By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Jul 19, 2022 12:09 PM

This DD golf outing is OPEN to ALL current District Deputies and District Wardens / Former District Deputies and Former District Wardens.

Where: Royal Scot Golf Course 4722 W Grand River Lansing MI. 48906

When: September 24, 2022 (Registration 8:00AM/Tee off 9:00AM) Price $70.00 per Golfer Includes: 18 Holes of Golf and chance at a Door Prize

2-Man Blind Draw Scramble Format, Cart, Lunch at the turn, Dinner at Council #788

Optional: Raffles and Skins Game

Registration form may be found HERE.

For more details and reservations call: Mike Kozakiewicz, Chairman cell - 313-779-1348

Larry Grabowski, During State office hours - 586-883-9456

Checks are made payable to: MICHIGAN STATE K OF C COUNCIL

Please write in memo line: DISTRICT DEPUTY GOLF OUTING

Mail to: Mike Kozakiewicz 7030 Bison Westland MI 48185

PLEASE PASS A COPY OF THIS FLYER TO ANY DD or FDD (including current and former wardens) that you know. We are limited to 144 players.

By: John Hundiak - Sun, Jul 17, 2022 8:17 AM

The Diocesan meetings are done, and the Councils are all busy doing the work of the Order. I’d like to highlight several programs.

A great summer program is the Soccer Challenge program.  Many youths are already participating in summer leagues.  Now is the time to plan out those Council and district level events.  The State Soccer Challenge Championship will be held October 8, 2022 in Grand Rapids.  Please plan your event accordingly.

The Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest is something to be considered for your council. It is an easy program to run, yet surprisingly few councils participate.  The theme for this year should be the same as last year and will be posted on the State website.

The Knights of Columbus began the Coats for Kids Program 13 years ago.  Since that time, well over a half million coats have been distributed to families in need by councils across North America. As we approach autumn, I’d like to remind councils that there are a couple of ways that your council can support this charitable program every year.

First, councils can purchase coats through Knights Gear (and click on ‘Coats for Kids) and conduct their own event for families in your area. Guidebook 10588E/S is a great guide for putting on your own program.  This is available at Supplies Online (available in multiple languages). If a council purchases 6 cases of coats to distribute, two credits towards the Columbian Award can be obtained, or one credit for lesser amounts.

Second, if your council doesn’t have the resources and/or location to conduct your own drive, you can support the Michigan State Council’s Coats for Kids events. The Michigan State Council conducts events across Michigan, and your council’s donation can help purchase more coats for these distributions. Simply send a check payable to: ‘Michigan State Council’ with Coats for Kids indicated in the memo line to:

John Hundiak State Community Director

2439 Westwood Drive Rochester Hills, MI 48306

 A suggested minimum donation of $50 will enable your council to claim 1 credit towards the Columbian Award, or if your council donates at least the cost of 6 cases, 2 credits can be claimed. This is an easy way to support a great program. At your next council meeting, please consider helping our Michigan State Council’s efforts to bring durable, warm coats to children that may not otherwise have them.

Casey the Teddy Bear stuffed animals are in stock and available for councils to purchase. The cost remains at $120 per case of 12, and I can quickly get them to you. Simply send me an order form and payment and your council will receive these teddy bears that are a great way to promote our order. Councils use them in a variety of ways such as baptism gifts, supplying them to first responders, distributing them at hospitals, etc. Families appreciate these simple acts of kindness and they leave a lasting impression on recipients.

Please fill out the Knight of the Month/Year form and submit them. Surely your council has a deserving brother knight that devotes his time and talents to your parish and community. This is a great way to provide recognition for members. While a significant number of councils regularly submit knights of the month, a surprising number of councils don’t take advantage of this program. It takes little time to fill out a small number of fields on the form and email it, there’s no reason not to recognize one of our brothers for their contributions. It REALLY is important to them and their families.

Our state Free Throw and Spelling Bee championships will again be held in March. Please coordinate with your District Deputy to make sure that your council youth event is held prior to a district or diocesan championship.

There is information on additional programs on the State and Supreme websites. I will highlight more programs in the future.

Thank you and have a successful fraternal year.,

John Hundiak State Community Director

“I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me…..”

By: Gary Merritt - Sat, Jul 16, 2022 11:49 AM

Marty Brown Region 3 SDRR presents a check of $3,000.00 to Paula Vaneklase Director and Amy Kelly  Development Coordinator of HELP Pregnancy Aid from St. Vincent DePaul Council #4404 in Conklin, Marty’s home council.

The funds were raised with various council programs and will be designated for the Expanding Our Possibilities capital campaign.

By: Ed Strach - Fri, Jul 8, 2022 3:57 PM

Webcast Thursday, July 14

Brothers and Families,

I have BIG news to share. Right now, Planned Parenthood and its well-funded political allies are working on a multifaceted approach to silence the pro-life movement in Michigan. 

We are partnering with Protect Life Michigan to host an important online event, where you'll have the opportunity to seize this historic opportunity to END the death grip the abortion industry has on our state. 

