Worthies All,

With fall in the air and football season upon us, we are in the last 8 weeks or so of Ordinary Time. Before we know it, we will celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, the start Advent. And did I mention there is a hotly contested Presidential election on November 5th? With all this distracting us, it can be difficult to keep our minds and hearts focused on God. As Catholics, that is what we are asked to do. Be sure to take a few minutes each day to thank God for all the blessing which he has bestowed upon us!

Important Upcoming Dates

• 8:00am, Wednesday, October 16 - Commerce Mass, SHMS, Detroit (be there by 7:15am; please bring Halloween candy - see the note below)
• 9:00am, Saturday, October 26 - Prep Bowl, Ford Field, Detroit (be there by 8:15am)
• 10:00am, Sunday, November 3 - DAVL Memorial Mass, SHMS, Detroit (be there by 9:15am)
• 9:30am, Saturday, November 9 - Fall Harvest and Packing Party, SS. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Hts

Fall Harvest District Meeting…
Please remember that the Fall District Meeting (and Packing Party) is moved one week later to November 9, 2024. This is to accommodate those that want to attend All Souls Day Mass on Saturday, November 2nd. We will be at SS. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 (click here for map). We will open the doors at 8:00am to help unload cars for the packing party. Both the meeting and the Packing Party will begin at 9:30am and should be done by 11:30pm. Lunch will be afterwards.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE KNOW HOW MANY ARE COMING FOR LUNCH. Last year the SignUpGenius didn’t work so well. This year I’m going to ask that you CLICK HERE to send an email to lunch@kofcmidistrict1.org with your assembly number and how many people will be staying for lunch (both Sir Knights and Ladies). It would also be helpful to include the names of the people staying (since sometimes a person gets listed twice). Please DO NOT include the marshals or the district secretary, as I will contact them separately. The cost will be $5 per person, which can be paid at the door. You must let me know by Monday, November 4, 2024, with how many will be staying for lunch. NOTE: This is a different email address than I usually use. I am doing it this way to try and keep the emails separate so I can better keep track of how many are coming.

…and Packing Party
The armed services is no longer delivering Desert Angel packages to specific service men and women as it usually takes too long for the item to reach the intended person. Rather, packages are being sent to unit chaplains or to unit donations manager on a base, camp or ship. Further, the items are being packaged a little differently to make it easier to ship.

Lady Kathy has been working with The Desert Angel to understand all this as well as make a list of requested items that can be packaged and sent to our armed forces. Please see the attachment with a list items that can be packaged. I’ve also included a photo of what is being sent and how it is packaged.

If you have been collecting items for the packing party that are not on the list, PLEASE BRING THEM. The Desert Angel has programs they run all year not only with active military but also with veterans organizations. The items will be used, though they may not be sent at this time of year.

As always, your generosity for our armed service men and women goes a long way toward making them feel that the sacrifice they are making is noticed and remembered by those of us back home.

Upcoming Color Corps Events of Importance
As mentioned above, there are a number of events of importance of which Color Corps is requested.

• Commerce Mass - 8:00am, Wednesday, October 16, Sacred Heart Major Seminary. As with all events at SHMS, we need to be there a bit early, as the parking lot will fill up. For those that come, I ask that you bring a couple of bags of Halloween candy that the seminarians will be able to distribute to the kids in the area. Remember that these seminarians will be our future priests. This is a very small way in which we can help them help the neighborhood. Last year was the first year we did this, and the response was great!
• Prep Bowl - 9:00am, Saturday, October 26, Ford Field. This is your chance to walk on the 50 yard line at Ford Field! We have been at this event for years, and it is always a good time. This also helps show our support for Catholic education in our area.
• DAVL Memorial Mass - 10:00am, Sunday, November 3, Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Note that this Mass is open to all Knights of Columbus members. We always have a great turnout for this, and I look forward to being with you again this year as we remember those Knights that have been called to their eternal reward.

A Little More on the Color Corps
I’ve received a couple of questions about how to get a Drill Manual. I suggest going to kofc.org and searching for Drill Manual. You will find the current Drill Manual in PDF form that you can download. I would suggest NOT BUYING a copy, as I am hearing there will be a new version out, maybe around the start of 2025. Downloading the PDF and printing it out, if you must, is easy. I keep a copy of it on my iPhone and my iPad, as it does come in handy sometimes.

The cost of the uniform is now $475.00 from kofcuniform.com. The package includes the jacket, trousers, beret and tie. Note that the trousers will need to be hemmed with no cuff. Almost all Michigan 1 assemblies have program that will help Sir Knights with the purchase. Some councils are also offering to help.

Exemplification Update
On September 28, 2024, in Monroe, Michigan, 48 candidates were exemplified to the Fourth Degree. This is a great start to the fraternal year, and I am hopeful all will become active members in their new assembly. Forty-seven of those new Sir Knights joined a total of 115 assemblies in the district, with one new Sir Knight joining an assembly in Michigan 2.

We will have a mini-exemplification on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Activity Building, 9764 Dixie Hwy, Ira Twp MI 48023 (think Anchor Bay). As with our other mini-exemplifications, registration will start at 6:00pm, the exemplification will start at 7:00pm or when everyone has arrived and we are ready. Because this is a smaller venue, I need to limit the number of candidates to 30 and the number of dinners to 80. I can try to make accommodations if the numbers are a little larger, but this is not a venue that seats much more than that.

The next full exemplification will be Saturday, March 15, at St. John Neumann in Canton, Michigan. (Note: This will be a busy week-end, as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Will be Sunday, March 16, 2025.) Registration will start at 9:00am, the photo will be at 10:00am, and the ceremonial and Ladies Program will start at 10:30am. Dinner at about 1:00pm. I anticipate this will be the last exemplification Michigan 1 will do with the current ceremonial.

