OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MICHIGAN STATE COUNCIL KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
N A I B M U L CO N A G I H C I M Volume 63 No. 2 October 2012
From The State Deputy Michael J. Malinowski Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow or Past-Present-Future PAST Every month I receive newsletters or bulletins from councils all around the state, both electronically and by regular mail. I enjoy reading all of them because it gives me an idea of the activities and programs that the local councils are doing for their church and community. Every year at the state convention we select the top activities in each of the six main categories: Church, Community, Council, Family, Youth, Culture of Life, and Family of the Year. This year many of our state winners were recognized by the Supreme Council. YOUTH AWARD St. Louis Guanella Council #3092 in Chelsea won the International First Place Award. The council grand knight and his wife were flown to the Supreme Convention in Anaheim, California, and received the award from Supreme Knight Carl Anderson for the council’s project, which was titled “Children’s Peace Project.” CULTURE OF LIFE AWARD Bishop Richter Council #7761 in Rockford won the International Second Place Award for their project, which was was titled “The Art Peace Project.” FAMILY SERVICE AWARD Bishop Sheen Council #7487 in Jenison won the International Third Place Award for their project, which was titled “Stabile Family Assistance.” All of these awards show the tremendous amount of worthwhile activities that are being conducted around the state. I am very proud of all the councils in Michigan and all they do for charity. PRESENT Michigan continues to support the Ultrasound Machine Project.
As of the end of September, we were in second place with the number of machines installed at 19 and an additional 4 in the process. This puts us in second place only behind Texas. Councils or districts must raise half of the monies needed for these machines, which cost a minimum of $12,500. The Supreme Council will then match this amount. The matching funds which come from Supreme are generated by the insurance agency. I wish to thank all of our Supreme Council general insurance agents and the field agents who work for them for the outstanding job they do protecting our families. FUTURE Many councils and members throughout all the dioceses of Michigan are concerned about the clustering, merging or closing of their parishes and how this will affect their councils. As of now, the parishes that are closing are small and do not have a council directly attached to them. With a merger or cluster, some of the parishes will remain open as worship sites. With a merge there will be only one church building. The Knights of Columbus councils must stand strong now more than ever. Our bishops and priests need us now as the strong right arm of the Church. We need to be the solid rock that Father can count on. We need to be there in our cities, towns and communities, rallying our fellow Catholics to help the church stay strong. We need to recruit new members to help our parishes and priests. We need our current members to stay active, and those that are not need to take an active part. In the first half of my article, you read about some of the outstanding activities our councils are doing. We need to help and support our parishes and communities. THE YEAR OF FAITH The Year of Faith proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI starts on October 11th of this year. Bishop David Ricken of Green Bay, Wisconsin, offers us “10 Ways Catholics Can Live the Year of Faith:” 1) Participate in Mass 2) Go to confession 3) Learn about the lives of the saints Continued on page
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From The State Chaplain Rev. Scott A. Thibodeau
Worthy State Officers and my Brother Knights all: Vivat Jesus! Allow me to extend my thanks to all of you, my brother Knights and ladies, for a very wonderful installation day! It was a beautiful day filled with great joy and excitement. Bishop Reiss delivered a tremendous homily of faith setting us off on a path of hope and faith. Most importantly, it was a fitting start for this fraternal year. I could not be more proud of the wonderful effort and congratulations extended to the State Deputy, all the state officers, the Diocesan Chaplains and to me personally. You are a truly wonderful people to serve and I am honored to be your State Chaplain. Again, thank you and God Bless you all! This month will be one of great importance in the Church universal. October 11, 2012, brings a day of new beginnings as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. Additionally, on October 11th, we will open the “Year of Faith” as declared by our Holy Father Benedict XVI. We will hear a great deal about this year of faith and have ample time to reflect upon our personal faithfulness to Jesus Christ and His Church. Throughout the year our Knights will have opportunities to gather in prayer in the Archdiocese and each Diocese of Michigan as directed by our Diocesan and council chaplains. I encourage you to participate in as many of these prayer events as possible. We need to gather and be faithful; to implore God to protect us and guide our order, our state and our country. Many important decisions will be made throughout this coming year of faith and asking for the Lord’s guidance is extremely important. On October 11, 1962, exactly nine years before another great day, a great renewal of faith began and 50 years later we are being called to allow another movement of great faith to ensue. So, let us rejoice in this, be faithful and dedicate this year to growing in personal faith for the benefit of our order and the Universal Church. October is also a month typically dedicated to Our Lady, in particular to the praying of the rosary. Perhaps we could also make an effort to pray the rosary daily with our families so as to inspire faith among ourselves. Good things begin in our families and extend from there. In an effort, then, to grow in personal faith with our families, I highly recommend the praying of the rosary daily for the benefit of all. Allow this great year of faith to motivate you to change and grow in your love for God. Through our prayer many spiritual benefits will come to us allowing us to evangelize the world around us for the greater glory of God. Finally, a word of welcome to our new Archdiocesan Chaplain Fr. J.J. Mech and word of welcome back to our new Gaylord Diocesan Chaplain Fr. Don Geyman. Thank you, Fathers for your willingness to serve. All of our other Diocesan Chaplains have remained from previous years and I am personally grateful to all of them for their ministry and assistance. Please take a moment to drop any or all of them a note of thanks for their vocation, dedication and willingness to serve us the Knights of Columbus in the great State of Michigan. Council 8043 Blood Drive Our last drive on September 8 brought in 42 people which resulted in34 much needed pints. Thanks to all who donated – blood, chili or both. Our next drive is scheduled for November 10.
EDUCATE
SHINING ARMOR AWARD
Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus Publisher
State Officers Michael J. Malinowski State Deputy
Rev. Scott A. Thibodeau State Chaplain
Robert W. Fox State Secretary
Kenneth B. Unterbrink State Treasurer
Antonio G. Vittorini State Advocate State Warden
Thomas A. Marcetti, Sr. Immediate Past State Deputy
Thomas M. Wegener, PSD Supreme Director
Michigan State Council Office 2184 Beech Daly Dearborn Hgts., MI 48127 Office Phone 313-274-3223 Fax 313-274-0704 Email: mikofc@sbcglobal.net Lawrence T. Grabowski Executive Secretary
Editorial Gary M. Kolbicz, Editor g.kolbicz@mikofc.org
Michigan Columbian Publication Schedule Copy Deadline
Month
March 1st……………April 2012 June 1st………………July 2012 September 1st……….October 2012 December 1st………..January 2013 Please Send All Copy Material To: Gary M. Kolbicz 39373 Durand Drive Sterling Heights, MI. 48310 Phone: 586-939-3886 Home Fax: 586-939-3886 Email – g.kolbicz@mikofc.org Moving? Notify your local council. Send your new address and mailing labet to: Knights of Columbus Membership Records PO Box 1670 New Haven, CT 06507-0901
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A New Fraternal Year Thomas M. Wegener, PSD Supreme Director
My Brothers and Ladies, ‘Your Voice Your Vote’, ‘Rock the Vote’, ‘Decision 2012’, ‘Campaign 2012’. Whatever the news sources calls them, the campaigns are ongoing and this November Americans will go to the polls to vote for local, state, federal candidates and, of course, for president. And this may very well be one of those once-in-a-generation choices. As Americans we have the right of the ballot. Our vote will be made based on the information that we use to determine which person will be the best for each of the positions that are available. But as Catholic Americans we have a different lens that we see through. Catholic social teaching’s seven themes help to focus that lens. As serious Catholic voters we are pro-life and family, we are in tune with the fight over religious liberty, we respect dignity of the human person, and we understand the practical aspects in the stewardship of our resources. A full treatment of these seven themes can be found here: http://usccb.org/ beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-socialteaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm With Election Day just a few weeks away, we must exercise our rights by being truly informed voters. Only having all the facts about each candidate and issue can we make an informed decision. The several news sources that we have are a good start, but we must not use only one source. There
seems to be dozens of news channels on cable television, radio and the internet. I would urge each of us to check out Catholic news sources, including Headline Bistro on the internet, supported by the Knights of Columbus, http:// www.headlinebistro.com/en/index.html, for a Catholic view from multiple sources of national and world news. The Order has also passed a resolution at the 130th Supreme Convention in Anaheim titled ‘Faithful Citizenship.’ It urges members of the order to “rededicate ourselves to advocacy on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless, and especially on behalf of the dignity of human life, the sanctity of marriage and family life, and the right of all to practice their faith privately and publicly according to the dictates of their conscience.,” and to be fully involved in the voting process by getting out the vote and getting the voters out to the polls. The full resolution from the convention can be read at this web link: http://www.kofc.org/un/en/conv/2012/ resolutions/citizenship.html. Finally as we prepare for the Year of Faith and the New Evangelization, the Knights of Columbus’ Catholic Information Service, http://www.kofc.org/un/en/cis/index.html, has online resources for all of us to become more informed about our Catholic Faith. Catholics are an important voting population. And informed Catholic voters are a powerful force that can shape elections, and shape public policy for the common good. The resources listed above are a good start. But we need to be ready for November 6th and to do that we need that good start now.
From The State Membership Director Dan Waligora State Deputy’s Initiative- Every Council Active before September 30, 2012! My fellow brother Knights, we have just completed the 1st Quarter of the fraternal year! Membership recruitment over the summer months has been slow and similar to previous years, but momentum is beginning to increase every week! September 30th was the last day for your council to qualify and earn the $5 - $4 - $3 Membership rebate incentives for any initiated new members! Approximately 120 councils statewide took advantage of this incentive program. Any earned rebates will be paid out in the 2nd half of the fraternal year to those councils that actively participated. With the autumn at hand and Advent is approaching on the horizon, the 2nd Quarter is when councils really bolster their membership and recruitment efforts. Every time you recruit a man to join the Order, remember that you may be helping him to become a better Catholic, a more charitable man, a better family man, and better able to provide for his family after his death. As Knights, we owe every eligible man in our parish that same opportunity and now is the perfect chance to give it to him!
