elenah. Both Noah and Elenah have recently graduated college and are now starting their professional careers, and Lady Laurie and I are trying to figure out what life will look like as “empty nesters”.
If you know me, you know that I love staying busy… In addition to all of my work with my Council and the Councils in District 118, I also volunteer for other activities and organization. I am a Lead Coach for the FIRST Robotics Team at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School in Marine City. I love sports and am the “Stats Guy” for Cardinal Mooney’s Varsity Football Team and you can usually find me in the media booth every Friday or Saturday during football season with a clipboard in hand. Lastly, I am an Assistant Scoutmaster in a Boy Scout Troop that takes fifty Scouts every year to Mackinac Island where we live on the Island for a week, perform service projects, and act as the Governor’s Honor Guard. My passion is working with and coaching teenagers.
As the State PR Director, I would like to work with you and your Councils to showcase all of the good work that you do. If your Council recently completed a program, please take pictures and send me an email and tell me about it. I’ll be sure the work is promoted on our State Website and Social Media. I would be more than happy to feature any Faith in Action program, Membership Initiative, Fraternal Benefit Event, or special occasion. As a policy, I cannot promote any individual Council’s fundraisers on our platforms beforehand, but I would be more than happy to show pictures and the impact that your fundraisers have had in your community, especially if you can send me a few pictures.
Feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions or any ideas for topics that you would like to see posted. If you see me at an event, please come up and introduce yourself.
God Bless and Vivat Jesus!
SK Matt Hoxsie, DD118, PGK5981
State Public Relations Director
Email: m.hoxsie@mikofc.org
Homeless No More Fundraiser - May 8th
By: Matt Hoxsie -
Fri, May 2, 2025 9:49 PM
Dear Friends,
The 17th Annual Homeless No More Reception is just around the corner—Thursday, May 8 from 5:30–7:30 PM at Lansing Brewing Company—and your support is needed now more than ever.
In just the first quarter of 2025, New Hope Community Center served 13,568 meals, provided shelter to 159 adults, housed 32 adults and 17 children, and supported 32 veterans in crisis.
If you haven’t donated yet, please consider doing so today—or share this event with someone who can. Every gift brings hope to our neighbors in need.
Watch this short video to see the impact:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2800326240175313
Let’s finish strong—together.
With thanks,
On behalf of Holy Cross Services & the Homeless No More Committee
Champions Walk Detroit
By: Matt Hoxsie -
Fri, May 2, 2025 9:18 PM
TWO WEEKS until our new Champions Together Walk,
supporting local SOMI Athletes!
JOIN US to help raise funds and awareness for local kids and adults with intellectual disabilities! Event is just $25/person and includes a t-shirt!
- Date: Sunday, May 18th
- Location: Tin Roof Detroit
- Details: Walk alongside Special Olympics athletes, corporate teams, and community supporters through the Stadium District to promote inclusion and raise critical funds for our programs. Registration is $25 per participant (includes t-shirt) with a suggested $100 fundraising goal.
- Route is a 3/4-mile loop in the Stadium District, with GREAT photo opportunities along the way! Participants can choose to walk the loop one or more times!
- Check-In Opens @ 11:30am
- Walk begins @ 1:00pm
WHO CAN JOIN?
- Individual walkers
- Local Special Olympics programs / families
- Corporate / department teams
- Family teams
- Community groups / civic partners
- ANYONE!!
This is a great way to get moving, visit Downtown Detroit, and support our Athletes! All funds will directly fund our state events.
REGISTER HERE
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
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The Champions Together Walk is also an excellent opportunity to consider additional sponsorship options that showcase your dedication to our mission or to make your annual gift in an impactful way.
To discuss team registration or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Bridget Ryley bridget.ryley@somi.org directly. Together, we can continue to create a brighter future for our athletes in Southeast Michigan.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. We look forward to celebrating inclusion and community spirit with you once again.
Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities
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REGISTER AT:
www.SOMI.org/Walk