What will likely be our final exemplification for this fraternal year (very likely using the new ceremonial) should be in early June. I am looking in the Commerce Lake - Milford - White Lake area, since this is about the only area we have not had an exemplification. I do not have a location or date yet, and I plan to work with the membership in that area for suggestions.

New Exemplification Ceremonial
The new Fourth Degree Exemplification Ceremonial will be used at the 125th Anniversary Mass of the Fourth Degree on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. (In late October I expect to hear who will be invited or can go.) It will then be made available to the assemblies in the United States on March 1, 2025. Because of the close proximity to our spring exemplification, I expect to use the current ceremonial next March. All the exemplifications after that will use the new ceremonial.

As I mentioned, I expect to hear more about this in October.

Korean and Vietnam Veteran Census
I am receiving census spreadsheets, which is great. Please keep working on them. The Supreme Master wants me to emphasize that this is for the entire Knights of Columbus, not just the 4th degree. That means assemblies need to work with the councils that are assigned to them. If we do not talk to them, some veterans mayl not be included. I know you are doing your best, and I can only ask you to continue your efforts. I am hopeful they will be appreciated at the conclusion of this in 2025.

If you have not started (I recently came across an assembly that had not, please start immediately. One of the best practices related to me by others is to assign one person to each council for which you are responsible. That person being a veteran and a regular attendee at the council meeting is a huge plus.

Census forms are due in early April, 2025. It is my understanding that certificates will be sent by Supreme to those that are included in the survey. Further, we’ve been asked to have celebrations for these veterans in the April/May 2025 time frame that would include Color Corps presence. I’ll pass on more as I hear it.

Clicking here will take you to the Korean/Vietnam census forms. You will also find the instructions, as well as a sample spreadsheet. All are available for you to download.

Forms
At this point, 1315 audit forms are very late. I will be contacting assemblies that are in this situation, though you should know who you are. Supreme has already contacted me once about late forms, so please complete these and send them to me, the VSM and the Supreme Master (as noted on the form) ASAP.

Council Visits
The Supreme Master, the VSM, and I expect the FN’s to regularly visit the councils which are assigned to them. The councils assigned to assemblies was recently added to the district website on the Assemblies tab (click here to see them). I don’t expect every council to be visited every month, though I think three or four times a year is reasonable. When the FN can’t make it, someone else from the assembly should deliver the report of the fourth degree.

You may recall that I made an offer a month or two ago to visit councils with you. I do need some lead time so I can arrange my schedule accordingly, as I do make a lot of assembly visits. That said, I am primarily there to help with recruiting. Please feel free to contact me if you feel my presence at a council meeting will be helpful.


Much thanks to you and your assemblies for all the work you do. I am very grateful to be associated with such a great group of dedicated Fourth Degree Sir Knights!

God Bless, Vivat Jesus, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, Master
Michigan 1

Worthies All,

Autumn is just around the corner, and the kids are going back to school. Football starts, and most of us are eager for the renewed Detroit Lions to come out with a roar! For the Fourth Degree, this is fall exemplification time, and I have a couple of months with busy week-ends. And with all this noise, we should still find time to still our hearts and praise God for all that he has done for us.

Exemplifications
Our next exemplification is September 28, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus - Banquet Rental Hall, 202 W Front St, Monroe, MI 48161. Registration will begin at 9:00AM, the photo will be at 10:00AM, the ceremony and ladies program at 10:30AM. All forms can be found on the Exemplification tab on the district web site (https://kofcmidistrict1.org/exemplification.php). Unless you have made alternative arrangements, everything should sent to Norm Pranger by September 18, or, 10 days prior to the event. Note that I am still working on a class honoree and will let you know when I have that finalized.

We will have a mini-exemplification on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Activity Building, 9764 Dixie Hwy, Ira Twp MI 48023 (think Anchor Bay). As with our other mini-exemplifications, registration will start at 6:00pm, the exemplification will start at 7:00pm or when everyone has arrived and we are ready.

While I was hopeful the 2025 Spring Exemplification would be the first week-end in March, that is looking less likely and I will probably have to go with the second or third week-end. Since this puts it in Lent, I am looking for a location that does not do a Fish Fry the night before. More to come on this as I finalize a location.

Exemplification Baskets
As in the past, Lady Kathy and I are always grateful for the donations to the basket raffle. Kathy and I usually put together at least six baskets a year for the various events we attend, and it really isn’t that hard. With the fall brings football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and eventually Christmas, all of which are great themes for a basket. We humbly ask that your assembly consider donating a basket. It greatly helps to keep the cost of the event low for everyone.

New Exemplification Ceremonial
The new Fourth Degree Exemplification Ceremonial will be used at the 125th Anniversary Mass of the Fourth Degree on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. (In late October I expect to hear who will be invited or can go.) It will then be made available to the assemblies in the United States on March 1, 2025. Because of the close proximity to our spring exemplification, I expect to use the current ceremonial next March. All the exemplifications after that will use the new ceremonial.

As I mentioned, I expect to hear more about this in October.

Officer Installations
I have installed officers at 20 assemblies. I would like to install the rest, though I need you to schedule the event. I prefer to do multiple assemblies together (2 to 4), so this requires communication and coordination on the part of the FN’s. Also, September is when things start to get busy again. In September, I have a KofC function every Saturday!

Please schedule your officer installation, and DO NOT wait until the last week of September. The answer will likely be be no as I am usually busy preparing for the exemplification.

Fourth Degree Uniform
On September 1st, the cost of the Fourth Degree uniform increased $30 and now be $479. We received notification of this about a month ago, and I did let people know as best I could. That said, I encourage those that would like to join the Color Corps to purchase the uniform. Almost every assembly in our district has a program to help with the purchase.