2Q- October 14-28 Statewide Membership & Recruitment Drive The next statewide membership and recruitment drive will kick off on Sunday- October 14th and conclude on SundayOctober 28th, another two week period that will give every council more opportunity to conduct their pulpit announcements and adequately schedule their recruitment drives before and after all masses. Two keys to successful recruitment are advance planning and then execution! Be ready! When the statewide drive arrives, organization and communication within your council will be the key to making it a success. Everyone should be on the same page as to what your council hopes to accomplish within your parish. Have a specific part of the parish assigned to each council member, making sure that qualifying individuals who enter your recruitment area will be approached for their contact information. (Rememberrecruiting will take place later; continued on page 6
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From The State Advocate As State Advocate, I am the chief legal officer of the Michigan State Council and represent the State Council in all legal matters and opinions in regards to the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the State Council. It is imperative that we uphold the Charter Constitution Laws of the Knights of Columbus and that each officer is responsible for understanding and following these documents. You have probably heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Please make sure all council issues are addressed and escalated appropriately. All issues should be addressed first within your local council and with your Council Advocate, and then escaladed appropriately through the District Deputy, State Advocate, and State Deputy as required. Worthy Grand Knights, you need to make sure that your council is following the Charter Constitution Laws of the Knights of Columbus as well as following the proper escalation of council matters so they can be addressed appropriately. Worthy Council Advocate, it is your responsibility to ensure that your council is following the Charter Constitutional Laws. Please do read them often and become very familiar with the laws of our order. In addition, District Deputies, Grand Knights and Financial Secretaries can find helpful information by going to the Supreme Website (kofc.org) – In the top right corner click on
Officers – Click on Log in – Click on Officers Desk Reference, it will take you to the Office of the Supreme Advocate – Then go to the tab you need. Here are some of the topics that you will find: Welcome, Who We Are, Principles of Fraternalism, Nonpartisan National Voter Registration Program, Fraternal Programs, Membership Issues, Council and Assembly Issues, Fourth Degree Issues, Name and Emblem. For example, if you click on Name and Emblem you will find the following subtopics. 1. Requests For Use Of Name And Emblem 2. SECTION 162.11 and Board Statement 3. Use Of Name And Emblem 4. Use Of Name And Emblem On Goods And Services 5. Use Of Name And Emblem To Promote Fundraising Activities 6. Use Of Name, Emblem, And Membership To Promote Independent Associations And Political Candidates 7. Prohibition Of Use Of Membership For Promotion Of Competing Financial Products And Services 8. Prohibition Of Advertisements For Competing Financial Products And Services. Further topics are: Tax Issues, Financial Issues, Social Communications, Political Issues, and Home Corporations. I know that these topics will help you. Let’s have a Great Fraternal Year
From The State Program Director David Bergeman There is a chill in the air! The end of summer signals a number of KofC events; MI-1’s for 1st quarter are due, soccer challenge, and planning for the Columbus Day MI Drive. The Knights of Columbus was founded on the premise of helping our widows and orphans. Consider extending a helping hand to those who have lost a brother knight. We continue to hear that there is an essential need to replenish our food banks. On the Gleaners Food Bank website (http://www.gcfb.org), Weingartz is matching donations in the Mow Down Hunger campaign. Donations must be made before October 17. If you make a personal donation please notify your Grand Knight or Council Program Director so that your donation can be included on the councils MI20 report. More information is available on their website. According to the American Red Cross, “every two seconds someone in the US needs blood”. Arrange a blood drive in your community or make a donation by contacting the American Red Cross, Michigan Blood, or the UP Regional Blood Center.
Most of our vacationers are back home from summer vacations and are ready to attend council events. Be sure to plan events that involve new members. You joined for a reason; they did also. Get involved in activities like supporting church & vocations, pro-life events, family, community, council, and/or youth activities. Now is the time to get coats so that we can keep our kids warm this winter with the Coats for Kids program. Coats can be purchased from Supreme or solicit area businesses for discounted or donated new coats. We have a lot of new Casey the Bears that are looking for a good home. Consider donating Casey to local police, fire, EMT, hospital, or school. A friendly, soft, and cuddly bear can put a smile on a child’s face and can go a long way to provide comfort. Remember that our goal is for every council to obtain Star Council and Michigan Achievement! Your District Deputy, Diocesan and State Directors are here to support you. If you need ideas or details on program activities please contact us. Your success is our success.
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K of C LADIES “CORNER” Hello Ladies! Here are a few glimpses into the past few weeks of traveling around this great state; Solo performance from a St Louis resident on a recorder playing ‘America the Beautiful’ in Dearborn - Beaming smile from a beautiful little girl in a party dress at Mass in Kalamazoo Heartfelt eulogy for Past State Deputy Gerke in Rochester Hills - Polish Muslims know how to party and perform at Boyne Highlands - Family home to celebrate a dream coming true for their Father – being installed as State Deputy at the Madonna Chapel in Livonia - The broad smile of a newly installed Monsignor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary - Gift of Polish Pottery in North Branch - Traveling to Marquette for the Slovenian Mass at Baraga Days - Witnessing double rainbows in Munising. All of these events were a few of the many wonderful events we have attended as a part of your state board. It was our privilege and pleasure to be invited to participate with you. The Christmas Season is nearing and preparations are being made for the Winter Meeting. The children at Holy Cross Children’s Services could never imagine and most have never seen a Christmas like the Knights and their wives prepare.
The councils and ladies organizations are busy wrapping new sweatshirts and hoodies emblazoned with team logos in boxes and labeling the sizes on the box. The lucky girl or guy will unwrap the unexpected gift and try on the new sweatshirt and show all the others at HCCS how special they feel in their sweatshirt – purchased especially for them. Others will use the shampoo, shower gel, and enjoy the new hairbrush and the lotion the ladies have donated in baskets especially for them. The donated gift cards will help the children learn how to budget the little cash they have seen in their lives. The cards will be from Wal-Mart, Meijer, Target and Kmart – just like Brother Francis requested. These stores were chosen because they are located state-wide, allowing councils from all over the state to be involved. Brightly colored sheets for single beds will be given to the graduates from the program for their new digs. Through tears of happiness, we will see grateful smiles and know that Christmas is truly the season of giving. Love and Gratitude, Maureen, Sandy, Ellie, Sue and Beth
40th Anniversary Roe v Wade Decision Michigan Knights Attending 39th Annual March on Washington Departs: Council 788 in Lansing: 5:00 p.m., January 24, 2013 Departs: St. Mary Church in Chelsea: 6:30 p.m., January 24, 2013 Arrive: Basilica, Washington D.C.: 7:00 a.m. Mass, Jan 25, 13 Meet: March staging area: 11:30 a.m., Jan 25, 2013 After March: Depart for Hampton Inn, Old Towne Alexandria, Va Cost for Hampton Inn: $99 per room plus tax for up to 4 people Reservations: Call Hampton Inn directly at 1-703-329-1400 Place on your credit card Rooms under Michigan Knights of Columbus Cost of Bus: $100.00 per person Make check for bus payable to: Michigan State Knights of Columbus Mail to: Paul and Sue Thorn 768 Lockmoore Ct. Rochester Hills, Mi 48307 Phone Inquiries: 248-852-1758 Deadline for Reservations: December 15, 2012
PROSPECTS TO MEMBERS
Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow or Past-Present-Future 4) Read the Bible daily 5) Read the documents of Vatican II 6) Study the catechism 7) Volunteer in the parish 8) Help those in need 9) Invite a friend to Mass 10) Incorporate the beatitudes into your daily life We as members of the Knights do many of these already. With just a little effort all of these can be accomplished.
For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada unveils a time when Mexican Christians, in the pursuit of religious freedom, had to choose between their faith and their lives.
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From The State Membership Director Dan Waligora you only need to get a prospect’s contact information). If they want to talk more that's great. Make sure your recruitment members are prepared for any and every question that might be asked. Ensure your members are knowledgeable about the Order as a result of preparing and practicing in the weeks leading up to the statewide drive. It is important to have recruiting materials ordered and ready. All materials can be ordered from the Supreme Council Supply Department. Obtaining the support of your Pastor is another vital ingredientit’s no secret that the Pastor is usually the Council’s best recruiter! Looking ahead, every diocese will be hosting a 1-2-3 Major Degree that will be in honor of their Bishop! Please review the Statewide Degree schedule posted on the state Council website for more information and specific details. If your council needs assistance with Membership Recruitment, please reach out to your District Deputy/Regional Director, and the Diocesan Membership Director for their assistance. Supreme has many tools in its arsenal to help in recruitment including many talented Supreme Council Insurance Agents that are willing to help with Council recruitment drives. You just have to ask for help! Also carefully review your Leadership Guide, as it has more detailed information on how to conduct a Pulpit Announcement, schedule an Informational Open House, and execute a Membership Recruit-
ment Drive within your parish. Membership is not the sole responsibility of the Grand Knight, or the Financial Secretary or the Membership Director - increasing membership within in your council should be every member’s responsibility! New Council Development: Holy Spirit Council # 15548 I’m proud to announce and welcome newly formed Council established from within the Grand Rapids Diocese. This new council is named Holy Spirit Council # 15548 which chartered with 52 members (of which 32 are new members) into the order! I want to express my sincere congratulations to District Deputy-Martin Brown , Diocesan Membership Director-Peter Faraci and the New Council Development-Doug Kokot for establishing this new council! My brother Knights, I look forward to getting your input, feedback and comments, or any suggestions that you may have. Feel free to contact me at (734) 476-8177 or e-mail me at dwaligora@mikofc.org Best of luck wishes to every council in the 2nd quarter! Let’s be diligent and work hard recruiting more members into the Michigan order, while having much FUN along the way! Vivat Jesus! The Power of One— Has your council recruited - One Member, per Council, per Month?
