By: Greg Brunson - Fri, Nov 13, 2020 10:25 AM

Faith In Action – SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

Brothers, with the Covid19 situation most councils are not meeting in person and there are many parishes where councils are not allowed to meet in large numbers, or at all.  That being said councils need to find ways to continue to do the good works of our order as well as finding ways to pray together.

The Spiritual Reflection Program can lend itself to a virtual setting rather well actually.   By now everyone should be using virtual meeting environments of some kind such as ZOOM.   Reflect on the picture below, imagine this to be a virtual session, with Father leading a large group of Brother Knights in an hour of prayer together.    This can be very easy to do and the technology is there as a tool for us all to use.

In this picture these young men are close together, they could just as easily be separated by great distance.   It matters not that we are separated by distance.  What matters is that we are spending time with our Lord together.   Some Councils have already done this type of program, which is fabulous!   There is nothing stopping every Council in Michigan from holding an hour of Spiritual Reflection – virtually.    Ask your Chaplain to lead and be part of this.

In today’s world the Knights of Columbus are needed more than ever and we need to pray together and remain strong in our faith.    If you know of a Catholic man who has not attended mass or have fallen away from the church – invite them to an hour of Spiritual Reflection.  Let other Catholic men see how the Knights of Columbus have Unity and Fraternity of spirt.

Remember also to complete a form 10784 when holding an hour of prayer together.  As with  any Faith In Action program try to get in the habit of filling out the 10784 and send it to fraternalmission@kofc.org , and send a copy to forms@mikofc.org so that the appropriate State Faith In Action Director will know who is doing what – it is important.  

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

Greg Brunson State Faith/Vocations Director

By: Garret Kelenske - Thu, Nov 12, 2020 3:02 PM

Worthy Brother Knights, I would like to remind you all about this program that has been around for three years. Unfortunately, it has been underutilized and I hope this will help to get more Councils involved with it. This is the description of the program as it is in the Leadership Guide.

Youth Sportsman Program 

The goal of this program is to encourage men to get involved in setting great examples for the youth of the Parish and community by getting them outside and enjoying what Michigan has to offer in the way of hunting and fishing:

1. Decide on the event. Examples are: Fishing Contests, Big Buck Competitions, Small game Contests, Pheasant Hunts or Duck Hunt.
2. Research all Fish and Game Regulations pertaining to the event on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources web page.
3. Decide on the length of the contest. Will it be a one-day event or for the whole season?
4. Decide on awards prizes or just good old bragging rights.
5. Have a Lunch or Dinner after the event to promote fraternity and good sportsmanship.
6. Look for possible sponsorship's or prize donations.
7. Create a flier to promote the event and have Father review it for his approval. 

This an open-ended program. During the summer and winter, the State of Michigan offers free fishing weekends. This is one way to keep the cost down for this program. Fishing is also free for persons under the age of 17 years. This program is limited only by your imagination so please think outside the box. Remember to follow all Fish, Game and Firearm Regulations. This is an opportunity to involve community not just your church or council. Promote the Knights of Columbus in the public eye in a very positive way. This is also an opportunity to get some of the less active members involved in a new and exciting event. Keep in mind that wild game can be donated to help feed the needy in our communities.

  As it states this is an open-ended program so if you have a member of the Council collect the information about   taking a youth sportsperson out this year and participating in a hunting or fishing event. An example would be   taking a son or daughter out Deer Hunting, taking a grandson out Fishing or perhaps taking a neighbor and their   youth out for the first time for an event. It does not have to be just a contest. Please collect the data and fill out   form #10784 for your Council. Just like many of the programs in the Knights you are probably already doing this   program. Please take the time to fill out the form and take credit for it.

 "Rise up and answer the call"

Your Brother in Christ Garret A. Kelenske State Family Director

By: Dan Fuller - Thu, Nov 12, 2020 8:02 AM

In Michigan, the Fall season brings us many celebrated traditions with family and friends.  We gather together at hunting camps and around Thanksgiving tables to share stories with friends and family.  This year we as Knights have new stories to share; the story of our founder Blessed Fr. McGivney and free membership in the Knights of Columbus.

Here is the ammunition you can use for Membership Season

·  Know your story, "Why did you become a Knight and what does it mean to you."

·  Tell Blessed Fr. McGivney's story

·  Invite your family and friend to be e-members at kofc.org/joinus using free promo code MCGIVNEY2020

·  "Leave No Neighbor Behind" programs that help our communities during this pandemic 

·  Be proud and loud, invite every catholic gentleman that you know

Membership growth incentives are what we can put in our game bags or buck poles 

·  Oct1 - Dec 31st Supreme sponsored competition vs Division 1 States - IL, NY, OH, TX, ONT, FL, PA, (Michigan needs to win this time)

·  Council Quick Start recognition at the State Chaplain Tribute Banquet in February

·  Ambassador Club recognition for personally recruiting 2 to 12 new members this year

·  Blessed Fr. McGivney Medallion for 5 new members

·  State Deputy will buy your Council Dinner for the top membership growth

·  State Deputy will buy your Chaplain a KofC Stole and Chasuble

·  https://mikofc.org/resources/Membership-Incentives 

It is membership season, for my Brothers headed to deer camp with friends and family and for those Brothers that are celebrating Thanksgiving with friends and family, I leave you with this prayer from a novena to St. Hubert.