The number of requests for Color Corps at events is increasing, not decreasing. Someone just asked me how many events in which my assembly was requested to participate. I counted 45 events covering for the last 39 weeks. That is a lot of fallouts, and not everyone can make every event. The more Color Corps members we have, the easier it is for everyone to participate.

Korean and Vietnam Veteran Census
I am receiving census spreadsheets, which is great. Please keep working them. Also, I want to repeat that this is for the entire Knights of Columbus, not just the 4th degree. That means assemblies need to work with the councils that are assigned to them. If we do not talk to them, they will not be included. I know you are doing your best, and I can only ask you to continue your efforts. I am hopeful they will be appreciated at the conclusion of this in 2025.

Census forms are due in early April, 2025. It is my understanding that certificates will be sent by Supreme to those that are included in the survey. Further, we’ve been asked to have celebrations for these veterans in the April/May 2025 time frame that would include Color Corps presence. I’ll pass on more as I hear it.

Forms
I have received only 18 of 31 form 1315 Annual Assembly Audit Reports. They are very late at this point. I have sent an email to the FN and comptroller for every audit I have received. If you did not get one from me, then I don’t think I have an audit from your assembly. Please send it ASAP.

Also, I have been taking time to look over the audits I have received, and I feel some may need to be corrected. (Truthfully, I have not been very good about this since becoming district master.) I will be contacting comptrollers over the coming weeks to have a conversation about them. Some of the issues are fairly minor, some a little more complex. Note that I have been talking with some assembly audit experts to make sure I have a firm understanding of what is correct. Also, while I think there could be some simple changes to the form to make it a little more straightforward, the form is what it is until it gets updated again, so we need to work with what we have.

Council Visits
The Supreme Master, the VSM, and I expect the FN’s to regularly visit the councils which are assigned to them. The councils assigned to assemblies was recently added to the district website on the Assemblies tab (click here to see them). I don’t expect every council to be visited every month, though I think three or four times a year is reasonable. When the FN can’t make it, someone else from the assembly should deliver the report of the fourth degree.

You may recall that I made an offer a month or two ago to visit councils with you. I do need some lead time so I can arrange my schedule accordingly, as I do make a lot of assembly visits. That said, I am primarily there to help with recruiting. Please feel free to contact me if you feel my presence at a council meeting will be helpful.

Major Fallouts (and Charity Ask)
I recently sent to the marshals requests for two of the largest fallouts we have every year: the Commerce Mass on Wednesday, October 16, 2025 at 8:00am (yes, this is a date change from what was announced at last year’s Mass) and the DAVL Memorial Mass on Sunday, November 3, 2025 at 10:00am. Both events are at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and we ask that you arrive about 60 minutes prior to the start of Mass, as parking at SHMS can get a little dicey.

Also, I ask once again that those coming to the Commerce Mass on October 16 bring a bag of Halloween candy (or two) for the seminarians to distribute to the neighborhood kids. This is a small but great way to show support for the young men that will become priests just a few years down the road.


Much thanks to you and your assemblies for all the work you do. I am very grateful to be associated with such a great group of dedicated Fourth Degree Sir Knights!

God Bless, Vivat Jesus, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

As we make our way through the summer, it seems like there is no end to the work we have to do. Just when I think I have a few minutes to take a break, I am reminded that I have work to do, commitments to keep and places to be. I am sure it is the same for all of you! Even so, we keep our eyes on Jesus, and pray that we are able to do His work for the greater glory of God.

A few items worth mentioning as we make our way through July and into August...

District Master
A few days ago I received official notification from the Supreme Master that I have been reappointed as the District Master for Michigan 1. I am humbled and honored to be selected for a second term, and I ask for your prayers as I help us navigate another two years.

Forms
The last set of forms that cover the 2023-2024 Fraternal Year are due in August. Here is the quick list with links (otherwise this would be a large email). Note that these can also be found on the district website (kofcmidistrict1.org, click on Forms):

Required
Late:

• Form 186: Report of Officers Chosen (or all new officers entered in Membership Management) (click here)
• Assembly Directory Form (click here)
• Form 1315 Annual Assembly Audit (click here)

Optional
Due August 15, 2024:

• District Master Award Form (click here)
• District Sir Knight of the Year Nomination (click here for latest version)
• District Lady of the Year Nomination (click here for latest version)
• District Ladies Activity of the Year Nomination (click here for latest version)

While the four items noted above are optional, it is always nice to be able to recognize those that have made significant contributions. Keep in mind that the District Sir Knight of the year, Lady of the Year and Ladies Activity of the Year winners are forwarded to the VSM for consideration at the provincial level. (Last year Michigan won all three awards at the provincial level. Our district had both the Provincial Lady of the Year and the Provincial Ladies Activity of the Year.)

Officer Installations
The following are the dates and assemblies for which I have officer installations scheduled:

• July 24: 3057
• July 25: 0490, 2149, 2804
• August 14: 2136, 1536, 0492, 3099
• August 19: 3082, 0477, 0478, 1839, 3392
• August 24: 2521
• August 31: 0484, 0521, 2696

The following are dates for wich I am unavailable:

• July 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
• August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 31

Again, I ask that you work with other assemblies in your area to find a couple of dates you can offer me to schedule your officer installation. We are getting close to the end of July, so I am guessing most will happen in August or early September.

International Dinner
Our Canadian friends are having an international dinner on Saturday, September 14, 2024. I’ve included the information, below, that I would like you to pass on to your members. Those interested in attending should follow the instructions. Note that this is for all Knights of Columbus members, not just 4th degree.

Exemplifications

Our next exemplification isSeptember 28, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus - Banquet Rental Hall, 202 W Front St, Monroe, MI 48161. Registration will begin at 9:00AM, the photo will be at 10:00AM, the ceremony at 10:30AM. All forms can be found on the Exemplification tab on the district web site (https://kofcmidistrict1.org/exemplification.php).

I am planning a mini-exemplification early in December. It will likely be at the Immaculate Conception Activity Building, 9764 Dixie Hwy, Ira Twp MI 48023 (think Anchor Bay).

I am hopeful the Spring 2025 Exemplification will be Saturday, March 1. It will likely be at St. Edith in Livonia or St. John Neumann in Canton. This will very likely be the last exemplification in our district using the current 4th Degree Ceremonial.

The new ceremonial should be available on February 22, 2025, the 125th anniversary of the 4th Degree. Because this is only 1 week away from when I am planning the spring exemplification, the VSM has indicated we will likely be able to use the current ceremonial as we will be in a transition period.

Note that I don’t know much about the new ceremonial, though I am hearing:

• It will likely be close to an hour in length.
• It will likely be presented in a fashion similar to how the Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity is presented, that is, from a podium.
• It is likely that the uniform of the Fourth Degree will be worn by those presenting the exemplification.
• It is unlikely the parts will need to be memorized.

Korean and Vietnam Veteran Census
I am already starting to receive census spreadsheets, which is great. Please keep working them. Also, I want to repeat that this is for the entire Knights of Columbus, not just the 4th degree. That means assemblies need to work with the councils that are assigned to them. If we do not talk to them, they will not be included. I know you are doing your best, and I can only ask you to continue your efforts. I am hopeful they will be appreciated at the conclusion of this in 2025.

Color Corps
The VSM recently forwarded to the Hennepin Province District Masters men’s grooming guidelines for Color Corps members. I have passed these on to the marshals, and will pass them on to any interested commander and FN. I can only assume somewhere there was an issue that caused the guidelines to be sent. I have not seen any issues with any of our Sir Knights, and neither have the marshals. It is fair to say that the guidelines are intended to keep our Color Corps looking sharp, professional and approachable.

On a slightly different note, some Color Corps members in the past couple of months have been the recipient of a new beret. I ordered some “inspection ready” berets, and when I see someone that has an issue, I talk to them. In many cases, it is a beret that is the wrong size, or an old beret that just doesn’t have a lot of material. Those that received the new beret seemed very appreciative of the concern being shown. Because of how they were sent, they do need to be steamed a bit to get some creases out. Even so, perhaps you have noticed that our berets are looking sharper and we are wearing them better.


In closing, I pray that you and your families will have a safe and healthy summer!

Much thanks to you and your assemblies for all you do. God Bless, Vivat Jesus, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached June/July 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

This year’s State Officer Installation Mass and Dinner will be on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Mass will be at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption located at 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan, at 4:00 pm. The reception and banquet will follow beginning at 6:00 pm at the Horizons Conference Center located at 6200 State Street, Saginaw, Michigan 48603.

Note that this is well outside of District 1. District 4 is the host district, with SK Dale Korson being the host master. We expect to need about 20 Color Corps (total) for this event, so it is likely District 4 will be able to provide most of the need. Even so, if anyone in your assembly is interested in attending the event as Color Corps (or otherwise), please see the attached information with more details, including hotel and RSVP information. Note that if anyone plans to attend, they must return the RSVP to Sue Thorn (not me) as per the instructions.

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached May 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

I apologize for my tardiness in getting this to you. I’ve been doing a bit of catch-up lately. Note that Michigan is featured at the bottom of page 4 with two photos from the State Convention.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached April 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

Worthy FN’s, Comptrollers and Commanders,

This past weekend we exemplified 35 new Sir Knights in 17 assemblies. It is great to see new members joining our ranks. Please encourage them to get involved (elections are here) and also to consider joining the Color Corps.

The district will have a mini-exemplification at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 (click here for map), on Monday, June 10, 2024. Registration will be at 6:00pm, the ceremony will start at 7:00pm or after all the candidates have arrived and registered. Note that this is a small facility, and I need to limit the number of candidates to 30, and the total number of row guests to 80. As with the last mini-exemplification, there will not be a basket or 50/50 raffle. There will be a Ladies’ program. I have updated the district website with the pertinent information, and it can be found here: https://kofcmidistrict1.org/exemplification.php

I plan to have the next full exemplification at the Knights of Columbus - Banquet Rental Hall, 202 W Front St, Monroe, MI 48161 (click here for map), on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Registration will be at 9:00am, the ceremony will start at 10:30am.

The spring 2025 exemplification will very likely be in the Livonia or Canton area. I have a few locations in mind. Key dates I am planning around are Ash Wednesday (March 5), the St Patrick Day Parade (Sunday, March 16), Palm Sunday and Easter (April 13 and 20). There is a good chance the exemplification will be in late March.

The To Be A Patriot Award Application is due to me at the end of the month. This is required for the STAR assembly award. It is important to get this to me on time, as I need to forward the best entry to the VSM by May 15. The VSM then forwards his best entry to Supreme by May 31. Because of the tight timeline, late entries will not be considered. I’ve attached the application to this email.

I know elections are just around the corner. Many of you use Membership Management and enter the upcoming officers online. I do, however, need you to send me a 186 Report of Officers Chosen report, OR the online report that can be generated in Membership Management. Either will work, and it will help me make sure the new officers are entered into the system.

Finally, the State Convention is Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24. Color Corps is needed for a lot of the activities, including greeting delegates as early as Tuesday, May 21. As with last year, we will be doing a Eucharistic Procession from St. Anne to the Grand Hotel on Wednesday morning. I plan to have some online signups available next week. If you have Color Corps that plan to be on the island, please ask them to bring their uniform. The events always look that much more dignified with a large Color Corps.

Thanks for all you do, God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached March 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

Happy Easter, God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthy FN's and Comptrollers,

I received clarification from VSM Ed Ponder regarding the Korean and Vietnam Census.

The attached document was sent out earlier, and the information contained herein is correct. Please see the paragraph titled Qualifications; that is:

Please note that this is contrary to the information the VSM originally asked the district masters to send. Both the VSM and I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

My apologies for taking a few days to get this done. As in the past, I’ve tried to summarize the high points of the most recent district meeting for you to use as you see fit over your next meeting or two. As before, you only need to go over those items you feel are of importance to your membership.

That said, there are just a couple of things I want to highlight:

1. The next 4th Degree Exemplification is April 20, 2024, at SS. Cyril & Methodius, Ryan Rd and 18 Mile Rd in Sterling Hts. Registration will start at about 9:00AM, the class photo will be at 10:00AM, and the exemplification and Ladies Program will start at 10:30AM. Dinner should be at about 1:00PM. All forms are due to District Comptroller Norm Pranger NO LATER THAN April 10. Note also that this church is alcohol free.
2. So far we have only 2 baskets for the basket raffle, which greatly helps to defray the cost of the event. We need between 15 and 20 for a successful raffle. PLEASE encourage your assembly to donate a basket for this exemplification.

Finally, in very late breaking news, the District Color Corps will be asked to participate in a VA Hospital building dedication ceremony in Ann Arbor on May 21, 2024. While I don’t have all the details yet, I do know the building will be named after Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (ret.), a Michigan native and very active in veteran affairs in our great state. I also know that is the week of the State Convention, and Lady Kathy and I will be there (since I am still the host master for the convention). I will post all the information when I have it. I know many of our Color Corps will be up at the island (as will a lot of Ann Arbor’s District 2). Even so, for those that stay at home, I am hoping they will consider supporting the event once details are finalized.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached February 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

Lady Kathy and I are hopeful all Sir Knights are healthy and staying warm. It is hard to imagine just a few short weeks ago we felt the glow of Jesus Christ as we celebrated His birth. Soon we will be walking with Him on the way to Calvary and His death on the cross.

This is going to be a bit of a lengthy email, as I have a number of topics to cover. I’m going to apologize up front for that. I am hopeful, though, that this will allow me to talk a LOT less at the Biennial. Also, I limited the attachments to items you have not yet seen, though there are links to files that are either at the district web site or the Supreme web site that I have sent in the past. So, here goes:

Biennial District Meeting
The 2024 Biennial District Meeting will be Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus Wyandotte Council Hall, 3530 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192 (click here for map). We will start at 9:30AM.

At your February assembly meeting, you need to elect delegates to the biennial meeting. Your FN is one of delegates, and you get an additional delegate for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof. Based on the assembly membership on January 1, 2024, this is how many delegates each assembly should have:

1. One Delegate (the FN): 0483, 1622, 1795, 3408;
2. Three Delegates (the FN plus two others): 0478, 0482, 1536, 2599; and,
3. Two Delegates (the FN plus one other): All other assemblies.

Our Worthy District Secretary Mark Palmer has made "Golden Tickets" that each assembly will pick up when they come in. Those tickets should be given to those that are delegates. They will then be the ones to vote for anything requiring a vote.

I made a request a while ago for three people to be on the Resolution Committee. To date, only one person has volunteered. It will greatly streamline the meeting if two more people will step up to this task. I plan to have the Resolution Committee meet at 9:00AM to review the resolutions so they can make a recommendation when we get to that part of the meeting.

Please send your resolutions to me by Sunday, February 25, 2024, so we can get them printed. Note that the resolution MUST be in the Whereas… Whereas… Whereas… Therefore, be it resolved… format. The resolution approved by the assembly needs to be signed and dated by the FN and the Scribe, AND it also needs to have the assembly seal affixed. (You can email me a copy, and bring the sealed version to the meeting.) Contact me if you need an example.

Lunch will be $5 per person and will be collected at the door. A cash bar will also be available at the hall. To register for lunch (so we have a head count), please click here, email me at e.suchyta@mikofc.org, or text me at 734.748.2644. To date, only a handful of people have signed up for lunch. PLEASE signup if you plan to stay!

You can click here to see the meeting minutes from the 2023 Fall Harvest District Meeting. Please review, as we will approve them at this meeting.

Our VAVS representative, Dennis Lipski, will be on hand to talk about volunteering to help with veterans. Additionally, the district needs a deputy VAVS representative. If you do a lot with veterans, please consider volunteering. Dennis will be available to let you know how much of his time this takes.

One of the other things we will be doing is nominating three people to be considered for District Master starting September 1, 2024. I have served one term as district master, and can serve another 2 year term if selected. Even so, we need to have three nominations that will go to the VSM for consideration. Please think and pray about if you want to be considered for this important role. If you have a question, you can always contact me and I will be happy to tell you what I think the job entails.

Exemplification
The next Michigan District 1 Exemplification will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SS. Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church, 41233 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 (click here for map). You can click here to get to the exemplification forms on the district web site.

Registration will start at 9:00AM, the Ladies’ Program and the Exemplification will start at 10:30AM. Dinner should be served at about 1:00PM. Please note that Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church is an alcohol-free location.

Lady Kathy and I are always appreciative of the baskets that are donated for the Exemplification. It greatly helps to defray the cost of the event and it also adds an element of fun. If your assembly has not donated a basket in the past, please consider donating one for this exemplification. If you have donated a basket in the past, please consider doing so again.

I am still looking for someone to run the teleprompter setup we use for the exemplification. I would really like to get someone to commit to doing it all the time. Please consider this, ask around, and have someone that is interested contact me. I can walk them through what needs to be done.

Fraternal Survey (Form 1728)
This was due Wednesday, January 31, 2024. If you have sent yours in already, much thanks. If you have not, click here to get the latest form from Supreme. I know these can be challenging (I was an FN a few years back). Many people don’t know that profits from the Knights of Columbus insurance go to charitable causes. Those profits are taxed, though supreme can take a tax deduction based on the number of hours we spend doing charitable work. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to all of us that do the work of the order.

It is possible that I missed the file you sent (it happens). Below is a list of the assemblies from which I DO NOT have the 1728 form. If you are on this list and you think you sent it to me, forward me the email. Otherwise, please complete and send the form ASAP to fraternalmission@kofc.org, VSM Ed Ponder (sirearp@aol.com) and me (e.suchyta@mikofc.org):

• 0470
• 0477
• 0480
• 0482
• 0483
• 0490
• 0521
• 1963
• 2136
• 2521
• 2942
• 3408

Asks from the Supreme Master
The Supreme Master has asked us for a few things lately, all of which are good, but will require some work on the part of the assemblies and even the councils.

Color Corps Beret Patches and Baldrics
The Supreme Master has noted that there seems to be color differences between Color Corps beret patches and baldrics, and he wants to try and fix that. MY ASK is that, by the end of February, each assembly tell me how many white PFN’s (those that wear white patches and baldrics) they have that wear the uniform. Since assemblies should have only one commander, I know how many purple I need. I also know how many gold and light blue I need. I will need to send this to the VSM at the end of the month. Note that I don’t need names, just the count.

Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans
The Vietnam War ended in April, 1975. On April 26, 2025, Supreme is planning a Memorial Mass at the Basilica in Washington, D.C., with the Supreme Knight laying wreaths at the Vietnam and Korean Memorials after the Mass. They also want to remember all those Knights of Columbus that served in the armed forces during both of these events.

After World War I and World War II, the Knights of Columbus did a census of all those in the order that served during those two wars. No such census has been conducted since then.

THE ASK of us, as well as the councils, is to complete a census, as best we can, of those veterans that served in the armed services during both the Korean and the Vietnam conflicts. We have been sent, and I have attached, a spreadsheet that should be completed by each assembly, in conjunction with their councils, that will then be sent to Supreme. And, yes, please try to include those that have passed away as best you can. I have asked for the date when this is due, though I suggest starting now and not waiting. I’ll let you know what I find out.

The spreadsheet is attached to this email and can also be found at the district web site by clicking here. An example can be found by clicking here. For more information, I’ve attached the Census Program information sheet from the Supreme Master. You can also view this on the district website by clicking here. This will be useful when you are explaining this effort to your assembly and to the Grand Knights.

Charities
I’ve mentioned in the past three programs important the Supreme Master: the Father McGivney Military Chaplain Scholarship Fund, Warriors to Lourdes and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA. The Supreme Master intends to push the Father McGivney Military Chaplain Scholarship Fund in the winter and spring (now) and Warriors to Lourdes in the summer and fall. HIS ASK is not only for financial support from the assemblies but all that you mention these programs (and what they do) when you are visiting your councils. You can find information for the first two at KofC.org, and for the last at milarch.org.

Events of Interest
These events of interest are coming up soon…

Journey of the Saints
The statues of the Twelve Apostles will be installed at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 7:00PM. There will NOT be a Mass, but there will be a service and a blessing of the statues (at least that was the plan). Anyone can attend. Color Corps are asked to be there no later than 6:30PM.

Dinner for Life
Join the Seminarians of Sacred Heart Major Seminary on Friday, February 9, 2024, for an evening of worship and stories of hope in a celebration of the dignity of human life. Mass will begin at 6:00PM, followed by a delicious dinner cooked and served by seminarians. All proceeds will go to benefit Guadalupe Workers. Learn more at guadalupeworkers.org. The cost is $40. Please register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-dinner-for-life-tickets-774096983917.

Color Corps 101
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, Marshals Curt Best and Bob Greening will be conducting Color Corps 101 training at St Therese of Lisieux, 48115 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48315 (click here here for map). The training will start at 1:00PM and will end before Mass. Those that participated in the training will be able to put that training to good use at the 4:30PM Mass.

KofC Right To Life 2024 Annual Banquet
Right to Life Michigan will be having their 46th Annual Respect Life Dinner on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at the San Marino Club, 1685 E. Big Beaver, Troy, MI 48083 (click here for map). Social Hour starts at 6:00PM, dinner at 7:00PM. Reservations are $60 per person or $550 for a table of 10. Contact Brad at respectlife@rtl.org or 248.765.8717.

That covers it for now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for all you do, God Bless, and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

We are quickly moving through a few weeks of “ordinary” time and, before you know it, Ash Wednesday will be upon us. This year it comes very early, almost on the heels of the Christmas season. We will be called upon to get our spiritual lives in order as we start making the Lenten journey.

Fraternal Survey (Form 1728)
This is due Wednesday, January 31, 2024. I have included a copy of the form at the end of this email. I know these can be challenging (I was an FN a few years back), yet I encourage you to get input from your members and get this in on time. Many people don’t know that profits from the Knights of Columbus insurance go for charitable causes. Those profits are taxed, though supreme can take a deduction based on the number of hours we spend doing charitable work. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to all of us that do the work of the order.

Please email this form to fraternalmission@kofc.org, VSM Ed Ponder (sirearp@aol.com) and me (e.suchyta@mikofc.org).

Biennial Meeting
As I mentioned in my last email, ALL assemblies need to choose delegates for the District Biennial meeting to be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at at the Knights of Columbus Wyandotte Council Hall, 3530 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192. We will start at 9:30am.

Please keep in mind that anyone can come to the meeting. However, only delegates are allowed to vote on the three members for the auditing committee, any voting that might need to be done to narrow the field of possible district master candidates to three, and and resolutions that might be approved and forwarded to the VSM and thence to the Supreme Master.

Assemblies are allowed the following number of delegates that will be able to vote:

1. One Delegate (the FN): 0483, 1622, 1795, 3408;
2. Three Delegates (the FN plus 2 others): 0478, 0482, 1536, 2599; and,
3. Two Delegates (the FN plus one other): All other assemblies.

Note that alternates can be selected for any delegate (including the FN).

We will have "golden tickets" for each of the delegates. They will be in an envelope for the assembly, and I expect that they will be with district comptroller Norm Pranger when folks check-in before the meeting.

I still need two additional people for the resolution committee. I need you there about 30 minutes early to go over any resolutions that might be submitted for consideration. This is an easy job. Please consider volunteering so I don’t have to pick on the first few people that show up that morning.

If your assembly has any resolutions they would like considered, please send them to me ahead of time so I can forward them to the committee for consideration. Please send to me by Saturday, February 24, 2024, if possible. If your assembly does plan to send in a resolution, it MUST be in the Whereas… Whereas… Whereas… Therefore, be it resolved… format. If you need an example email me and I will send you one.

WE NEED A HEADCOUNT OF THOSE STAYING FOR LUNCH. I have created a SignUpGenius form for this, much like we used in the fall. Please indicate, as best you can, how many will be staying for lunch. Our host assembly, 0475 Msgr. Francis F. Van Antwerp, will be providing lunch and will need this. Additionally, since we will be at a KofC Hall, a cash bar will be available for those wishing something a little harder with lunch. The district will provide soft drinks. Lunch will be the usual low price of $5 per person, payable upon arrival at the meeting (Norm will collect the money).

To register for lunch, please click here, email me at e.suchyta@mikofc.org, or text me at 734.748.2644.

The meeting minutes from the 2023 Fall Harvest District Meeting are attached and also available at the web site. We will approve these at the 2024 Spring meeting. Much thanks to district secretary Mark Palmer for typing these up.

Exemplification
As I mentioned in my last email, the next round of exemplifications (for which I have information) are as follows:

• April 13: MI-4, Double Tree Hotel, Bay City, MI; and OH-3, Marysville, OH
• April 20: MI-1, Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Hts, MI; and, MI-2, St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton, MI
• April 27: MI-3, All Saints Parish, Alpena, MI

For those assemblies in the Milford and Waterford area, while I would love to have you in Sterling Hts, Brighton might make more sense for you. Remember that if any assembly plans to have a candidate exemplified outside our district, you will need to register with that district. You can find all their websites by clicking here and scrolling down a little ways. Also, I would appreciate if you would let me know AND you make sure someone will accompany the candidate.

Please note that regarding our exemplification on April 20, Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church is an alcohol-free location.

I am still thinking of a mini-exemplification in late February and I plan to have one in the first two weeks of June. If an assembly would like to volunteer a location, please contact me and I can give you the logistics of what I feel we need to be successful. We did the December mini with four rooms - a banquet room, a ceremonial room, and two small rooms (one for the dignitaries to vest on one for the ladies) - and Msgr. Schulte 0492 was a great host assembly.

Upcoming Color Corps Training
District Marshals will be conducting Color Corps 101 training at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 48115 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48315 (click here for map) on Saturday, February 10, 2024, starting at 1:00PM. All are invited to attend.

Please bring your sword, baldric and beret for the training.

Note that a Corporate Communion Mass will be held at 4:30PM (following the training). All those going through the training are invited to stay and practice what they have learned. If you do plan to stay for Mass, please bring your entire 4th Degree Uniform.

Upcoming District-Wide Fallouts
We have two upcoming district-wide fallouts…

The first will be at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral February 8, 2024, at 7:00PM. The Apostolic statues will be dedicated and blessed at this ceremony. This has been a while coming, and Archbishop Vigneron will be the celebrant for this event. Note that last I heard, this is NOT a full Mass. Rather, I believe it will be a Liturgy of the Word followed by the dedication and blessing.

The second is the ever popular St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Detroit. This year’s event will be Sunday, March 10, 2024, with a 1:00PM start time. Last year we were in Division 6; this year I expect to be in Division 5.

It is usually a but chilly for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Those with 4th Degree overcoats should consider bringing them. The VSM has also given permission for those that have either black or navy blue long wool overcoats to wear those if they do not have the KofC version. No hooded coats, short jackets, parkas, etc., will be allowed to be worn over the uniform.

Lady Kathy and I are spending a few weeks in Florida with both our daughters. I know it is cold up there (it’s cold down here, too, just not as cold). Please stay safe and take care of yourself, your family and your fellow Knights, and thank you for all you do.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

Please the attached January 2024 Newsletter from Supreme Master Michael McCusker. Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletter, please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

Happy New Year! Lady Kathy and I send along our best wishes for you and your families for a joyous, blessed and prosperous 2024!

Although I am able to attend quite a few assembly meetings and talk to many Sir Knights in the district, I probably don’t say THANK YOU enough to all you, especially those serving as officers, those wearing the uniform, and all of those on whose shoulders we stand because someone asked us to join. So, MUCH THANKS to everyone that is in your assembly. I look forward to 2024 and continuing the good work we are doing.

We are now half way through the fraternal year. If you have been following the state’s recruiting efforts, you know we came close (not sure we made it) to achieving 50% of the fraternal year recruitment goal. We in the Fourth Degree also have recruitment goals, and at 73 new Sir Knights for the fraternal year we are just under 39%. I ask that you encourage your Sir Knights to talk to their brothers at their council meetings and encourage them to join.

With the start of a new year we have the following of which we need to take note:

Fraternal Survey (Form 1728)
This is due Wednesday, January 31, 2024. I have included a copy of the form at the end of this email. I know these can be challenging (I was an FN a few years back), yet I encourage you to get input from your members and get this in on time. Many people don’t know that profits from the Knights of Columbus insurance go for charitable causes. Those profits are taxed, though supreme can take a deduction based on the number of hours we spend doing charitable work. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to all of us that do the work of the order.