Annual State Right to Life Dinner April 11, 2013 The annual State Right to Life dinner will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Burton Manor in Livonia. A short Bio on the Keynote speaker is below. More information will be available shortly. DAVID BEREIT Pro-Life Speaker and National Director of 40 Days for Life David became an outspoken pro-life advocate after Planned Parenthood announced plans to build an abortion clinic in his Texas town in 1998. He helped to start and build a local grassroots coalition that rallied 60 churches and thousands of people together and dramatically reduced abortions in the region. Planned Parenthood recognized the effectiveness of David's efforts when it labeled his town "the most anti-choice place in the nation." David led the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in College Station, Texas. David moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2005 where he served as executive director of American Life League and national director of Stop Planned Parenthood until being asked to lead the national 40 Days for Life campaign. His pro-life work has been featured in the media hundreds of times, including coverage on Fox News, HBO, ABC, NBC and CBS television stations, numerous radio programs, and in over 100 newspapers across the country including USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times. David and his wife Margaret have two children, Claire and Patrick. Paul & Sue Thorn State Pro Life Chair Couple p.thorn@mikofc.org
SHINING ARMOR AWARD - VIP AWARD - STAR COUNCIL AWARD
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Michigan Knights Celebrate Installation of Officers at Madonna University Chapel State Treasurer – Kenneth B. Unterbrink, of Chelsea – Diocese of Lansing State Advocate – Antonio G. Vittorini, of Macomb – Archdiocese of Detroit State Warden – Richard McCloy, Jr., of Lansing – Diocese of Lansing
The State K of C Family of Michigan (L to R) – Tom and Arlene Marcetti (IPSD), Tony and Sue Vittorini (State Advocate), Robert & Sandy Fox (State Secretary), Mike Malinowski (State Deputy), Bishop Reiss & Maureen Malinowski, Rev. Scott Thibodeau (State Chaplain), Ken & Ellie Unterbrink (State Treasurer), and Rick & Beth McCloy, Jr., (State Warden).
The Michigan Knights of Columbus celebrated their Installation of State Officers and Directors at the Chapel of Madonna University in Livonia, MI on Saturday August 18, 2012 in special ceremonies presided over by the Most Rev. Francis R. Reiss, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit. With over 500 people in attendance from throughout the State of Michigan, the ceremonies began with an opening procession of State officers and District Deputies as part of the Mass, and the Installation Ceremony was integrated into the Mass before the blessing of the Eucharist. Rev. Scott A. Thibodeau of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Beverly Hills was sworn in as State Chaplain by Bishop Reiss to begin the installation ceremonies, and Fr. Thibodeau’s swearing in was followed by the swearing in of the Michigan State Officers: State Deputy - Michael J. Malinowski, of Dearborn Heights – Archdiocese of Detroit State Secretary – Robert W. Fox, of Jenison – Diocese of Grand Rapids
Pictured L-R-Most Rev. Bishop Reiss, with State Chaplains - Rev. Robert F. Creagan of Portage (Kalamazoo), Rev. John Mech of Troy (Detroit), Rev. William J. Turner of Chelsea (Lansing), Bishop Reiss, Rev. Scott Thibodeau of Beverly Hills (State Chaplain), and Rev. James Bessert of Saginaw (Saginaw).
Following the swearing-in of the State Officers, District Deputies and State, Regional, and Diocesan Directors were sworn in. At the conclusion of the Mass at Madonna Chapel, a Celebration Dinner was held for over 600 people at Burton Manor in Livonia. The dinner provided an opportunity for the Knights of Columbus from all over Michigan to celebrate their new State Council Officers, and also provided an opportunity for several guest speakers to praise newly installed State Deputy Michael Malinowski, who has set the tone for increased prayer and spirituality for the Order in Michigan during his next two years as State Deputy.
“Operation Patriotism” Master Dennis L Henderson presents keys for five (5) brand new Amigo people movers to Steph Young, Acting, Medical Center Director, of the Aleda E. Lutz V.A. Medical Facility as Vice Supreme Master George A. Dann looks on. The Amigo is an extremely high quality unit and is the only one made in the U.S.A. The units will be used by our veteran patients receiving medical assistance while on site. This was the third donation as part of the ongoing VAVS “Operation Patriotism” program administered by the 4,450 Fourth Degree Sir Knights & their Ladies of Michigan District II. Through the generous donations of all 21 Assemblies and the Ladies group, the district presents an annual gift to one of the VA facilities in Michigan. In the past two years the district refurbished an historic Patriot Fountain for the Battle Creek VA and totally remodeled a hospice care room for the Ann Arbor VA facility.
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State Council Activities David A. Riley
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Knight of the Month (4) - The Knight of the Month award enables a Council to reward individual members for outstanding jobs done for the Council. These jobs may involve program activities, recruiting activities or some special activity the individual performed. The form is State Form MI-2 located on the State website mikofc.org. Report participation at least once per quarter and submit form MI-2 to the State Council Director David Riley – d.riley@mikofc.org Casey Teddy Bear Program Casey the Bear is a program that has been around over 20 years and has made the stress for a child having a medical emergency or having been in an accident or fire trauma a little easier. When a Doctor or Nurse, Fire Fighter or Police Officer hands to a child the little stuffed bear it makes them feel a little bit better. The stuffed Casey shows them someone cares. Many of our Councils all around the State have been utilizing the teddy bear program this way and more. A new idea is to give a box of Casey to the people who received the Ultra Sound Machine from our Knights, so they can give a bear to the client receiving an ultrasound, as their first gift for their unborn child. Here is a list of some other ways to utilize Casey. 1. Bring to Brother Knight in Hospital. 2. Use as a fund raiser (sell for $20.00 proceeds to a charity). 3. Gifts for Baptism 4. Give to Right to Life Organizations for the unborn child. 5. Give to first degree candidate to exercise the first principle of the order 6. Charity. (Give the bear to someone in need as a symbol that we care). You can place order using the State MI-05 form from the State website and e-mail to me at d.riley@mikofc.org. Christ the King Council 9979
Daylight Savings Time will end at 2am on Sunday November 4, 2012. Set your clocks back 1 hour
SHINING ARMOR AWARD
This past summer, Christ the King Council 9979 in Acme received a request from a parishioner who was looking to raise funds to enter the Community of St. John as a postulant. The parishioner, Joe Balog, came to the Knights with a membership form and a commitment to act as the council's Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) chairman. The council readily welcomed Balog into their ranks and donated $750 toward his goal.
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The goal of the Children’s Peace Project was to foster unity in Christ among Middle East and Western Christians. To do this, the members of St. Louis Guanella Council 3092 in Chelsea, Michigan, sponsored a variety of projects, including hosting five students and a teacher from Pales tine, sponsoring the education of a student at a Holy Land Christian school, supporting Christians in the Holy Land through ongoing gift sales, and conducting a Mass and reception for His Beatitude Fouad Twal, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. Father William Turner, council chaplain, had a vision of hosting high school students from the Holy Land through the Holy Land Ecumenical Foundation, and the Knights of Columbus made his vision a reality. Council families served as host families for the students, whose trips were financed through fund-raisers conducted by the council. Patriarch Twal visited after the students had returned home, in recognition of the contributions of the council in fostering unity and solidarity.
Round Tables Parish Round Tables are not only a way for a council to serve a parish, but also a great way to recruit new members. The Orderwide average of new members recruited per active Round Table is three. During the 2011-2012 fraternal year, councils established 3,376 Round Tables. Jurisdictions reaching their goals for 2011-2012 are: Delaware, 10 Round Tables Past State Deputy David R. Brown, Sr. District of Columbia, 15 Round Tables Past State Deputy Peter A. Gabauer Utah, 22 Round Tables Past State Deputy Ray L. Lopez Idaho, 25 Round Tables Past State Deputy John R. Ganguzza Manitoba, 25 Round Tables State Deputy Merlyn A. Onyschuk South Carolina, 46 Round Tables Past State Deputy Thomas M. Monahon
VIP Club The “VIP” (“Very Important Proposers”) Club has grown tremendously since its establishment. The “VIP” program invites every Knight to join its prestigious ranks of outstanding recruiters. Membership is open to any Knight who recruits at least two new members and reports them to the Supreme Council office. Club members advance through the ranks as they recruit new Knights. Membership in the “VIP” Club as of June 30, 2012, stood at 134,668 Knights, who have recruited 897,577 new Knights. To date, 60 members have reached the 200-member level; 14 have reached the 300-member level; and six have reached the 400-member level. We now have five brother Knights at or above the 500-member level: Jurisdictions with the most “VIP” Club members are:
Virginia, 60 Round Tables Past State Deputy Ronald P. Gorman Mindanao, 70 Round Tables Mindanao Deputy Balbino C. Fauni Colorado, 83 Round Tables State Deputy Roger G. Muller Florida, 97 Round Tables State Deputy Christopher E. Kernan Wisconsin, 197 Round Tables Past State Deputy Daniel E. Hull Michigan, 204 Round Tables Past State Deputy Thomas A. Marcetti, Sr. Iowa, 230 Round Tables Past State Deputy Michael P. Laake California, 266 Round Tables Past State Deputy Charles H. Clark Texas, 308 Round Tables Past State Deputy Anton A. Herreth
New Jersey – 4690 Illinois – 4832 Quebec – 4861 Mindanao – 5097 Florida – 5204 Michigan – 5881 New York – 6344 California – 6751 Texas – 8588 Luzon – 11012
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Warning Signs to Know by Heart
Knights of Liberty, Knights of Charity
Because heart attacks cause one in five deaths, knowing the signs, symptoms and what to do if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, can be a lifesaver. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, deaths from heart attacks would be reduced if people received medical assistance more quickly. Always call 911 if you suspect someone may be having a heart attack Driving yourself to the nearest emergency center, or having someone drive you, could delay lifesaving treatment. There are two types of risk factors for heart attacks: Inherited or genetic risk factors that you are born with and cannot be changed, but can be improved, and acquired factors that are caused by activities that we choose to include in our lives. The primary risk factors include: •
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age (men who are 45 or older and women who are 55 or older are more likely to have a heart attack than are younger men and women) tobacco use Diabetes high blood pressure high blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels family history of heart attack lack of physical activity obesity stress illegal drug use
Raffle Items Needed Please"Donate To the 2013 Raffle To Benefit Holy Cross Children's Services Volunteers will be needed to help with tickets, setup and pack up. Please contact the State Advocate's Wife by phone or email Sue Vittorini 46763 Poma Court, Macomb, MI 48044 Cell Phone:. 586-718-1532 Home"Phone: 586-247-9174 Fax: 586-566-4665 Email: s.vittorini@mikofc.org
SNINING ARMOR AWARD
As Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson took to the podium at the 130th Supreme Convention in Anaheim, Calif. To deliver his annual report, the good works and deep faith of the more than 1.8 million Knights of Columbus were on display. Underscoring first the recent challenges to religious liberty in the United States and highlighting the role that the Knights of Columbus have taken whenever religious freedoms have been threatened, the supreme knight called on his fellow Knights to take to heart the theme of this year’s convention and to echo the words of America’s founding fathers, matching their dedication and their resolve to “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land.” “The history of the Catholics in the United States is a history of working for religious freedom,” Anderson said. “And the work of the Knights of Columbus on behalf of religious freedom is a key part of that history.” Knights’ defense of religious liberty is a natural outgrowth of their charitable activities. Their work for religious freedom “has always been motivated by, and inseparable from, our commitment to charity,” Anderson said. That commitment was particularly evident this year as the Knights of Columbus— once again — shattered records, donating more than $158 million to charity and 70 million hours of their time to charitable work. According to Independent Sector, which calculates the value of volunteer time each year, those 70 million hours are valued at $1.5 billion. The Order’s Healing Haiti’s Children, Food for Families and Coats for Kids programs continued to grow and reach more people in need, and jurisdictions Order wide continued to innovate and create programs to address their communities’ needs. Also growing in the past year was the Knights of Columbus’ insurance program, adding $5 billion of continued on page `12
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State Right to Life Dinner The annual State Right to Life dinner will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the Burton Manor in Livonia. A short Bio on the Keynote speaker is below. More information will be available shortly. DAVID BEREIT Pro-Life Speaker and National Director of 40 Days for Life David became an outspoken pro-life advocate after Planned Parenthood announced plans to build an abortion clinic in his Texas town in 1998. He helped to start and build a local grassroots coalition that rallied 60 churches and thousands of people together and dramatically reduced abortions in the region. Planned Parenthood recognized the effectiveness of David's efforts when it labeled his town "the most anti -choice place in the nation." David led the first-ever 40 Days for Life campaign in College Station, Texas. David moved to the Washington, D.C. area in 2005 where he served as executive director of American Life League and national director of Stop Planned Parenthood until being asked to lead the national 40 Days for Life campaign. His pro-life work has been featured in the media hundreds of times, including coverage on Fox News, HBO, ABC, NBC and CBS television stations, numerous radio programs, and in over 100 newspapers across the country including USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times. David and his wife Margaret have two children, Claire and Patrick. Paul & Sue Thorn State Pro Life Chair Couple p.thorn@mikofc.org
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Knights of Liberty, Knights of Charity insurance in force. This brings the total to $86 billion and yields a 6.9 percent increase in total assets. Speaking on the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ health insurance mandate, which would require Catholic employers like the Knights of Columbus to pay for or be complicit with contraception, sterilization, and abortifacients, Supreme Knight Anderson noted, “Catholic voters have the power to transform our politics.” “Is it not time,” he asked, “for Catholic voters to say ‘no’ — no to every candidate of every political party who supports such intrinsic evil?” But saying “no” is not the only way Catholics can transform politics, Anderson said. Speaking on the recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ health insurance mandate, which would require Catholic employers like the Knights of Columbus to pay for or be complicit with contraception, sterilization, and abortifacients, Supreme Knight Anderson noted, “Catholic voters have the power to transform our politics.” “Is it not time,” he asked, “for Catholic voters to say ‘no’ — no to every candidate of every political party who supports such intrinsic evil?” But saying “no” is not the only way Catholics can transform politics, Anderson said. Toward the end of his remarks, he discussed the latest initiative of the Knights of Columbus — a nationwide Campaign for Civility in America, which includes an online petition drive that will “give the American people a voice in speaking up for a respectful public discourse.” Thousands of people have already signed the petition atwww.civilityinamerica.org. Reflecting on the Order’s founder, Venerable Michael McGivney, and the first men who became Knights of Columbus, the supreme knight closed with an inspirational message for the future: “[Father McGivney] knew their faith, and he knew their aspirations. He knew what they were capable of. I also believe our saintly founder sees into the hearts of his brother Knights today, and there he finds those same qualities. One hundred years from now, he will not be surprised by what his brother Knights continue to accomplish.” Warning Signs
Know the signs of a heart attack and how to respond. • pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back • feeling weak, lightheaded or faint • chest pain or discomfort • pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulders or between the shoulder blades • shortness of breath For women, the symptoms can also include: • indigestion or nausea • profound or sudden weakness and fatigue
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'Freedom is Our Lives' A new major motion picture, For Greater Glory, tells the But about four years ago, Barroso began dreaming far bigger. epic, untold story of the Cristero War and a nation’s quest for religious liberty by David Naglieri
Gen. Enrique Gorostieta Velarde (Andy Garcia) leads the Cristeros into battle in the new film For Greater Glory, which opens June 1 and tells the true story of the Cristero War in Mexico in the 1920s.
Actor Andy Garcia sits astride a black horse amid acres of scrub brush beneath a blue sky in Durango, Mexico. He is playing Enrique Gorostieta Velarde, a seasoned Mexican general, before a pivotal battle. The general is in the process of inspecting his troops, an army on horseback dressed in sombreros and with bandoliers of ammunition strapped across their chests. “Today we send a message to Calles, and to the world,” he says. “Freedom is not a word just for writers, politicians or fancy documents. It is our wives, it is our children, it is our homes, it is our faith, it is our lives. We must defend it or die trying — it’s not only our duty, it’s our right! Remember: Men may fire the bullets, but God decides where they land. Viva Cristo Rey!” The battle they are about to face will be one of many during the Cristero War, a conflict that lasted from 1926 to 1929. This often forgotten era of Mexican history is captured in a new film comprised of an ensemble of talented and awardwinning actors. For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada unveils a time when Mexican Christians, in the pursuit of religious freedom, had to choose between their faith and their lives. ‘REACHING AUDIENCES’ For Greater Glory is the brainchild of Mexican producer Pablo José Barroso, a successful businessman who began producing a string of small-budget, faith-based films following a powerful rediscovery of his faith. Aimed at furthering Blessed John Paul II’s call for a new evangelization, Barroso’s company Dos Corazones Films released Guadalupe, a dramatic re-telling of the story of St. Juan Diego, among other projects.
He saw the need to reclaim a period of history that is lost to so many of his countrymen, a time when the infamous “Calles Law,” which was imposed by Mexican President Plutarco Calles in 1926, enforced draconian restrictions on the Catholic Church. To tell this story adequately, Barroso sought to break from the small films he had produced in the past and graduate to a larger production with an A-list cast. “I didn’t want this to look like a very small Mexican movie,” he said. “I wanted this to be like Braveheart,like Gladiator, going around the world and reaching audiences.” By all appearances, Barroso has achieved his goal. For Greater Glory is reportedly the biggest budgeted film in Mexican history. But it wasn’t the film’s financial largesse — estimated at $25 million — that allowed it to attract talent like Garcia, Peter O’Toole and Eva Longoria. Dean Wright, an Academy Award-nominated visual effects producer for iconic films such as Titanic, The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narniaseries, signed on early to make his directorial debut after being impressed with the script. And he wasn’t the only person who found the story compelling. “It just exploded,” Wright recalled, describing the fevered response to casting calls. “People were hammering us: ‘We want you to see this person. We want that person.’” When it came time to cast the key character of General Gorostieta, though, there was one name that stood out: Cuban-born actor Garcia. “For Gorostieta, there’s only a handful of actors that I think could really play the role the right way,” said Wright. As Gorostieta, Garcia captures the ambition and rugged charisma of a retired military leader who leaves behind his wife and family to lead the Cristero army. Gorostieta helps transform a disorganized band of outlaws into a force that gains victory after victory, despite being outnumbered by federal forces. And although initially skeptical of religion, he is driven by his belief in religious liberty. “The first stimulus for me as an actor to be a part of this movie was the notion of the quest for absolute freedom,” said Garcia. “Coming from a country where religious freedom was also curtailed and abolished, I was very sensitive to that reality and those struggles.” RECLAIMING HISTORY For the filmmakers, bringing the dark era of the Cristiada years to life was largely motivated by the silence that surrounds it. As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the various ways in which committed Catholics responded to their plight. Some, such as Blessed José Anacleto González Flores — who is sometimes referred to as the “Mexican Gandhi” — favored civil disobedience. Others, like Father José Reyes Vega and Victoriano Ramírez, known as “El Catorce,” resorted to armed resistance, beginning a grassroots rebellion of Mexican Catholics from which the continued on page 19
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10/21/2012 11:30AM 1:00PM Portland 10/27/2012 9:00AM 10:00AM Harrison Twp. 11/3/2012 1:00PM 2:00PM Lansing 11/10/2012 10:00AM 11:30AM Bronson 11/10/2012 None
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586-7722835 Harry Deneweth 5463 734-4807587 Jeffrey Kemer 9015 616-3742168 Larry Adams 8340 586-59811658 Ken Krause 8453 517-38811694 C.Hanson 0666 269-4672924 Louis Scohy 8219 231-8931492 J.R. Savoie 0731 586-2637200 Jeff Gapczynski 5942 517-28110006 David Myers 1092 810-6564556 Paul Rogers 8303 517-4106534 Frank March 2890 231-7802975 Mike Lewis 8066 586-59811658 Ken Krause 8453 989-8934232 Frank Cieszlak 9622 989-26911432 Gary Krause 9123
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586-2196918 734-4390801 517-647S. Goodman 7741 586-466R.Abernathy 4932 517-482Phil Mondro 6516 Dan Dren- 517-369nan 5365 517-256R. Petroski 8557 586-286Greg Sokol 2933 517-775Frank Fortier 2736 810-449Louis Parsch 6234 517-663Joel Weiher 5597 330-208B. Bernesser 5090 586-466R.Abernathy 4932 989-327Mark Ivon 1238 989-551Carl Taus 9880
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May They Rest In Peace Grayling Council 1982 Lawrence Nielson West Branch Council 2022 Thomas Zettel, Robert Reyna Detroit Council 2739 David Fisher River Rouge Council 2819 Miguel De La Pena Lincoln Park Council 3078 Richard Szabo,
Edmond Bisson Xavier Ramirez, Richard Sinnott Adam Kalisz, Anthony Jesue William Green, Gerald Donohue Daniel Jodway, Robert Daniels Robert Trombley
Harper Woods Council 3160
Roscommon Council 6593
Herman Werner, PGK,PFN Saginaw Council 4232 Donald Adams, Edwin Kowalski Taylor Council 4872 Joseph Ennis, Ciro Mattias David Morrish Clarkston Council 5436 John Shiff, FDD
Leo Cassidy Leo Mejchrzycki Sanford Council 8043 Howard Schoenherr Whittaker Council 8113 Dennis Uleske
38th Annual
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'Freedom is Our Lives' term “Cristiada” originated.
