Grand Rapids 2024 Soccer Challenge
Wed, Sep 25, 2024 2:31 PM
-GRAND RAPIDS DIOCESAN SOCCER CHALLENGE
WINNERS
Girls
Age 9 – Matilda Schwerdt
Age 10- Ivy Danford
Age 11 – Ayla Kramer
Age 12 – Miya Talaga-Martinez
Boys
Age 9 – Cole Kaberle
Age 10 – Alexander Peacock
COMMUNITY NEWS UPDATE
Fall is here and it is time to make sure that children around the State of Michigan have warm coats. Yes, the Coats for Kids program is well underway and the response from councils statewide has been nothing short of phenomenal! Councils have risen to Fr. McGivney’s call to care for widows and orphans. As of this writing, councils have submitted checks totaling over $107,000 for the program. Every diocese has contributed to this event. Distributions sites are being set up and the goal is to get all the coats on the backs of kids by the end of October. This is a marvelous example of Charity, the Order’s first and foremost principle. Congratulations to everyone who has participated in showing the world what the Knights are all about.
There is news about the Casey Bear Program. The Bears are back in stock and I am working on fulfilling the orders that I currently have. Please send check and order forms to the address on the order form. The order form can be found by clicking here
Don’t forget these key dates for this Fraternal Year; everyone is invited:
*State Soccer Championship Finals
Saturday October 5, 2024
Registration: 12pm, Competition: 1pm
St John Vianney Church, 4101 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
*State Essay Contest Forms Submission
Saturday, January 4, 2025
Email copy to Larry Herman at l.herman@mikofc.org
*State Spelling Bee Championship Finals
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Registration: 12pm, Competition 1pm
Fr. Van Rooy Council 2470, 1021 Woodside Avenue, Essexville, MI 48732
*State Free Throw Championship Finals
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Registration: 12pm, Competition: 1pm
Sacred Heart Parish Gym, 319 E. Illinois St, Mt Pleasant, MI 48858
Be Blessed and stay warm!
Larry Herman
State Community Director
Greetings Brothers,
This is Doug Kokot, your State Membership Director. I have exciting news: Our Bishops are putting their support with us as we continue to grow our Michigan Jurisdiction by announcing the Bishops Invitation. Our Michigan Bishops have sent out a letter to all parish pastors announcing their support and encouragement to join the Knights of Columbus. The Bishops' Invitation letter is included below.
Worthy Grand Knights, collaborate with your parish office to determine the parish’s preference for the Bishops’ invitation weekend. During that weekend, your council should provide men at masses and parish events to answer questions and invite Men to join the Knights of Columbus on behalf of their Bishop. Your District Deputy will be following up with you to answer any questions and assist you as needed.
REMEMBER: It's not too late to invite men to join us on behalf of our Bishops!
Thank You for all you do,
Vivat Jesus
“SOAR With Us”
Douglas D. Kokot
State Membership Director
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Dear Brothers in Christ,
We Catholic men are called to a life of service. We are called to care for our families, serve our communities, and participate in the life of the Church. This call to service is answered on a regular basis by the men who are the Knights of Columbus.
The Knights of Columbus were founded in 1882 by Fr. Michael McGivney, a young priest who saw a needin his parish. His solution to the problems facing Catholic Americans at that time has become an organization of over 2 million members who live their faith through charitable works, defending the faith, and caring for their families.
The Knights of Columbus, which began in the parish of St. Mary’s in New Haven, Connecticut, are now active in 16 countries. Last year the Knights donated more than $185 million and 50 million man-hours to charity.
As a Knight of Columbus myself, I have personally witnessed the tremendous work that these men accomplish in our diocese. However, the work is never done, and for the Knights to continue their good works of charity the organization needs to grow. I strongly encourage every man in this diocese who is a practicing Catholic and is at least 18 years of age to prayerfully consider joining the ranks of this exemplary organization.
Members of the Knights of Columbus will be available in parishes after Masses on a weekend in September with more information. Please take some time to visit with these men so that you may join us in our mission to promote the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Membership in the Knights of Columbus will enhance your life in ways you cannot imagine.
Yours in Christ,
The Bishops of Michigan