Please email this form to fraternalmission@kofc.org, VSM Ed Ponder (sirearp@aol.com) and me (e.suchyta@mikofc.org).

Biennial Meeting
The Fourth Degree bylaws call for a district Biennial Meeting in March or April of even numbered years. We will be having ours on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Knights of Columbus Wyandotte Council Hall, 3530 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte, MI 48192. We will start at 9:30am. I expect to have coffee and probably cookies in the morning and something for lunch. As with the fall meeting, I expect to have a nominal charge for lunch. After I finalize arrangements with host assembly Msgr. Francis F.J. Van Antwerp 0475 I will post a signup and let everyone know the cost.

At the biennial meeting, we will do three important things (other than listening to me):

1. Nominate and approve an auditing committee of three members (trustees) to audit and approve the March 1 and September 1 financial reports of the Master;
2. Nominate three members for the role of district master that will be forwarded to the VSM and thence to the Supreme Master; and,
3. Consider and vote upon any resolutions that may then be forwarded to the VSM and thence to the Supreme Master.

For the voting that will occur, each assembly is allowed delegates composed of the FN and an additional delegate for each one hundred members or major fraction thereof. This means if you have 149 members in your assembly, you have two delegates (one of which is the FN). If you have 150 members, you have three delegates (again, one of which is the FN). Note that substitutes are allowed (perhaps the FN is unable to attend, for example). Each assembly should vote in their February meeting for those Sir Knights that will be their delegates and/or alternates. (See section 14, paragraph (b) of the Laws and Rules of the Fourth Degree for more information.)

Regarding resolutions, now is the time to get them done and forwarded to me as soon as possible. I would like three people to volunteer to be on the resolution committee that I would like to have meet at 9am that morning to review and make recommendations on any resolutions that are sent to me. I would like to do this just before the meeting, otherwise, those three Sir Knights miss out on a portion of the meeting. Please consider volunteering. This isn’t hard, takes little time, and many of you will be there anyway.

If your assembly does plan to send in a resolution, it MUST be in the Whereas… Whereas… Whereas… Therefore, be it resolved… format. If you need an example, email me and I will send you one.

Regarding nominations for district master, I am currently finishing up my first two year term (it will end August 31, 2024). Sir Knights can serve for no more than two 2-year terms. The district is required to nominate three people for the role of district master. The nominees get to fill out some paperwork that eventually goes to the Supreme Master. The Supreme Master decides who will be the district master starting September 1, 2024. Note that this process occurs for the entire order.

Regarding how long I talk at the district meetings, I plan to try talking a lot less!

Exemplification
As I mentioned in my last email (December 23), the next round of exemplifications (for which I have information) are as follows:

• April 13: MI-4, Double Tree Hotel, Bay City, MI; and OH-3, Marysville, OH
• April 20: MI-1, Ss. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Hts, MI; and, MI-2, St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton, MI
• April 27: MI-3, All Saints Parish, Alpena, MI

For those assemblies in the Milford and Waterford area, while I would love to have you in Sterling Hts, Brighton might make more sense for you. Remember that if any assembly plans to have a candidate exemplified outside our district, you will need to register with that district. You can find all their websites by clicking here and scrolling down a little ways. Also, I would appreciate if you would let me know AND you make sure someone will accompany the candidate.

Please note that regarding our exemplification on April 20, Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church is an alcohol-free location.

I am still thinking of a mini-exemplification in late February and I plan to have one in the first two weeks of June. If an assembly would like to volunteer a location, please contact me and I can give you the logistics of what I feel we need to be successful. We did the December mini with four rooms - a banquet room, a ceremonial room, and two small rooms (one for the dignitaries to vest on one for the ladies) - and Msgr. Schulte 0492 was a great host assembly.

Other Items of Note
Later this month I am meeting with board members for the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial being built in Royal Oak, MI. I expect to have something to say about this at our biennial meeting in March

Finally, I ask that you and your Color Corps Sir Knights start thinking about the State Convention. Although it is months away, I think we have a much better feel for what will be asked of us. In particular, we will once again be doing a Eucharistic Procession as well as having an Adoration Chapel. Along with greeting dignitaries starting on Tuesday, we have a lot going on. As host master, I appreciate everyone that comes and can participate and help.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies,

In the past two weeks, I have received a couple of communications from the Supreme Master through the VSM. I am including in this email all those communications, though you may have already received the October 2023 Newsletter (but I can’t find the email, so maybe not).

Feel free to share all of this with your members, with the caveat that all that contact information on the first page of the newsletters is NOT be used by you or your members. Despite the fact that it is there, all requests and communications (except for routine reports) should go through me (the district master) which, if I can’t deal with, goes to the the VSM which, if he can’t deal with it, goes to the Supreme Master. The Supreme Master has mentioned a number of times that he routinely gets emails and requests from members that should be handled by FN’s, masters or VSM’s. Please ask your members to be respectful of the Supreme Master’s time and use the chain of commend.

If you are interested in getting something from your assembly into the newsletters (we have Wreaths Across America coming up soon, and I expect photos from each of the events), please send them to me along with a short write up. I will then forward as appropriate.

In addition to the October and November newsletters, also included is a note from the Supreme Master regarding Warriors to Lourdes and the Fr. McGiveny Military Scholarship Fund. I spoke about these, as well as the Archdiocese for Military Chaplains, USA, at the Fall Harvest District Meeting. I mentioned all three of these were important to the VSM. You can expect something from the Supreme Master on the Archdiocese for Military Chaplains, USA, probably early next year!

Thanks, God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1