Father Christopher (Peter O’Toole) faces a firing squad comprised of federal soldiers.
The history of the Cristero War remains largely unknown, even to Mexicans. Eduardo Verástegui, who portrays González Flores in the film, experienced this silence first hand. “When I grew up in Mexico I didn’t know anything about the Cristiada,” he said. “I went to public school; I had never heard anything about it — until I turned 30 years old and I learned of the struggle for religious freedom while on a retreat.” Wright, likewise, discovered a stark contrast between those who knew about the Cristero War and those who didn’t while travelling across Mexico during the movie’s pre-production phase. In cities, he would ask people, “Do you know about the Cristero War?” They would respond, “What’s that?” But in the small towns and villages, people keep alive the memory of the Mexican martyrs and Cristero heroes through fervent devotion. “I’d go into a church and … there’d be a little shrine for the priest that had stood up for his flock and had been killed for it,” Wright explained. “It was really moving to see how important it was throughout the country and also how lost it had become.” Wright and Barroso also sought to create an accurate depiction of the violence carried out against Mexican Catholics. Although never gratuitously, the film depicts priests being executed, churches pillaged and worshippers massacred. One of the more chilling scenes involves the execution of St. José María Robles Hurtado, a martyred priest and Knight of Columbus who blessed and forgave his killers in the face of death. But the film is primarily driven by the journeys of General Gorostieta and Joselito, a young boy whose unshakable faith leads him to join with the Cristeros in their struggle for religious freedom. Their interwoven stories reveal the impact of a “child-like faith” on a hardened military man. Based on the life of Blessed José Sánchez del Río, Joselito is played with remarkable authenticity by first-time actor Mauricio Kuri, who holds his own in scenes with both Garcia and
O’Toole. The role of Joselito was also one of the last casting decisions made, but according to Wright, it may have been the best. “I think for me, it was really important to have someone with that incredible youthful exuberance and spirit,” Wright says. “But [Kuri] also had this deep faith; he didn’t have to fake any of it. That was really important because José is the soul of the movie.” ‘NOT ANOTHER HOLLYWOOD MOVIE’ Samuel Goldwyn, the legendary movie producer, once quipped, “Pictures are for entertainment; messages should be sent by Western Union.” Over the years there have been many films that have proven him wrong by both filling theaters and stirring the soul. For Greater Glory can be added that eminent list of movies that transcend entertainment. For Barroso, the blood, sweat and tears of the moviemaking experience is well worth it if For Greater Gloryhelps reveal who we are and what is important in our lives, weaving together a history that has been buried under decades of fear and denial. “For me, it’s more than something that happened 80 years ago,” Barroso said. “This is something that really is the foundation not only of Mexico, but I think also of the whole continent. I don’t know what would have happened if these brave people had not stood up for their beliefs.” Although the film is about specific historical events, the filmmakers believe that its message about religious freedom is universal. “We live in a time where religious freedom is as tenuous as it’s ever been,” said Wright. “Whether it’s in the United States, the Middle East or Asia, people are standing up and saying, ‘You can’t do that. I have the right to say what I want, to believe what I want and to practice that faith.’” After seeing an advanced screening of the movie, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said, “For Greater Gloryis a powerful film that provides a compelling account of a forgotten era of our continent’s history. In celebrating the centrality of religious freedom and man’s need for God, it tells a story of enduring relevance, and is ‘must-see’ viewing for all who care about faith and liberty today.” Barroso considers the positive feedback that he has received so far to be a validation of his core beliefs. “I think I was searching for a group of people that really believed in what I was trying to show the world,” he said. “This is not only another Hollywood movie; it’s a movie of standing up for what you believe; it’s a … spiritual journey.” For Greater Glory premiered in Mexico on April 20 and will hit theaters across the United States June 1. For more information, or to view the film’s trailer, visit forgreaterglory.com. DAVID NAGLIERI is manager of media and research for the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.
Next Copy Deadline December 1, 2012
Families of the Month Bay City Council 414 Thomas & Judy Ayotte Charles & Kellie Bauer Port Huron Council 521 Frank Rotondi family Randy & Nikki Butch Dennis Crimmins family Alpena Council 529 Les & Bernie Klimaszewski Keego Harbor Council 600 Gregory & Meghan Harris Charles & Mary Miller Marine City Council 856 Dan & Carrie Steinmetz James & Kathern LaLonde Dan & Jean LaVere Alex & Irene Dzieck Cadillac Council 1224 John & Mary Ann Palacios David & Joanne Welsh Big Rapids Council 1300 Nolan & Barbara McAdams Ludington Council 1492 Gene & Nancy Tracy William & Trudy Roy Bad Axe Council 1546 Art & Geraldine Miller Andy & Jeanne Gusa Portland Council 2168 James & Carol Wiodrczac Howell Council 2659 Paul & Judy Klebba, Sr. Doug & Colleen Moran Standish Council 2724 Frank & Barbara Boike Mitch & Elaine Pula Larry & Louise Cameron Gene & Karen Viola Westphalia Council 2890 Luke & Dana Thelen David & Leanne O’Brien Phillip & Jamie Smith Coldwater Council 2900 Robert & Janice Hemker Utica Council 2950 Larry & Linda Nardecchia Greg & Melinda DeFauw Ron & Eva Wiegand Grand Haven Council 2975 Bill & Patti Bernesser William & Marie Ellingboe Pinconning Council 2986 Leo & Karen LaClair Mark & Diane Konwinski Wayne & Joann Jasman Caro Council 3224 Michael Fadev family Robert & Pat Chisholm Trenton Council 3615 Stephen & Lorrie Reno Anthony & Doreen Herk
Thomas & Pamela Jackson Ruth Council 3823 David & Janet Kramer Edward & Marge Messing Concklin Council 4404 Larry & Margie Williams Sandusky Council 4693 Gary & Eli Collins Joe & Suzanne Grammatico Dick & Beverly LeGault Taylor Council 4872 Duane & Melissa Tufts Edward & Pat Konefe, FDD Fletcher & Agnes Hayward Oscoda Council 5083 Leonard Ellen Schmitt James & Mary Ann Dion Joseph & nJoan Winslow Livonia Council 5492 Ronald & Tami Zellner Boyne City Council 6314 Thomas & Jackie Mambro Roscommon Council 6593 Ron & Julie Peters Glen & Melva Stuart Tom & Jackie O’Brien, PGK Glenn & Melva Stuart, PGK Grand Blanc Council 6742 Vern & Amy Miller Portage Council 6980 Clarence & Veronica Russell Romeo Council 7018 Paul & Kathryn Wierbicki Hilary & Grace Susalla James & Joanne Parker Marcel & Rosemary VanDaele Algonac Council 7227 Donald & Maxine Zamborowski Mike Konarski family Mio Council 7329 Ben & Marcia Albosta Erie Council 7413 Kenny & Dorthy Lehmann Ward & Carol Close William & Barb Gibbons Jenison Council 7487 Michael & Marie Byars Tonino & Angie Michienzi Dan & Betty Searle Hale council 7623 Arthur & Margie Beauchesne Roger & Kathryn Houthoofd James & Sheryl Szafran James & Sandra Ouillette Durand Council 7955 Tom & Janette Gomos Tom & Deborah Hutchinson Caseville Council 8042 Don & Geri Tonti Bill & Mary Lynn Remijan Bob & Sue Fryer
Gary & Angela Miller Sanford Council 8043 Jack & Elizabeth Strong Dick Pytlak family Bob Sheets family Pewamo Council 8071 Tom & Jill Thelen Bill & Brenda Schafer Howell Council 8169 William & Veronica Russell Lake City Council 8556 Reyes & Ismelda Ortiz Steven & Cindy Tikkanen Todd & Wendy Mangan Fowlerville Council 8605 Paul & Denise Martin Tim & Cindy Donovan Montrose Council 8669 Anthony & Gail Grella Walt & Gloria Davis Edward & Jeanette Smesder Saginaw Council 8808 John & Muriel Murphy Cass City Council 8892 Larry & Sally Wood Stan & Arlene Szarapski Temperance Council 8902 Mark & BrendaVandegrift Ann Arbor Council 8989 Brian & Patti Biggs Mason Council 9182 Frank & Tammy March Eugene & Janet Ambler Ross & Mary Helen Ried Jackson Council 9301 Shawn & Theresa Gifford John & Ann Durocher Reese Council 9305 Daniel Meyer, PGK, family Chad & Donna Fisher Tecumseh Council 9937 Donald & Pamela Ford Stan & Bridget Ames Joe & Emily Yankouich Kalamazoo Council 9962 Guadalupe & Louise Hernandez Larry & Bev Janssen Okemos Council 10006 Steve & Laura Eias Ann Arbor Council 10963 Thomas & Kathryn Cook Battle Creek Council 11114 Samuel & Teresa Durham Stephen & Kim Lewis Anthony & June Sembarski Harrison Twp. Council 11658 Lawrence & Lee Fisher Roger Jacob family Roger Wit family Joseph Pomante family
Clinton Twp. Council 11689 Bruce & Claudia Arnold Raymond & Sheryl Ignatowski Port Huron Council 11756 Chip & Diane Gerlach Shelby Twp. Council 11772 Michael & Deanna Mejia Clifford & Sue Wasmund Kevin & Dawn Laplena Bay City Council 12423 Lawrence & Cheryl Lewicki William & Kathy O’Neil Brighton Council 12295 Chuck & Patricia Erger Robert & Mary Hyatt Dick & Pat Huhn Muskegon Council 13035 Thomas & Patricia Helferich Ronald & Christina Rademacher Tony & Kathy Schaub Donald Ferrier White Lake Council 13319 Paul & Sandra Cloutier Howell Council 13450 Joseph & Tammy Dorsh John Parzuchowski family Deacon William & Patricia Sirl Grosse Ile Council 13475 Bill & Pat Mynster Robert & Myrna Walters *cfy White Cloud Council 13939 Robert & Ruth DeGreen Rochester Hills Council 13950 Anthony & Patricia De Finis Traverse City Council 13958 Lawrence & Denise Herman, Jr. David & Linda Sliwinski John & Ruth Ann Morse Shelby Twp. Council 13983 Lawrence & Judy Hojna *cfy Roseville Council 14213 Richard & Sarah Roberts Robert & Shirley Genord Lake Odessa Council 14404 Alan & Lynn Ferrier Brian & Becky Haskin Grandville Council 14958 Mark & Barb Rouster Kalamazoo Council 15439 Dr. Donnie & Theresa Bouchard Grand Rapids Council 15454 John & Joanne Rainwater *cfy– council family of the year
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Shredding the First Amendment U.S. bishops and others continue to express grave concerns about an unprecedented attack on religious freedom by Mary DeTurris Poust
Consisting of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights was introduced by James Madison to the 1st United States Congress and adopted by the House of Representatives in 1789. The First Amendment states that the government "shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
