In recent months, Michigan has received multiple recognitions for its Community Programs.
The Coats for Kids initiative achieved significant success within the state this year. As of March 10, 2026, Michigan ranks first nationally for this program. With the collaboration of local councils, the state distributed 18,504 coats—purchasing 1,540 cases containing 12 coats each. This total represents an increase of 385 coats compared to the previous year. Washington State holds second place, trailing Michigan by 241 cases. Sincere congratulations are extended to all who contributed to the success of this impactful program.
In February Keira Mackmiller, sponsored by Council 7891 in Brighton, was named the international winner of the Soccer Challenge in the 12-year-old category.
During the month of February, the State level judging for the Supreme Essay Contest was concluded. There were thirty students that participated in the essay contest, and they did an excellent job on writing their essay based on the topic “Out of 267 Popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorites”? The State of Michigan had three international runners-up out of a possible five. Congratulations to the following students:
Arianna Boukouris (8 th Grade), sponsored by Council 4401in Farmington. Arianna chose Pope Saint Peter, Pope Francis and Pope Saint John Paul II.
William Laprise (11 th Grade), sponsored by Council 13983 in Shelby Twp. William chose Pope St Nicholas I, Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.
Sienna Nguyen (12 th Grade), sponsored by Council 13983 in Shelby Twp. Sienna chose Pope Saint Peter, Pope Paul III, and Pope Pius IX.
District 118 conducted a Charity/Unity/Fraternity Exemplification on March 24 and welcomed two new members to our Order. Andrew Skwara joined Au Lac Council 10724 and Shaun Kelley joined Anchor Bay Council 5981. The ceremony was hosted by the Au Lac Council and was led by the Anchor Bay Council Degree Team.
Anchor Bay Council 5981 and Au Lac Council 10724 held their annual Lenten Onion Bag Food Drive this month at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ira Township. Empty onion bags were handed out to parishioners beginning on February 28 and full bags of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items were collected on March 21 & 22. The full bags were then delivered to the St. Mary Food Pantry in New Baltimore for distribution to needy individuals and families. The final number of bags and pounds collected will be determined soon and a report submitted to the State Council.
We'll take a quick look at all the readings from the Easter Vigil (and there are many) because collectively, they contain the entirety of salvation history. We'll conclude with Jesus's encounter with Mary Magdalene and the other Mary in Matthew's Gospel, which is a beautiful reminder that we need to know and understand the Bible and the Church's teachings AND ALSO have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to truly be his disciples. Happy Easter, He is Risen! God bless, Dad.
St. Mary of the Hills Council 13950 hosted an Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity at their Parish in Rochester Hills on Tuesday, March 17 for District 111.
A total of 3 new Members were welcomed into the order, 1 for St. Anastasia Council 13453 and 2 for Council 13950. With the 2 new members for 13950, the Council reached 100% of their membership goal for the Fraternal Year.
After the ceremony, Council 13950 provided an Irish meal for all in attendance.
On Sunday , March 15th, St. Francis Council #4401 conducted an exemplification on Charity , Unity, and Fraternity.
Five men for St. Francis Council, and two men for Holy Family Council # 11811 became Third Degree Brother Knights.
Front Row: New Membership: Dr. Michael McGrath 4401), Tom Busard (11811), Tom Martilotti(4401), Jesus Franco (11811), Patrick Levandowski (4401), Nicholas Kovach (4401), Christopher Young (4401)
Back Row: Exemplification Team: Wally Dudan, GK Kyle Redding, Treasurer Mike Evangelista, Deacon Michael Heard, MD George Curran, DD Gary Mallia, DGK Pat Dwyer