 Happy Hunting and Blessed Fr. McGivney, Pray for us.

Daniel C Fuller Jr. State Membership Director 248-761-2244

"Rise up and answer the call"

By: Greg Brunson - Wed, Nov 11, 2020 4:01 PM

Brother Knights

Despite the Covid19 situation, our State is doing surprisingly well with vocational support through the RSVP Program.  Let me begin by recognizing three districts in Michigan who have already reached 100% council participation with RSVP!

Ø  District 504, Lansing Diocese – District Deputy Richard Perry

v  6694 Swartz Creek

v  6742 Grand Blanc

v  7418 Fenton

v  8489 Flushing

Ø  District 509, Lansing Diocese – District Deputy John Yanok

v  7304 Brighton

v  7891 Brighton

v  11761 Pinckney

v  12295 Brighton

Ø  District 121, Detroit Diocese – District Deputy Jason Myers

v  2950 Utica

v  11957 Shelby Township

v  13983 Shelby Township

Well done!   Additionally, District 509 in Lansing has achieved 100% council participation three years in a row.     These three districts are good examples of how important support for vocations is and how necessary the RSVP program is for our future Priests.    I would be remiss if I did not mention Council 2950 in Utica - which leads the entire state in vocations support year after year, and for many years.  The St Lawrence Council along with seven or eight other councils in the state have for many years led Michigan in this effort.  Now is the time for many of our smaller councils to become engaged with RSVP and lend a hand in vocational support, statewide.

For the councils in the state who have not been involved with RSVP in the past three years, I will be attending a council meeting of yours in the weeks and months ahead.   I have already visited many of your meetings already either in person or by ZOOM.  Just last evening for example I visited a council to talk about RSVP and had a very productive meeting with those brother knights.  That council is very typical of many who have supported seminarians in the past but stopped when the man they supported became ordained.  Does this sound like your council?

We can do better, and we will do better – my goal is to have every council in Michigan supporting a seminarian or postulate.   The good news is we are already showing signs of getting there!   For the current year in Michigan we have: 18 Councils and 2 Assemblies who are supporting a seminarian with RSVP, Councils who have not done so in at least three years, or ever.

That is fabulous news and a good place to be.

Lastly when you submit your form 2863 for refund, make sure you also complete a form 10784 since it is a Faith In Action program - then send it along with your 2863.  Remember also to send copies of both forms to forms@mikofc.org – as always with any Faith In Action program.

Greg Brunson State Faith/Vocaions Director

Rise Up and Answer the Call!

By: John Hundiak - Thu, Nov 5, 2020 6:04 PM

The State Special Olympics Organization Team has opened up the Virtual 2020 Ties & Tennies Gala with free access to Knights.  This is a fun event where you will have the opportunity to learn more about the Special Olympics as well as bid on one of the fantastic fundraisers.  Information is listed below.  Viewing the virtual event is free for Knights! Please join us!

The Special Olympics Michigan Ties & Tennies Gala is virtual this year, and you are invited to join the party from home: ← CLICK THE LOGO TO REGISTER TO VIEW THE LIVE-STREAM GALA PRESENTATION

REGISTER TO VIEW THE LIVE-STREAM GALA PRESENTATION:
* THIS Friday, Nov. 6th
* 7pm - Photo Montage Welcome | 7:30pm - Program Begins

BID IN THE AUCTION:
* Bidding is open NOW, and closes Sunday, Nov. 8th at 7pm
* Won items will be shipped or dropped-off to you

ENTER THE BOOZE-WAGON RAFFLE:- HERE
* Raffle for Wagon full of various liquor (photo in purchase link below)
* $20 per ticket, available for purchase at: SOMI Wagon of Cheer

* Winner drawn on SOMI Gala Facebook

MAKE A DONATION, SUPPORT AN ATHLETE!
* Fund-a-need for our "Return to Play" plan:
* SOMI Fund-a-Need

Thank you for your support of Special Olympics Michigan!  If you watch the Gala at your own home watch-party, please share those on Facebook / Instagram and tag @SOMIgala.

John Hundiak, State Special Olympics Director, Michigan Knights of Columbus
Robbie Waclawski, Special Gifts Manager, Special Olympics Michigan

Any questions / comments about the Ties & Tennies Gala can be directed to
the SOMI Fundraising Team at: 313-444-0690 (call or text)

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Nov 2, 2020 9:32 AM

Father Lam Le Grand Rapids Diocesan Chaplain, State Deputy Walter Winkle and Grand Rapids Bishop David Walkowiak with the reliquary containing a second class relic form Fr. Michael J. McGivney.

Father Le hosted a Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday November 1 at his parish, Saint John Paul II in Cedar Springs, in honor of the Beatification of Father McGivney The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Walkowiak and attended by the State Board and their wives along with many State and Diocesan Directors, District Deputies and many knights and their families.