The Obama administration’s new mandate requiring nearly all U.S. health insurance plans to cover contraception, sterilization and some abortion-inducing drugs has created a firestorm. But for the U.S. bishops, with Every diocesan bishop in broad support from religious the country, without and secular leaders, the issue at exception, has publicly stake is an even broader issue of opposed the mandate. First Amendment religious liberty protections and government intrusion into religious faith and practice. The bishops’ arguments have made clear that, regardless of how many people follow the Church’s teaching on contraception, government has no right to force religious organizations to violate their clear and consistent teachings. “Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a video posted online hours after the Jan. 20 announcement by HHS. “This shouldn’t happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights.” AN ASSAULT ON LIBERTY Under the leadership of Cardinal Dolan and Supreme Chaplain Bishop William E. Lori of Bridgeport, Conn., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, the scope of the response has been unprecedented. Every diocesan bishop in the country, without exception, has publicly opposed the mandate. The USCCB also set up a special webpage (usccb.org/conscience) after the announcement with statements, fact sheets and videos explaining the gravity of
the situation. State Catholic conferences, the Knights of Columbus and numerous other Catholic organizations followed the bishops’ lead, appealing to supporters and members to contact their legislators. In testimony Feb. 16 before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Bishop Lori explained the Church’s position using what he called “The Parable of the Kosher Deli,” imagining a government mandate that compelled all businesses to serve pork, even kosher delicatessens. Of course, such a mandate would be rejected, he said. “Does the fact that large majorities in society — even large majorities within the protesting religious community — reject a particular religious belief make it permissible for the government to weigh in on one side of that dispute? Does it allow government to punish that minority belief with its coercive power?” he asked. “In a nation committed to religious liberty and diversity, the answer, of course, is no.” The mandate is one of numerous regulations dealing with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. First announced in August 2011 and reaffirmed in January 2012, the regulation states that all employee health insurance plans must cover “preventive health services,” including prescription contraception drugs and devices, as well as elective surgical sterilizations. The mandate states that insurers may not even charge a co-pay for these services, as they commonly do with virtually all other prescription drugs and surgical procedures. In November 2011, then-Archbishop Dolan visited the White House and appealed to President Obama to extend a broad exemption for religious institutions and individuals with moral objections to contraception or abortifacients. Archbishop Dolan left the meeting stating that he was convinced the president was taking the concern seriously. However, when the HHS rule was announced in January, it was a different story. The administration held to its original plan of exempting only churches — that is, houses of worship — from the mandate. Any other religious ministry that either employs or serves people of different faiths, would not be exempt, including hospitals, Catholic Charities agencies, and schools and universities. The only thing that these institutions were offered was one extra year to comply. “In effect, the president is saying we have a year to figure out how to violate our consciences,” declared Cardinal Dolan. Although abortion-advocacy groups like Planned Parenthood cheered the ruling, Catholics and others saw it as unfathomable — seemingly declaring Catholic health, education and charitable ministries to be secular pursuits serving no religious purpose. For many, it appeared to be a not-so-thinly-veiled assault on religious liberty. Groups such as the National Right to Life Committee further argued that the new rule would open the door to mandating that “every health plan in America cover abortion on continued on page 28
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Kateri Tekakwitha Council 7365 At the invite of our new Pastor and Chaplin Fr. Mike Haney OFM we were given the opportunity to undertake the job of putting together a location honoring Fr. Michael McGivney. Seizing the moment we passed a motion to take funds from our bank account and also asked our membership to donate what they could spare. With this and help from several of our members we the: The Knights of Columbus Kateri Tekakwitha Council 7365 of The National Shrine, The Cross in the Woods in Indian River, Michigan recently completed a location to pray for the canonization of Fr. Michael McGivney which was dedicated May 27, 2012. The center piece of the room is one of the 4' statues of Fr. McGivney purchased from the McGivney Guild. In the room
to the right of the statue you will also see an enclosed bulletin board encasing posters, literature of Fr. McGivney and the Knights of Columbus. On the left side ofthe Statue we have a 27 inch TV playing the DVD, The Life & Times of Fr. McGivney, constantly repeating in loop fashion around the clock especially during the summer months. Under the TV you will find a stand of Vigil Candles which can be purchased at the Cross in the Woods Shrine gift store. The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods has the World's largest Crucifix as its center piece with several shrines also on the grounds. The best ways to find out about the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is to check out the web site www.crossin the woods.com.
Former Chaplain, Council 4872, Home from Africa Celebrates 50 years as a Priest and Knight Fr. Cas Paulsen, a Marianhill missionary, was honored at All Saints Council in Taylor on August 15. He was their chaplain from 1962 until 1966 when he left for missionary work in South Africa for most of the next 46 years. . He was an outspoken champion against apartheid that landed him in jail as well as being expelled from the country twice during that period. He spent some time in Zambia and Zimbabwe until it was reasonably safe to return to S. Africa. He recently retired from his parish there and is celebrating 50 years as a Priest. Coincidentally, the reception fell on the exact anniversary day of 50 years as a Knight. Fr. Cas was raised in Detroit. He attended St. Bernard Seminary, St. Meinrad Seminary and University of Detroit.
He is reuniting with friends, relatives and fellow missionaries in Canada and the U.S. and will attend some classes in Chicago in the coming months, returning to Africa in January for post retirement duties. After a brief speech on his experiences, GK Al Broom presented him with his 50 year pin and certificate. PGK/FDD Bob Spencer presented a donation of $740 from the members to defray his travel expenses. The evening was capped off with cake and ice cream. Pictured above left to right are GK Al Broome, Fr. Cas and PGK/ FDD Bob Spencer who coordinated the event. He asks that we Knights work on building our community of members and emphasized helping each other in times of trouble. He says he gets his strength from his Detroit community background and the knowledge of how we meet our life and faith challenges. On Sunday, August 19, he concelebrated Mass with Fr. Leo Sabourin at St. Constance Parish. They have been good friends for quite some time. Fr. Leo had visited him in Africa. and they obviously enjoyed their friendship as evidenced by Fr. Cas’ homily.
K.ofC. Honored For Kitchen Donation Flint – Catholic Charities’ North end Soup Kitchen, 735 E. Stewart Ave., recently honored the Grand Blanc Knights of Columbus 6742 for generously donating more then $10,000 in equipment, including two new stoves, carts, pans, utensils, towels and aprons.
“We are grateful for this much needed equipment,” said Jon Manse, director of community services at catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties. “Our stoves were getting old and many burners were no longer working. continued on page 27
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St. Clement of Rome Council 7018
Last month, the Knights of Columbus Council 7018 gave the Agape Center a fresh coat of paint and a new look. The Agape Center located on the grounds of St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, houses a food pantry serving the needy of the community. The Agape Food Pantry welcomes donations of food. The Knights also assisted with repairing the bell tower at St. Clement as the bells had been silent for several years. OLSOS Council 7780
Ultrasound dedication at Arbor Vitae in Ann Arbor
Attended by the Worthy State Deputy, the Worthy State Treasurer and his wife Elle, Worthy District Deputy Don Faxlanger and his son, Vince Gale for Lansing Diocese, Greg Hetzer Council 13703, PGK John Dolson Council 8989, GK Dan Taylor and his wife Suzanne Council 13360, DGK Mike Huddas Council 13340 and Carol Slomiany. The center staff were Director Iris Proctor, Board Member Shann Patton and Center Nurse Sandy Erickson. Anchor Bay Council 5981
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American Legion POW-MIA Flag Presentation
Pictured in the photo (left to right). Legionnaire John Neault. Accepting the flag for the Knights of Columbus are John Bida, Bill Healy, Mike Kisabeth, Joe White and Andy Cippola. Legionnaire John Gilles. Plymouth's Passage-Gayde American Legion Post #391 donated a POW-MIA flag to the Knights of Columbus-Fr. Victor J. Renaud Council #3292 in Plymouth, Michigan. The POW-MIA flag is a symbol of concern about the United States military men and women from all American wars taken as prisoners of war (POW) or listed as missing in action (MIA). Knights March for Religious Liberty
Pictured L-R-Vito Cusenza, GK, Volunteer at Club Kathy Eisengruber, Exceutive Director of the Neighborhood Club Stu Alderman, and John Judge, Trustee
On July 3, 2012, OLSOS Council 7780 presented the Neighborhood Club a Check from the Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus for $1,800 for their activities with the mentally Impaired. These dollars were collected by OLSOS Council 7780 of the Knights of Columbus at the annual Tootsie Roll Drive on Palm Sunday weekend. Council 7780 was also able to make contributions to the Mentally impaired to two other organizations.