You may view the You Tube replay HERE

DETAILS: 

• What: “Stop Abortion Extremism” Webcast
• Date: You Tube replay link
• Time: 8 PM
• Cost: FREE

During our time together at this FREE webcast, you'll discover... 

• BREAKING NEWS about the abortion industry’s scheme to silence the pro-life movement once and for all
• OUR PLAN to keep the abortion industry OUT of our communities
• The 3 things you can do to STOP abortion extremism … in under 5 minutes!

...you'll experience a convicting time with other pro-life Michiganders to put a stop to Planned Parenthood's radical abortion agenda! 

 As Knights of Columbus, we must have the courage to defend life and support our pro-life partners. You and your council’s efforts are needed at this critical time. Join us on this webcast to stay informed and focus our time and talents to defend life.

 If you have a computer or mobile device and an Internet connection, you can easily join us.

 Ed Strach Life Director

Michigan State Council

Knights of Columbus

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Jul 5, 2022 11:51 AM

The State Summer Leadership Conference was held at Treetops Convention Center in Gaylord from Friday July 1 to Sunday July 3, 2022.

The conference began with Mass on Friday afternoon at the Cathedral of Gaylord, St. Mary of Mount Carmel. We were honored to have Bishop Walsh celebrate the Mass for us.

For the first year District Deputies the conference began on Thursday June 30 with workshops to get them up to speed. Along with our State Directors, sessions were hosted by Supreme Regional Training Consultant Jon Olson and Supreme Regional Growth Director, our own PSD William Chasse.

The workshops continued on Friday and Saturday morning to explain the State and Supreme expectations of the councils of our jurisdiction.

For the Masses and sessions in the main room our Mother Mary was always recognized in the form as a statuette of Our Lady of the Assumption.

Before dinner on Saturday, we had the pleasure of Mass in the center celebrated our State Chaplain Fr. Logan were he stressed the defense of our faith and morals by our modern day knights the Knights of Columbus.

Of course, the conference was not all work. Saturday evening there was time to relax and take advantage of a Polynesian themed Luau with our families.

A blind auction put together by the State wives raised over $2400.00 for charity.

The State Deputy Chris Kolomjec closed the conference with an address after breakfast to the Knights, wives, and family emphasizing our commitment to Faith and Family to assist in growing our Catholic Church.

By: Gary Merritt - Thu, Jun 30, 2022 3:53 PM

Eugene E. Poupard has the distinction of being one of the oldest Brothers in our order. 

Eugene has been a member of the 4^th Degree Raisin River Assembly #0488, since February 1^st, 1961. A graduate of the class of 1940 at Monroe High School. While serving the United States Army during World War II he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze star. He and his wife Alice were married for 73 years until she passed away on March 26, 2019. Together they were parents of 12 children who blessed them with 36 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. 

There were approximately 250 family and friends in attendance at a party in his honor hosted by his family at the Knights of Columbus Hall of Council #1266 on June 25^th, 2022.

To quote Eugene, “I am thankful for the life that I have, and I thank the Good Lord daily to be so fortunate.”

Julian Rios

Grand Knight: Monroe Council #1266

By: John Hundiak - Wed, Jun 29, 2022 5:27 PM

JOIN US as Detroit welcomes the single largest unified sporting event next month: The 2022 Unified Cup presented by Toyota! 

Over 20 teams representing up to 24 nations will take the field from July 31st - August 6th in unified soccer competition.

BE A FAN! Stan

The Real Estate One Charitable Foundation is sponsoring the "Fans in the Stands" experience, which allows groups to sign-up to be the local fans cheering-on the international teams participating in the Unified Cup.

What types of groups can sign up?

Corporate teams, sports organizations, civic groups, church/youth groups, families, friend groups; ALL are welcome to sign-up for "Fans in the Stands!"

What is the process?

Have your "Group Leader" sign-up using the link below to select which time slot your group would like to attend. We will send you a message from fans@somi.org with a spreadsheet that you can use for signing up your entire group. We will email parking instructions and info to all attendees approximately one week before the event.

When and where can we be "Fans in the Stands"?

Time slots for FREE attendance are available at the Corner Ballpark (Detroit - Corktown) and Schoolcraft College (Livonia) on the following dates:

·  Monday, August 1 (group stage)

·  Tuesday, August 2 (group stage)

·  Thursday, August 4 (semi-finals)

·  Friday, August 5 (Div. 2 & 3 finals)

What is the process? WeFANS IN THE STANDS: SIGN-UP

 50% OFF

Special Offer: Buy your spectator tickets to attend the Division 1 finals at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday, August 6th for half-off using the following code for our "first fans" to sign up!

FINALS TICKETS

 Discount code: FIRSTFANS

By: Gary Merritt - Tue, Jun 28, 2022 8:39 AM

Archbishop William E. Lori

WASHINGTON  -- The U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade is "tremendously important" for the nation and the cause of life, but it's not "a day simply for celebration," said the chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Pro-Life Activities and the Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus.

"As happy as we may be over this decision," Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said, "I think it is also important for us to recognize our need, our obligation to redouble our efforts to help women in difficult pregnancies."

The archbishop made the comments in an interview via Zoom shortly after the court handed down its ruling June 24.

In addition, the U.S. bishops in 2020 launched a new initiative called "Walking with Moms in Need," which aims to engage every Catholic parish "in providing a safety net to ensure that pregnant and parenting moms have the resources, love and support they need to nurture the lives of their children."

You may read the entire article from CNS on Detroit Catholic - HERE

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 26, 2022 11:03 AM

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly

My Brother Knights:

After nearly 50 years, the wrong decision that was made in Roe v. Wade has been set right. The Supreme Court’s historic decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’ Health Organization overturning both Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, is a watershed moment in the movement that generations of Knights of Columbus have worked and prayed for. Indeed, it is one of the most significant advancements in human rights in our nation’s history.

We are grateful and encouraged by the Court’s finding that abortion is not a “constitutional right.” But we must not think that today is a day to declare victory. Instead, I call upon every member of the Knights of Columbus to redouble their personal efforts to build up the Culture of Life that St. John Paul II described in his prophetic encyclical letter Evangelium Vitae.

With Roe reversed, federal advocacy to protect unborn life is still necessary, but the decision opens wide the doors for states to consider their own abortion laws as well. Many states have laws that immediately protect unborn human life. Others have taken regrettable steps to make themselves “sanctuaries” for abortion-on-demand. Pregnancy resources centers will become even more vital as they reach out to serve pregnant women, new mothers and their children.

In the months and years ahead, Knights should work to support — or start — marches for life in every state. Another critical action we can all take is to increase our support for pregnancy resource centers in our communities. To that end, the Supreme Council has announced a $5 million campaign to support new mothers and their children through a new program: ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy). These pregnancy centers and maternity homes are now the front lines of the pro-life movement, and Knights should continue to stand and serve with them. You can support this effort by making a donation today.

Even before the Dobbs decision was officially released, we saw numerous instances of violence and vandalism targeted at pregnancy resource centers and Catholic churches across the country. Let us find our response in the words Pope Francis addressed to the 2021 Supreme Convention, which called on us to be men “committed to building up rather than tearing down, promoting healing and reconciliation in place of hatred and recrimination, and inviting all to undertake the ‘journey of fraternity’ that can lead to a world ever more in accord with God’s saving plan for our human family.”

Finally, we must continue to pray and fast for the end of abortion. How fitting it is that the Dobbs decision arrived on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us pray in thanksgiving for this decision, and continue to implore the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe as we work to build a Culture of Life in which every human life, made in the image and likeness of God, is welcomed in life and protected in law.

Fraternally,

Patrick E. Kelly

Supreme Knight

By: Gary Merritt - Sun, Jun 26, 2022 11:02 AM

State Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien

We should take this time “to celebrate that our many years of hard work in fighting for life has achieved a victory in striking down Roe v. Wade. While we should give praise to God for that, there is still more work to be done in the states to ensure that babies in the womb are protected. Thank you to all the Knights that have helped promote the pro-life cause and let us all keep up those efforts! 

God Bless!

The following is a statement of Archbishop Vigneron with the support of our State Deputy Walter Winkle

June 24, 2022 – Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:

“While the decision announced today by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cause for praise and thanks to God, it does not mean our work is over. I join my brother bishops in Michigan in affirming that the Church must redouble her efforts to ensure every woman, child, and family has the support necessary to thrive in pregnancy, early childhood, and beyond.

"In the Archdiocese of Detroit, we have partnered with Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan to launch Walking With Moms in Need, which equips Catholic parishes and parishioners to assist pregnant and parenting mothers. We seek to address and resolve the struggles women and families face, rather than contributing to the “throwaway culture” that proposes eliminating people as an acceptable solution.

"As we renew and redouble our efforts, let us continue to pray unceasingly for all pregnant women and their children, that they know the love of Christ as shared through the witness borne by you, me, and all Catholics.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us."

Brother Knights,

Yesterday's Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was a historic moment for the Defense of Life. While we took time to celebrate and thank God for this decision, we must be vigilant in our efforts to stand with our pro-life pregnancy centers to ensure they can continue their mission to serve women during and after pregnancy. 

There have been several instances of pro-life pregnancy centers being vandalized and defaced. We have been advised by the Supreme Council to ensure the safety of our members by refraining from acting as "security guards" for pro-life pregnancy centers. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty is greatly appreciated. However, our members are not trained as security guards and your safety is paramount and our focus is on your well-being. 

We as members and families of the Knights of Columbus should also continue in our support of these centers through our prayers, talents and generosity. Over the next several months we will be sharing with you new initiatives from the Knights of Columbus and United State Catholic Conference of Bishops that will require our focus and support.

Thank You for Rising Up and Answering the Call for Life!

State Deputy Walter Winkle

State Life Director Ed Strach