Hopefully you were able to attend one of the many Thanksgiving Masses offered around the State celebrating Father McGivney’s new title as Blessed.

You may view the replay of the Thanksgiving Mass from Saint Mary’s in New Haven Ct. here.

By: Ed Strach - Sun, Nov 1, 2020 1:36 PM

Time to Stand Up and Take Action – Your Vote Counts! As Catholics and citizens, members of the Knights of Columbus should vote and encourage members of their families, parishes, and communities to vote. This is the time to Stand Up and Take Action by exercising your right to vote.

Here is the Supreme link that offers resources for the upcoming election.

Also, Michigan Catholic Conference has produced a publication titled “The Issues, The Candidates, and Your Vote 2020." This publication offers Catholics issues to consider before voting. These issues include: Human Life and Dignity, Religious Liberty, Preferential Option for the Poor, Education, Children and Families, Health Care, Restorative Justice, Immigrants and Refugees and Care for Creation.

You can find this publication at this link: 

Vivat Jesus,

Ed Strach Life Director

Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus

By: Ed Strach - Sun, Nov 1, 2020 1:34 PM

If you were unable to attend this virtual event which features keynote speaker, Sarah Huckabee Sanders with host and musical guest Matthew West, it is available for on-demand viewing until Tuesday, November 3rd. To watch and support this year’s virtual event, ‘We Are Not Giving Up On Life” go to https://rtl.org/event KofC-Respect-Life  Virtual Event to register and watch this video through Nov. 3. Thank you as we Take Action to Continue Building a Culture of Life! Ed & Lynn Strach Pro-Life Couple Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus

By: Joseph Yekulis - Sun, Nov 1, 2020 1:31 PM

St. Louis Center Announces its “Virtual” 33rd Annual Fall Auction Saturday November 7th

Following their successful “Virtual” St. Louis Center 60^th Anniversary fundraising event on Thursday October 22^nd, the online fun continues with the 33^rd Annual Fall Auction on the evening of Saturday November 7, 2020 starting at 7:00 p.m. This event which is usually conducted during a formal dinner at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Chelsea, will forgo the meal because of this year’s COVID19 pandemic, and it will be an online auction instead. There will be no cost to participate, and plenty of items will be up for grabs to help St. Louis Center continue to support its 70 residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It can be found on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/stlouiscenter/.

As usual, this fast paced exciting auction will feature Chelsea’s own Joseph Merkel from Merkel’s Auction Specialists, Inc., who has held several virtual auctions for other non-profits suffering through this years’ pandemic. Some of the more unique items for bid include:

-          A week for four at La Cappella, a picturesque villa in Calvari, Italy, located in the northern province of Liguria near the Mediterranean, and valued at $5,000.

-          A “Thanksgiving Bounty” of vegetables from Tantre Farms, a turkey, duck and chicken from Old Brick Farm, LLC, a pie from Grand Traverse Pie Co., and a Whimsical Cow painted by local artist Lindsey Dahl; all valued at $375.00.

-          A “Canadian Fishing Paradise” with 3 days/3 nights at Loch Island Lodge in Wabatongushi, Ontario, post COVID, valued at $1600.00.

-          A one week stay at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico valued at $5,000.

-          A pastel of the Chelsea Clock Tower & Welfare Building at Sunset by Sue Craig valued at $500.

These are just a few of the 16 major items that will be up for bid, along with a chance to bid on Star items called “Comforts of Home,” to provide bedding, linens, furniture, microwaves and entertainment media needed in the new Cottage Homes to be opened soon in St. Louis Guanella Village.

To view the remaining auction items up for bid, please visit the St. Louis Center Auction webpage at the following location, https://stlouiscenter.org/news-events/fundraising-events/fall-auction/.

 For more information about St. Louis Center, please visit www.stlouiscenter.org, or call 734-475-8430. St. Louis Center is a residential care facility for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities celebrating its 60^th Anniversary this year.

Joseph Yekulis  Public Relations Director STLC

By: Ed Strach - Mon, Oct 26, 2020 1:17 PM

To continue Building a Culture of Life an interview took place with Christen Pollo, Executive Director at Protect Life MI – Pro Life Students.

This is the next in the Rise Up and Answer the Call for Life series with focuses on Building a Culture of Life.

Protect Life MI - our vision

our vision is to form a generation of pro-life leaders dedicated to ending abortion in their lifetime.

Protect Life MI - our mission

Protect Life Michigan (PLMI) promotes a culture of life on college campuses in Michigan. Our mission is to end abortion by (1) recruiting and training students for pro-life leadership, (2) educating youth on life issues and pregnancy resources, and (3) networking students within their communities to strengthen their impact

This interview with Christen focused on the following topics:

·         What is Protect Life MI – Pro Life Students

·         Why is Protect Life MI and its activities important at this time

·         What benefit or assistance can the Knights of Columbus be at this time for Protect Life MI

·         Best way to stay in touch with Protect Life MI

It is our hope you find this interview insightful as we Continue to Build a Culture of Life – from Conception to Natural Death.

To view this interview, click on the picture below ↓

Ed and Lynn Strach, Pro Life Couple, Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus