By: John Hundiak - Sat, Jul 30, 2022 1:27 PM

Coats for Kids

I have been getting a lot of questions about the annual Coats for Kids program. There are a few different ways to participate in this worthwhile program. 

First, a council may purchase coats through Supreme (Knightsgear).  The website offers choices of coats in size and gender.  The coats are the same price as last year and we have been assured that the delivery problems experienced last year will not happen this year.  The coats may be ordered at any time but before October 1 is highly recommended.  The goal for Michigan is to have all coats distributed by early November.  If your council donates 1 case of coats, you may take one credit point towards the Columbian Award.  If you council donates 6 cases of coats, 2 credits can be claimed.  Do not forget to file your 10784 for this project.

Secondly, if your council can not afford a full case of coats, the council may send a donation to the State Council (minimum donation of $50.00 is suggested).  That donation will be pooled together with other council donations to order coats for distribution at one of the State wide distribution centers. You may also claim 1 credit towards your Columbian Award.

Lastly, for those councils that can manage/oversee a distribution center can order coats through the State Council and take advantage of the Boxing Day Coats for Kids special pricing.  This is a 1 for 1 match.  Order 6 cases and the State will receive 12 cases in your name.  Order 12 cases and get 24 cases!  What is needed to participate is a firm commitment on how many cases your council/district will order.  This commitment must be received no later than August 31, 2022.  Payment for the committed order must be received no later than September 15, 2022.  All commitments and payments are to be sent to:

John Hundiak

State Community Director

2439 Westwood Drive

 Rochester Hills, MI 48306

Checks are made payable to ‘Michigan State Council’ with ‘Coats for Kids’ on the memo line. 

Any questions, please contact me at j.hundiak@mikofc.org or 248-420-0135.

By: Ed Strach - Wed, Jul 27, 2022 5:53 PM

"Reproductive Freedom For All" amendment finance update

Last week, we wrapped up the "Between a Woman and Her..." campaign. Our previous campaigns can be found on our Facebook, Twitter, or our blog.

Next week, we will be launching a new educational campaign called "Back Alley Abortions For All." Since the anything-goes abortion amendment is referred to as the "Reproductive Freedom for All" amendment, we figured it could also be called "Back Alley Abortions for All": anyone and everyone could perform abortions on women if the amendment passes. Be on the lookout for that campaign.

In the meantime, here's an update.

There's been little to no activity since the anything-goes RFFA coalition submitted their signatures two weeks ago on July 11th. They submitted more than 750,000 signatures to the Bureau of Elections, which is now tasked with having to count and validate the signatures in order for the amendment to be on the November ballot.

The RFFA coalition released its financial report this past week, which is publicly accessible on the state campaign finance website. Spoiler alert, promoting unlimited and unrestricted abortion is not cheap.

They spent $6,254,116.80 to collect signatures—not including overhead expenses. This went towards the paid circulators who were reportedly making up to $24 an hour. Most of the signatures collected were done by paid circulators that came from a company in California.

The coalition also received a large number of contributors. National pro-abortion groups headquartered in New York and Washington, D.C., donated collectively $3.8 million. Most of that was from the ACLU. Their coalition had more than 16,000 donors for the amendment. Among the larger donors were Cisco executive Dug Song, Steelcase executive Kate Wolters, and Indiana mall heiress Deborah Simon, who each donated $250,000. Other note-worthy donors were Martha and Cynthia Ford, Denise Ilitch, and Jennifer Gilbert, wife of Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert.

Overall, the RFFA coalition received $9.6 million in cash donations and $1 million in in-kind donations. That's a lot of money spent on signatures, and probably a lot more will be coming in to promote their amendment.

We need your help. We can certainly defeat the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, the Ford Family, the Ilitch Family, Dan Gilbert, and executives from other large corporations and foundations because the wording of this amendment is so historically bad. However, we must have the ability to cut through confusion and extremely well-funded denials of the radical nature of this amendment, and we can only do that with your generous effort and financial support.

By: Gary Merritt - Mon, Jul 25, 2022 7:18 AM

Gentlemen;

I hope all is well with you and that you learned something about yourself positively or negatively about your personal Faith knowledge with the Catholic quiz last week.   As the State Deputy has stated we've got to understand, to be able to explain to our children and grandchildren, and our neighbors and our wives.......about the body and blood of Jesus what is the truth.

As stated in the Diocesan meetings of last week we will use many sources to educate ourselves. Several options are writings, videos, workshops, courses etc.  For this week's column I have chosen for his explanation of THE TRUE PRESENCE a column from Fr. Joe Krupp published in Faith Magazine Lansing edition for a basic helpful understanding that I believe is a good beginning.  Fr. Joe has a widespread audience under the heading "Quantum Catechesis" I hope this offering brings a small amount of clarity to the subject It is linked HERE.

Also, July 29th is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus of Bethany: please spend a few minutes reading this article as well and contemplating on its meaning.

July 29 — Saints. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany

While July 29 is the traditional feast of St. Martha, Pope Francis recently revised the calendar to include sibling saints Mary and Lazarus. So, we can still honor Martha in a special way on this day, but we also are reminded of the house at Bethany and all the siblings that Jesus loved there. 

St. Martha is the beloved saint from Scripture who was anxious and worried about many things. Jesus loved her dearly for her hospitality and concern for Him. She famously cooked a meal for Jesus on more than one occasion. She was the hostess who fed the God of Hosts. After the death of Lazarus, she summons her sister Mary to the side of Christ with these words,

“The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” (Jn 11:28)

This is a great reminder to all of us of the Real Presence calling to us from each Catholic church we pass.

These two saints teach us so much about the way we should lavish Jesus with love. The wisdom of St. Martha is a wonderful daily reminder:

“The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”

 Saints of July, as we seek and savor your words of wisdom, pray for us! 

 Paul L Kelsey State Director of Catechesis

By: Mark Gaworecki - Thu, Jul 21, 2022 3:13 PM

MI Knight’s Tiger day Saturday

SEPTEMBER 17 – 6:10 PM

Take me out to the ball game

The 2022 Knights of Columbus Tiger Day will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 6:10 PM against Central Division rivals Chicago White Sox. As it has been done over the years all ticket requests must be sent to the State Director of Special Projects and Athletics, Mark Gaworecki.

Do not send ticket requests to the Tiger box office

This year we have tickets in the baseline box seat area along the right field line and in the mezzanine area. The Lower Baseline Box Seats are $40.00 each and the Mezzanine Seats are $25.00 each. We currently have 100 box seats and 50 mezzanine seats for sale to our Brother Knights for this Saturday night game.

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. Order form may be found HERE.

What a great way to spend a early fall weekend evening in September with your Brother Knights, the State Officers and the 2022 Detroit Tigers. So don’t delay and get your ticket requests in early. You don’t want to be left out. 

All Ticket Requests Must Be Received No Later Than Friday, August 12, 2022

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 313-388-6912.

Mark Gaworecki – State Director of Special Projects & Athletics

By: Ed Strach - Thu, Jul 21, 2022 10:22 AM

With the potential of the Reproductive Freedom For All (RFFA) act moving toward the November ballot there is an opportunity to act in defense of Life. This is the placement of a flag, banner or yard sign messaging DEFEND LIFE or LOVE LIFE CHOOSE LIFE.

These items are available at Knights Gear.

Over the next several months is our opportunity to act and Be Engaged in Defending Life. In addition to these pro-life messages at knightsgear.com you will find many other items carrying the same message.

Take a minute and see how you and your council can make a difference!

Ed & Lynn Strach – Pro Life Chair Couple, Michigan State Council

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.