Anchor Bay Council 5981 started it’s 27th year in Adopt a Highway Program in the spring of 2012 Father John E. Madden Council 14031 Presented two sets of vestments, along with a chasuble and stole, to Father Eben MacDonald, a newly ordained priest. In addition to the ordination gifts, Knights also supported Father MacDonald during his time in the seminary.
Next Copy Deadline June 1, 2012
Members and families of Michigan councils 692, 1245, 2713, 13224 and assembly 0472 participated in six community parades during 4th of July festivities. Carrying the banner are Kyle Hanson, John Benson, PGK Gary Marcotte and Mark Cavis of Torch Lake Council 2713 who spearheaded the project. Msgr. Esper Council 3027 Hosted its annual "Returns for Vocations" fundraiser to benefit local seminarians. By collecting redeemable bottles and cans as well as monetary donations from members of the community, Knights were able to raise $4,600 to support area men who are studying for the priesthood.
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NOTE : FOR GRAND KNIGHTS AND COUNCIL PR CHAIRMAN In each issue of the Michigan Columbian we print the Current Knights and Families of the Month as designated by the local councils in the State. These men deserve State wide recognition. . We appreciate your help in keeping this information Current. The names of the Family of the Month and those of the deceased members, need to be sent direct to: Gary M. Kolbicz 39373 Durand Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. The Names of the Knight of the Month Need to be sent direct to:
David A. Riley State Council Activities Director 3202 Strickland Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49017-8739
Knights of the Month Bay City Council 414 William Keipert, Dennis Cull Bradley Covaleski Port Huron Council 521 Bill Jackson, Mark Powers Brian Armstrong Keego Harbor Council 600 Jacob Gagliano Jackson Council 609 Louis Wiesniewski Lansing Council 788 Bill Chasse, Alan Tubbs Joseph Vreden, Sr. Marine City Council 856 Denny VanTiem, Bryan Shackett John Yandora, John Grabski Cadillac Council 1224 Donald Clous Ludington Council 1492 James Koss Bad Axe Council 1546 Ray Geiger, Stanley Wolschleger Grayling Council 1982 John Cherven, Ernest Balch Marilyn neuberger Portland Council 2168 Francis Vallier, Mike Cook John Hengesbach Loren Heilman, Craig Fedewa Standish Council 2724 Mitch Pula, Tom Prohaska Paul Klimek, Gerald Reno Bronson Council 2924 Ron Colpetsir Utica Council 2950 Mike Hoste, Doug Kuligowski Grand haven Council 2975 Terry Johnson Chelsea Council 3092 Jacob Pennington Plymouth Council 3292 Mark Moore, Paul Gelinas,*cky Steve Hanis, Gregory Zdan Gary Ickes Trenton Council 3615 Kenneth LaForet, Sr. Allen Park Council 3774 Larry Cavallaro, Joseph Smith Robert Fowler Berkley Council 3830 Michael Mcauliffe, Ronald Joa
Thomas McGlynn Southgate Council 3956 David Sajdak Three Rivers Council 4141 Larry Sarhatt, Charles Krull James Ruden Saginaw Council 4232 Russ Herlache, Mark Foster Farmington Hills Council 4401 Fred Arganoza Sandusky Council 4693 Gary Collings Taylor Council 4872 Terry Cauley, PGK Ronald Gingrich Robert Prusakiewicz, PGK Oscoda Council 5083 Robert Collins, Lawrence Zucal Albion Council 5255 Rev. Joel Gray Livonia Council 5492 Rev. Gary Michalik Boyne City Council 6314 Jim Dixon Eaton Rapids Council 6534 Lee Petrovich Prudenville Council 6548 Ronald Meiring, Arnold Straub Dick Pastula, Bruno Bucci Roscommon Council 6593 Frank Levay, Tom Kozlowski Tom Koscinski, PGK Bob Wolfgang Gladstone Council 6667 Warren Bovin Michael Klimkowski Michigan Center Council 6687 John Conley, Max O’Dell Grand Blanc Council 6742 John Prosniewski Portage Council 6980 Daniel Fialkowski, Mark Castillo Michael Stanley Romeo Council 7018 Mitchell Lenczewski Charlevoix Council 7172 Doug Buday, Robert Harig Algonac Council 7227 Elmer Roland, Ronald Gutt Madison Hts. Council 7239 Lynn Figg, Jim Krcmarik
Marlette Council 7337 David Taylor Erie Council 7413 Danny Taylor, Gary Wilmoth Jenison Council 7487 Karl Knittel, Robert Luxford Kenneth Karafa Hale council 7623 David Brindley Remus Council 7869 Dennis Scheiderer Phillip Lundie Durand Council 7955 Trauis Senk, Rick Marsich Sanford Council 8043 Gerald Ciuk, Erich Molitor Fred Lyon, Bill Carey Ray Ruszala Pewamo Council 8071 Daniel Heckman, Tom Miller Howell Council 8169 Robert Moore, James Lorang Canton Council 8284 Lucas Phan, Andrew Emmert Greg Day, Dennis Inman Lake City Council 8556 Douglas Murphy, Kevin Maher Gary Simpson Auburn Hills Council 8659 Ed Felice Montrose Council 8669 Duane Tripp Concord Council 8820 Carol Franssen, Jr. Cass City Council 8892 Rob Piaskowski Dick Genter David Barrios Temperance Council 8902 John Alexander Ann Arbor Council 8989 Michael Shalhoub, Carl Larkins Mason Council 9182 Bruce Utter Jackson Council 9301 Howell Wynne, James Maurer Tecumseh Council 9937 Joseph Melcher, John Ellis Michael Werden Kalamazoo Council 9962 Deacon Pat Hall Okemos Council 10006
Joseph Hicks, Brian Lenz Lansing Council 10907 Mike Boehnlien, Brian Hagler Ann Arbor Council 10963 Gilberto Garcia Lansing Council 11099 John Gordon Battle Creek Council 11114 Ivan Wilson, Ken Huebschman Harrison Twp. Council 11658 Joseph Saccone II Steven Alfes, John Kukowski Harry Barriger Port Huron Council 11756 Dr. John Mullally, David Kelley Shelby Twp. Council 11772 Ron Wood, Dominic Grillo Gary Kopp Shelby Twp. Council 11957 Gerald Kennedy Sterling Hts. Council 12102 George Sotter Brighton Council 12295 Robert McBride, David Rabold Ronald Weingartz Muskegon Council 13035 Tony Schaub, Larry Maki Donald Ferrier White Lake Council 13319 Robert Stefanick George Goeddeke Lawrence Gillis Grand Rapids Council 13391 Bruce Probst Kingsley Council 13432 Gary Schaub Howell Council 13450 Michael Terry Grosse Ile Council 13475 Dan Valascho Jeff Drombrowski *cky Troy Council 13453 Steve Gomick Farmington Hills Council 13676
James Malloy White Cloud Council 13939 Steven Bleiler
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Knights of the Month Rochester Hills Council 13950
Gary Moody Traverse City council 13958 Wayne Sterenberg, Kaja Asaua Rev. Anthony Cureton Raja Asaua
Shelby Twp. Council 13983 Roger Quitter, Douglas Woznizk Roseville Council 14213 Deacon Michael Lang, Sr. Lake Odessa Council 14404 Patrick Sinke, Terrance Kelley
Allendale Council 14586 Julius Horvath Davisburg Council 14883 Stephen Rawe Westland Council 15204 Timothy Keener Kalamazoo Council 15439
Knights of Columbus Insurance: Your Shield for Life. Thomas P. Smith Jr. Chief Insurance Office When our agents are in a member’s home talking about the financial future of his family, there is often a common theme followed if there is an objection. Many members see the wisdom of taking action and beginning the process of protecting that future, but some are reluctant to agree. One of the more common objections to proceeding that we hear is: “I want to think about it.” While no one would argue against making a thoughtful decision, there are reasons not to delay. The most common, and troubling, reason is health. More specifically, the fragile nature of our health. For most items you seek to purchase, all you need are the funds to buy what you are looking for. When you are car shopping, you decide what car you want and can afford, and the next question the salesperson asks is: How do you plan to pay for this? We ask that same question when you purchase life insurance from us, because we only want you to buy what you can afford. But we continue our questioning from there. Because you need more than money to buy life insurance. You need good health as well. So we inquire about the current state of your health.
Msgr. Thomas Martin Grand Rapids Council 15454 Raymond McElheny *cky - council knight of year
‘I Want to Think About It’
The nature of life insurance is such that only acceptable risks can be added … to protect the integrity of the pool of insureds. Accepting just anyone, regardless of health and life expectancy, would cause premiums to skyrocket, making the products fundamentally unaffordable for everyone and certainly problematic for reasonably healthy people. So a change in your health could cause you to be denied needed coverage – and sometimes permanently denied that coverage. That’s one of the dangers of “thinking about it. While you think about it, the unthinkable can happen. Out of nowhere, a sudden change to your health can occur. As I’ve written before in this column, no one will ring a bell for you the night before your health changes. It often happens quickly, and without warning. Consider the number of times in your own life when you’ve heard of someone who was plugging along just fine until…. You can fill in the blank. So I recommend that you think about it while we think about you. Get your application completed, send it in and let our review begin. Should you change your mind —which, considering the value, is unlikely— there are plenty of opportunities to stop the process. But while you and our agent are together, and everything appears to be OK, a delay could change everything. Think about that.
St. Bartholomew Council 14206 The St. Bart's Knights of Columbus chapter held its fourth annual charity golf outing on June 9 at Village Green Golf Club. Grand Knight said that the annual outing is one of the Knights' favorite events. "The turnout has gotten better and better," Watkins said. "The participants get to be part of a fun community event while contributing dollars to a local charity." For $40, participants got nine holes of golf, a cart, lunch and the chance to win prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes were awarded for achievements such as longest drive, ball closest to the hole, the ball that traveled the furthest distance, and the worst golfing performance. As in previous years, the event took advantage of matching grants available from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. "I get a call every year from someone (at the Knights of
Columbus) to find out which charities have an open matching grant with us," said Robert Jordan. FACF Vice-President of Philanthropic Services. "They want to make sure that their donations do the maximum amount of good in the community." This year, the donations raised at the golf outing will go to Love lNC of Newaygo County. The Foundation matched the $1,665 for a total contribution of $3.330. "I had the pleasure of participating in the golf outing and it was a great time," said Dick Ringlever of Love INC. "It's wonderful that the Knights of Columbus are looking at the importance of what Love INC does in-the community. Their support is outstandi.ng .., The 2013 golf outing is scheduled for June 22. Interested golfers can signup by contacting the Grand Knight at 9243688.
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Vocations Are Everybody’s Business LEAST WE FORGET OUR DEPARTED A beautiful and lasting remembrance is to have your loved ones enrolled in the Knights of Columbus Vocations Committee Memorial Society Plaque, which now hangs in the chapel of Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. For a tax deductible gift of $100.00 (a 4-line nameplate or a $25.00 gift (a one-line plate) will be placed on the plaque. Also those enrolled will share in the daily masses, prayers and good works of the Priests and Seminarians of the Seminary. Proceeds from this ongoing fund-raiser go to aid religious students in need of financial help.
SPRING INTO KNIGHTHOOD
In Memory of Gift of
Date of Death Requested by
Phone
Address City, State Zip Make checks payable to: Michigan State Council K of C Mail to: Robert J. Garstka State Vocations Director 47120 Savannah Dr. Macomb, MI. 48044
Rec’d
Casey Teddy Bear Order Form Council No. _____ Council Name ________________________ Order Qty. _____
Total Order (Number of Bears x $10) ______________
Ship To: Name ____________________________ Address _______________________________ City _______________________ State _____ Zip Code __________ Checks Payable to: Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus Memo: Casey Teddy Bears Send to: David A. Riley State Council Activities Director 3202 Strickland Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49017-8739
YES I wish to enroll in the Guild and to receive the newsletter. Name Address City/State/Country Please list below the names and addresses of any family or friend who might be interested in the Guild’s work. Name Address City/State/Country
Name Address City/State/Country
MONTHLY MASS FOR GUILD MEMBERS Please remember these specific intentions at the monthly Mass for Guild Member. 1. If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to support the mission of the Guild, checks should be made payable to The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, Ct 06510-3326 GK 4046 10/03
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COUNCIL FUND RAISER
Columbia Magazine
Here is a fund raiser your council can handle. It is a win, win situation. Every year the Michigan K of C Bowling Association holds their Annual Tournament. The Association officers and directors do all of the work in keeping the scores, record keeping and prize money. Every year the tournament is held in a different part of our State. The host council makes their profit from holding activities during the bowling tournament at their council. Other fund raising activities include selling Tee Shirts, bowling jackpots, selling 50/50 tickets, and etc. All that is needed is the required licenses along with your workers. A good suggestion is to inquire with councils who in the past hosted this tournament. The Association, at their Annual meeting selects the host council from those who bid on this project. For more information go to the State K of C Web Site and follow the link for the Bowling Association or check with your financial secretary for the Associations contacts in his K of C State Directory. Gene Gross Association Publicist
Columbia magazine is now available as a paid subscription on the Amazon Kindle Did you receive an Amazon Kindle device for Christmas? If so, you now have the opportunity to experience Columbia magazine in a new and exciting way. Columbia on the Kindle lets you access the official magazine of the Knights of Columbus whenever and wherever you are. You can even read Columbia when you're not connected to a wireless network since the magazine is downloaded completely onto your Kindle device. Columbia is available for $1.99 per issue when you sign up for a monthly subscription or $5.99 for individual issues purchased without a subscription.
MICHIGAN COLUMBIAN PUBLICATION SCHEDULE COPY DEADLINE MONTH MARCH 1st…………………………… APRIL 2013 JUNE 1st…………………………. ……. JULY 2013 SEPTEMBER 1st…………………...OCTOBER 2013 DECEMBER 1st…………………… JANUARY 2013 PLEASE SEND ALL COPY MATERIAL TO: GARY M. KOLBICZ 39373 DURAND DRIVE
YES I wish to enroll in the Guild and to receive the newsletter. Name Address City/State/Country Please list below the names and addresses of any family or friend who might be interested in the Guild’s work. Name Name Address Address City/State/Country City/State/ Country MONTHLY MASS FOR GUILD MEMBERS Please remember these specific intentions at the monthly Mass for Guild Member. 1. If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution to support the mission of the Guild, checks should be made payable to The Father McGivney Guild, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, Ct 065103326
Update Contact Information If you are currently a member and your address has changed, or you are in the process of moving go to www.kofc.org, on the home page click on for members in the upper right hand corner of the page, when the for members page pop’s-up scroll down to the bottom of the page and you will see the Update Contact Information box, follow the instructions, it’s easy and simple . K.ofC. Honored For Kitchen Donation Failing equipment makes it even more difficult to feed the hundreds of individuals and families who come to us each day. We are especially grateful to David and Mary Tovey of Grand Blanc for bringing our needs to the attention of the Knights of Columbus. They have been wonderful advocates of our programs.” Catholic Charities operates the North End, Holy Angels and South Flint Soup Kitchens, in addition to three sandwich programs, providing meals 365 days a year. In 2011, these programs provided more than 155,500 meals to Genesse County residents in need.
Next Copy Deadline December 1, 2012
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Shredding the First Amendment demand.” If other “reproductive services” are considered basic, preventive health care, then why not abortion? SERIOUS OBJECTIONS REMAIN In an election year, the story was proving problematic for President Obama’s campaign, with criticism coming from self -proclaimed “progressive” Catholics whose support helped pass Obamacare over objections from the U.S. bishops. E.J. Dionne, the liberal Washington Post columnist, charged that Obama had “utterly botched” the contraception issue and had thrown “his progressive Catholic allies under the bus.” With the pressure rising, Obama appeared to reverse course abruptly on Feb. 10, announcing that he would issue a new regulation stating that non-exempt religious institutions would not have to provide the insurance. Instead, the employees of those institutions would be contacted directly by insurance companies and informed that they could have the coverage. The insurance companies themselves, Obama said, would be required to pay the cost of the contraception, not the religious employers. Although some initial critics of the mandate accepted this “accommodation” as an acceptable compromise, the bishops, pro-life groups and others observed that the proposed regulations had not changed. Testifying before the House Judiciary Committee Feb. 28, Bishop Lori noted that the original HHS rule, which caused the initial negative reaction, was actually finalized “without change.” He called the accommodation a “legally unenforceable promise to alter the way the mandate would still apply to those who are still not exempt from it.” Bishop Lori added, “In the world-turned-upside-down that we have all entered since the mandate was issued, this is not merely ‘no change,’ but is heralded as ‘great change,’ for which the administration has been widely congratulated.” The U.S. bishops have identified a number of objections that the accommodation failed to resolve: • The rule will continue to provide the original narrow religious exemption for which, as the bishops’ conference noted, “not even Jesus and his disciples would have qualified” because it excludes those who serve people of other faiths. • Religious employers will still pay for health plans that contain the objectionable coverage, regardless of the mechanism involved in how the beneficiary is told of the coverage. • For religiously affiliated insurers, and the many Catholic entities that self-insure, the religious employer is the insurer and will still have to provide the proscribed services. • The regulations will still force individual private employers with moral objections to violate their consciences by providing this coverage. • The federal mandate adopted the narrowest state-level
religious exemption and is stricter than any existing state mandates. The mandate closes off current options for religious employers, such as self-insuring or dropping coverage. It also includes sterilization, something not found in state plans where contraception mandates have been enacted. THE FIGHT CONTINUES In a Feb. 21 letter to their brother bishops explaining the Church’s rejection of the accommodation, Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Lori stated: “In the United States, religious liberty does not depend on the benevolence of who is regulating us. It is our ‘first freedom’ and respect for it must be broad and inclusive — not narrow and exclusive.” For the Obama administration, the accommodation announcement was successful in tamping down the story in the media, but the bishops have not given up the cause. They continue to push for legislative relief. Many members of Congress have attempted to fashion legislative remedies, thus far without success. The Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, which would grant broad conscience exemptions for employers and individuals from having to provide or pay for services they consider morally objectionable, was introduced in Congress with bipartisan support. In the Senate, the legislation took the form of an amendment sponsored by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). It was tabled March 1 by a vote of 51-48. The Knights of Columbus is among many Catholic organizations that continue to urge members to contact their representatives in support of freedom of conscience. Several lawsuits have also been filed by Catholic employers, including the Catholic broadcast company EWTN, Ave Maria University in Naples, Fla., Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C., and others, in addition to at least seven state attorneys general. Objections to the mandate and accommodation have also come from a wide cross section of religious groups, as reflected in the Feb. 16 congressional hearing that included Catholic, Jewish, Baptist, Lutheran and evangelical leaders. At another hearing later in the month, a diverse group of female leaders of many different faith traditions gave testimony against the mandate. This followed an online petition signed by thousands of women stating that concern for women’s health did not automatically mean support for the contraceptive mandate. Only time will tell how it will end up, but in their Feb. 21 letter, Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Lori insisted that the fight will continue: “We cannot rest when faced with so grave a threat to the religious liberty for which our parents and grandparents fought. In this moment in history we must work diligently to preserve religious liberty and to remove all threats to the practice of our faith in the public square. This is our heritage as Americans.” MARY DETURRIS POUST writes from upstate New York.
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