The Color Corps of St. Joseph Assembly #2211 proudly participated in the joyful celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood of the Very Reverend James Jude Batcha. The event took place on Sunday, August 11th at St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Flushing, MI.
Following the celebratory Mass, a reception was held where Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik and Worthy State Advocate Dan Fuller presented Fr. Jim with a special T-shirt signed by both current and Past State Deputies of Ukraine. This meaningful gift was connected to a fundraising initiative led by Fr. Jim’s council, Blessed Paul Gojdic Council 17509, which sold the shirts to support relief efforts for Ukraine.
Pictured with Fr. Jim Batcha (center), from left to right: Color Corps Commander Gene Richards, Don Fyock, PFN Don Pollard, Tom Roke, PFN Ken Lixey, Ed Smeader, PFN Jerry Mead, and PGK Mike Trundle.
Worthy State Deputy Barry Borsenik and Worthy State Advocate Dan Fuller present Fr. Jim Batcha with a signed t-shirt showing support for Ukraine.
Au Lac Council 10724 in Anchorville was honored to receive a check for over $4,000 from Immaculate Conception Catholic School alumnus Katie Freese. The donation was from the proceeds of the recent BMR Car Show held in Chesterfield. Miss Freese mentioned that the gift was in appreciation Au Lac Council's support of Immaculate Conception School and Parish over the years. The donation will go to help to help fund the Council's various Faith, Family, Community and Life programs, including this year's Coats for Kids drive.
On Thursday, August 7th, District Deputy Matt Hoxsie installed the Officers of Au Lac Council 10724 in Anchorville! During the ceremony, the gavel was officially passed from Worthy PGK Pat Bohr to newly elected Worthy GK Mark Kehoe. Thank you Brothers for your service to your Council, your Parish, and the Order!
On July 25, thirty-eight members from Anchor Bay Council 5981, families and friends enjoyed a baseball game at Jimmy John’s field in Utica between the Beavers and the Mammoths along with a buffet that included hot dogs, BBQ pulled chicken salads and desserts. The pleasant weather and fireworks after the game enhanced the experience. Being K of C night at Jimmy John’s, Anchor Bay joined ten other councils from Macomb County.
🔥On Sunday, August 10, the District 3 Color Corps joined the members of Rudyard St Joseph Council 10777 in welcoming Bishop John Doerfler as he installed Fr. Daniel Malone as Pastor of St Joseph Parish.
In the final portion of today's Gospel reading, did you catch the foundational principles regarding the doctrine of purgatory? We'll discuss those - and what it means to have the faith of Abraham - in today's Dad Talk:
Council 15889 Cedar Springs conducted a Major Degree Exemplification on August 4, 2025. Welcome to our newest Brother Richard Putvin and his wife Mary.
On August 7th, after a Council Officer Installation, District Deputy Matt Hoxsie presented Worthy Immediate Past Grand Knight Pat Bohr with a PGK Pin in recognization of his service to the Order as a immediate Past Grand Knight.
During his term, PGK Pat lead Au Lac Council 10724 to TWO back-to-back Star Council Awards and State Faith in Action Program Awards, while also dealing with challenges in his own personal life!
Congratulations to PGK Pat and thank you for your service to the Order!!
New Ultrasound Machine Dedicated at Women's Care Center in Niles
On August 8, 2025, the Women's Care Center in Niles, Michigan, celebrated the dedication of a new ultrasound machine, made possible through a partnership with the Knights of Columbus. The ceremony, led by Bishop Edward Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, marked a significant milestone for the center, enhancing its ability to provide critical early ultrasound services to expectant mothers. Four local Knights of Columbus councils from New Buffalo, Niles, Buchanan, and Edwardsburg united to fund this initiative, demonstrating their commitment to supporting life-affirming resources in the community.
The ultrasound machine was acquired through the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative, which focuses on raising funds to equip centers like the Women's Care Center with vital technology. "The early ultrasounds are truly amazing. Women get to see their baby for the first time," said Abby Ray, director of the Women’s Care Center of Niles, emphasizing the emotional impact of seeing a baby’s heartbeat. Jeff Zochalski, Grand Knight of Council 14366, highlighted the initiative’s goal of helping mothers connect with their unborn children.