Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:40 AM

Michigan Knights Stand with St. Louis Center at the 2026 Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest

 

The Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus proudly supported the 30th Annual Guardian Angel Fall Harvest Fest to benefit St. Louis Center in Chelsea. The event, hosted by the Italian American Club of Livonia, included Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a festive afternoon of dinner, music, dancing, prize drawings, and fellowship from noon to 5:00 p.m. on September 13.

 

St. Louis Center is a private, nonprofit residential community serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in an intentional, faith-based setting. Founded in 1960 when Cardinal John Dearden invited the Servants of Charity (founded by St. Louis Guanella) to care for boys with special needs, the Center has grown into a CARF-accredited village on a 180-acre campus west of Chelsea. Its mission is simple and profound: to recognize the God-given dignity of every person and help each resident live a full, supported life.

 

Michigan Knights have walked with St. Louis Center for decades. Councils across the state contribute through the Intellectual Disabilities Drive (Tootsie Roll campaign), golf outings, Christmas visits, coats and gifts for residents, volunteer service, and major State Council gifts. Over the last decade the Knights have given more than $1.7 million to the Center, including support for operations, facilities, and benevolent care—the gap between government reimbursements and the true cost of loving, round-the-clock care.

 

Among those representing the Order at this year’s Harvest Fest were Past State Deputy Kenneth Unterbrink and Mary; SDRR Ray Bilyk and Jennifer; Michigan Columbian Editor Gary Kolbicz and Marie; Sue Vittorini; Joann VanEenoo; and SDSA Paul Palka and Margaret.

 

 

The Michigan State Council’s presence was also marked by a formal recognition plaque listing State Chaplain Rev. Paul Ballien and the current state officer couples, underscoring that support for St. Louis Center is a priority from the highest levels of the Michigan jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

Our Lady on the River Council 856 celebrates Corporate Communion in Algonac!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:25 AM

 

On Saturday, September 19th, Our Lady on the River Council 856 hosted a Corporate Communion at St. Catherine's Church in Algonac.   The mass was celebrated by Reverend John Dumas and Brothers from four Councils were in attendance.   (Msgr Kromenaker 2251, Anchor Bay 5981, and Au Lac 10724 were all represented to celebrate with Council 856.)

The Fourth Degree Color Corps from St. Mary on the Lake Assembly 2804 provided an honor guard as well.

After mass, the Council hosted an Ice Cream social for the community to celebrate.

Council 856 plans to celebrate two more Corporate Communions this year, one at Holy Cross Church in Marine City, and another at St. Mark's Chapel on Harsen's Island.

Chalice Blessed in Memory of Fr. Nicholas Zukowski

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 11:13 AM

 

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, parishioners, family, friends, and Brother Knights gathered at St. Martin de Porres Church in Warren for a special 11:00 a.m. Mass to bless and dedicate a gold chalice and paten in loving memory of the parish’s former pastor, Reverend Nicholas Zukowski.

 

The chalice was presented through the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Chalice Program, a longstanding tradition that honors a deceased Sir Knight by placing his name on a sacred vessel used at the altar. Each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated with that chalice, the Sir Knight is remembered in a uniquely priestly way. The base of Fr. Nick’s chalice is engraved “S.K. Rev. Nicholas Zukowski” with his dates of life, October 9, 1954 – March 4, 2026, and the Fourth Degree emblem of the Order.

 

Fr. Nick was born in Detroit and ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 1, 1982. He served as pastor of St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore for 21 years (1993–2014) and as pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren beginning in 2014. He later served on the in solidum team of priests for the Saints Among the Saints Family of Parishes, remaining primarily at St. Martin de Porres. He also served as Vicar for the Blue Water Vicariate. Fr. Nick was a Fourth Degree Knight. He entered eternal life on March 4, 2026, at the age of 71.

 

Brother Knights from both of Fr. Nick’s pastorates took part in the blessing and dedication: St. Pius X Council #3848 and Fourth Degree members of Bishop Gallagher Assembly #0482, associated with St. Martin de Porres; and Anchor Bay Council #5981 and Fourth Degree members of St. Mary on the Lake Assembly #2804, associated with Anchor Bay Council 5981 and Au Lac Council 10724.

 

Worthy Faithful Navigator David Sczepanski is planning on sending the chalice to Poland to be used by a newly ordained Priest there.

 

Following the Mass, a light reception was held in the parish hall where the chalice and paten were displayed. The blessed vessels will now be sent to a mission parish in Poland, extending Fr. Nick’s priestly legacy to the altar of another community of faith.

 

The Fourth Degree Chalice Program reflects the Knights’ principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, and the Order’s enduring commitment to the priesthood and the mission of the Church. May this sacred vessel be a lasting tribute to Fr. Nick’s faithful service and a reminder of the eternal hope we share in Christ.

 

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” — Luke 22:19–20

 

 

Heart of the Gospel Retreat — Saturday, October 17, Gaylord

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:30 AM

Men across northern Michigan are invited to a full-day Heart of the Gospel retreat on Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI.

The retreat is open to all men 18 and older. There is no cost to attend. Lunch and materials will be provided.

Heart of the Gospel is a ready-to-use men’s retreat developed by the Knights of Columbus in collaboration with Fr. John Riccardo and ACTS XXIX: Mobilizing for Mission. Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly introduced the program as the Order’s answer to a long-standing request from Knights: a retreat councils can offer without the burden of finding speakers or building an agenda from scratch.

Supreme describes the experience this way:

When you hear the name Jesus, what comes to mind — gentle and kind, or triumphant and unconquerable? Heart of the Gospel reveals both: Jesus as compassionate healer and mighty warrior who battles sin, Satan, and death itself to rescue the one he loves: YOU.

Led by Fr. John Riccardo through dynamic video presentations, the day walks men through the heart of the Gospel message and invites them to embrace Christ’s mission more fully. The retreat includes five main formation talks, fraternal discussion, and time for prayer. Many men know the story of the Gospel. Far fewer have experienced its power.

“The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.” — Romans 1:16

What men can expect

  • Encounter the Gospel in a new and compelling way

  • Deepen their relationship with Jesus

  • Build Christ-centered brotherhood with other men

  • Gain clarity about God’s purpose and mission for their lives

You do not have to be a Knight of Columbus to attend. The retreat is offered for the men of the parish and diocese. Watching the videos alone is not the same as hearing them with brothers, praying together, and sharing the day in person.

Event details

Date and time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Cooney Conference Center, Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North Street, Gaylord, MI

Who: All men 18 and older

Cost: No cost to attend; lunch and materials provided

Registration

Email Seth Peters at s.peters@mikofc.org to register.

Learn more about the program from Supreme at kofc.org/gospel.

Brother Knights: please share this invitation in your councils, parishes, and Cor groups. Bring a friend. Northern Michigan has an open door on October 17 — come encounter the Heart of the Gospel.

 

Au Lac Council 10724 - Adopt A Highway Fall Cleanup

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:13 AM

 
Brother Knights of Au Lac Council 10724 in Ira Township completed their Adopt A Highway Fall Cleanup on September 19! Before the rain came they collected 9 bags of trash along the two mile stretch of Dixie Highway (M29) in Ira Township.
The Au Lac Council has participated in the Adopt A Highway program since 1995. During the past 32 years over 600 volunteers contributed over 800 hours and collected over 1100 bags of trash for disposal. Past Grand Knight Jim Zeck has been the program chairman since 2009 and works with the Michigan Department of Transportation to schedule three sessions (spring, summer and fall) each year and file reports.
 

2026 Heart of Christ Clinic Gala

By: Eugene Suchyta - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:05 AM

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, most of the Michigan State Board, including State Deputy Charles McCuen, III, and State Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien, attended the Heart of Christ Clinic Gala at St. John's Resort in Plymouth, MI. Mass prior to the event was celebrated by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for Military Services, USA.
 
 
Also on hand were members of the 4th Degree Michigan 1 Color Corps, led by District Master Mike Page. Color Corps were at the Mass, as well as presented and retired colors before and after the gala.
 
 
 
 
 
 

October 2026 Michigan Columbian Now Online

By: Tom Marcetti, Sr - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 9:49 AM

 

October Michigan Columbian Now Online

 

Brother Knights,

 

The October 2026 issue of the Michigan Columbian is now available on the Michigan State Council website.

 

This is the first fully digital edition of the magazine. State Deputy Charles E. McCuen, III notes that the new format gives the jurisdiction more space, more flexibility, and a better way to share color photos and stories from councils across Michigan. The issue includes messages from State leadership, program and membership updates, council news, and a reminder that councils should keep sending photos and stories to Editor Gary Kolbicz so future issues can highlight the work being done throughout the state.

 

The magazine is formatted at 8½" × 11" and is easy to read on a computer or phone. It also prints well. You can print the entire issue or a single page.

 

How to read it

 

Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries are asked to forward this announcement to every member’s personal email so no Brother misses the issue.

 

 

Fraternally,

Michigan State Council

Council 2659 St. Joseph Howell exemplifies TEN Brothers!

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 9:37 AM

Council 2659 St. Joseph Howell hosted an exemplification on September 16th at which 10 men were exemplified.  In addition to Council 2659's (4) new Knights, Council 7304 St. Patrick Brighton had (3), Council 12295 St. Mary Magdalen Brighton had (2), and Council 13450 St. Augustine Argentine had (1).  Many family members were in attendance, along with many Brother Knights including SDRR John Yanok, DD506 Ed Nickels, DD509 Steve Schafer and Assistant General Field Agent Patrick Arndt.

 

 

Vismara Council 3725 Honors First Responders and All Who Were Lost on September 11

By: Matt Hoxsie - Sun, Sep 20, 2026 9:35 AM

Vismara Council 3725 Honors First Responders and All Who Were Lost on September 11

 

Four brother Knights from Monsignor John C. Vismara Council 3725 of St. Clair Shores stood with veterans and first responders at AMVETS Post 57 for the September 11 ceremony, honoring those who died in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

 

At the front of the AMVETS post in Harper Woods stands a lasting tribute: a rusted steel I-beam recovered from Ground Zero, set into a massive granite boulder. Designated World Trade Center Artifact #I-0061C, the beam was donated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to the City of Harper Woods and AMVETS Post 57. Plaques on the stone carry the First Responders seal and the AMVETS emblem, together with a dedication “to honor and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.”

 

Council 3725 was honored as a donor and guest for its contribution to the memorial project. Representing the council at the ceremony were Recording Secretary John Fennell, Financial Secretary John Bartony, Inside Guard Rick Peters, and Grand Knight Keith LaDuke.

 

The Knights of Columbus and Monsignor John C. Vismara Council 3725 join AMVETS Post 57 and the people of Harper Woods and the Grosse Pointes in remembering the first responders who ran toward the fire and the civilians who never came home.

 

Forty-six brother Knights were among those killed on September 11, 2001 — many of them firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. Twenty-five years later, their sacrifice still calls us to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

 

Never forget. Vivat Jesus.

 

 

 

Photo caption: World Trade Center Artifact #I-0061C stands in front of AMVETS Post 57 in Harper Woods. The steel beam was recovered from Ground Zero and dedicated to those who died on September 11, 2001. Members of Msgr. John C. Vismara Council 3725 attended the ceremony as donors and guests. (Photo courtesy of Council 3725)