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

Worthies All,

Please join me in welcoming 61 new Fourth Degree Sir Knights that were Exemplified on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at St. Isidore in Macomb, MI. Twenty-one assemblies had at least one new person exemplified, with one assembly bringing in 11 new members! Also, the raffles went very well. We had 20 baskets and one large donation to help defray the cost of the exemplification, and I want to thank all those that helped make this a success. We also had a great 50/50 raffle with proceeds going to Msgr. Kosanke’s favorite charity, Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, the oldest elementary school in Detroit. We had many State Board members present, including the State Deputy, and a number of District Masters and Former District Masters in attendance. I also wanted to thank FN Dennis Jarzombek and Lady Cheryl, as well as FVSM Clifford Wasmund and Lady Susan, for their valuable help for this event.

Msgr. Charles Kosanke from the Basilica of Ste. Anne’s in Detroit was our Class Honoree, and Dr. Lisa Knysz from the Heart of Christ Clinic in the former Ste. Anne’s convent was the speaker at the Ladies’ Program. Each also had a few minutes to speak at the program following the exemplification. I am grateful for the time they were able to give us, and also grateful for the support we were able to show for them both.

At the exemplification, I had the opportunity to award District Lady of the Year to Susan Wasmund for all of the great work she does with the Ladies of the Assembly, the community, the church and the Alhambra. Additionally, District Ladies Program of the Year was awarded to Sacred Heart Assembly 2599, with Cheryl Jarzombek accepting the award on behalf of the Ladies of the Assembly. Both these awards underscore the commitment we have to helping the others in the community. (The District Sir Knight of the Year was not in attendance and will be awarded at either the Fall Harvest Packing Party and District Meeting or at an assembly meeting.)

As Lady Kathy and I wrap up everything from this event, our thoughts are turning to the Fall Harvest Packing Party and District Meeting to be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at St. Jane Frances De Chantal, 38750 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (click here for map). Our intention is to open the doors at 8:00am to allow people to bring in items for the packing party. We will start both the packing party and the meeting at 9:30am. We will charge a nominal $5 per person for those staying for lunch. To allow us to plan for the lunch, I ask that you let us know how many are staying by clicking here and using SignUpGenius to make a reservation, if you will. Our host assembly will be 1839 Blessed Virgin Mary.

We have a number of Color Corps assignments in October. The Color Corps is the face of the Knights of Columbus, and there is an ongoing effort to get more people into the Color Corps as well as get us to more events. District-wide events this month (and early next) include the Prep Bowl on Saturday, October 21, the Commerce Mass at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on Wednesday, October 25 (please bring a bag of Halloween candy to donate to the seminarians), and the DAVL Memorial Mass on Sunday, November 5, also at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. Additionally, the Arm of St. Jude the Apostle will be in the area October 13 through 18 at a number of parishes. I’ve asked commanders and marshals to see if the parish would like a relic watch and what form that might take. I know there will be such an event at Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica on Friday, October 13, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on Monday, October 16, and the Church of the Divine Child on October 17. Others may come, and your support is needed and certainly welcome.

A couple of week-ends ago I was able to spend the day with VSM Ed Ponder and the other district masters of the Hennepin Province. The VSM brought us up-to-date on things he heard at his meeting in New Haven, CT, and I will be able to pass that information on to you at the upcoming district meeting. It is fair to say that membership and assembly growth are important to the new Supreme Master, and I’ll let you know what that means for us. Also, it appears the Fourth Degree intake goals and reports have been updated on the Supreme website and they appear to be correct. I’ve attached that information to this email.

Finally, this spring in March or April we will have the biennial meeting. At the meeting, we will need to nominate three people for District Master as well as address any resolutions that may be brought forth for consideration by the Supreme Master. Although it seems like I just became master, I’ve been at this now for a little over 1 year. The time does go by quickly, it seems.

Thanks again for a great exemplification, thanks for all you do and I look forward to seeing many of you on November 4!

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

We are a few weeks away from the next Exemplification, and I appreciate your support in making this a success. Most of this covers the exemplification, though we do have the Fall Harvest and Packing Party that is also just around the corner...

Kneelers
The district has the use of 11 kneelers that are currently stored by Dan Nowakowski at his place of business. Dan is no longer in a situation where he can continue storing them, and they need to find a new home. (We use these kneelers at exemplifications, because not all churches have them, and they work much better than the cushions we used to use.)

The upside is that any location that has room to store them can also use them when we don’t need to use them, which, frankly, is most of the year.

PLEASE look around and ask if your church, school, etc., might have a place to store (or use) these when don’t need them. (Yes, there is the issue of getting them to the exemplification location, though we deal with that when we need to.)

If you do have a location, please contact both Dan Nowakowski at dannowakowski@yahoo.com and me at e.suchyta@mikofc.org.

Exemplification
As I have mentioned many times the next Exemplification will be on Sunday, September 30, 2023, at St. Isidore, 18201 23 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI 48042. Registration starts at 9:00am, the picture should be taken around 10:00am, and the exemplification and ladies program should start at 10:30am.

All forms, monies, etc., should be sent to district comptroller Norm Pranger and he should have them by September 20. His address on the form. PLEASE DO NOT send them to me!

I have mentioned before that donations to the basket raffle are always welcome, and they still are. Lady Kathy and I appreciate everyone we get, as is greatly helps to defray the cost of the exemplification.

An assembly doesn’t need to have a candidate to attend! The exemplification and dinner are open to any Fourth Degree Sir Knight and Lady. Cost of the dinner is $30 each, and the cost of the Ladies’ program is $5.

Finally, much thanks to Assembly 2599 Sacred Heart, Council 7200 St. Isidore and FN Dennis Jarzombek for hosting this event!

Photographer for Exemplification Class Photo
I am in need of a photographer to take the class picture at the exemplification. I anyone is aware of someone that can do this, please contact me at e.suchyta@mikofc.org or text or call me at 734.748.2644.

Fall Harvest District Meeting and Packing Party
Keeping a long-standing District 1 tradition, the Fall Harvest District Meeting and Packing Party will be November 4th, 2023, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, 38750 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. Doors will open at 8:00am for people to bring in items for the packing party. Both the packing and the meeting should start at about 9:30am and end around 11:30am.

Lunch and refreshments after the meeting and packing party will be available for $5 and will be payable at the door. To help us plan for how many will be staying, please click here to sign up for lunch.

I’ve attached to this email the latest packing party list of items requested. Lady Kathy is still working with Louise for an updated list, and I will send that out as soon as we get it.

Note that donations to defray the cost of shipping are also appreciated by Desert Angel. (Checks should be made out to The Desert Angel.)

Our district has always been generous for this event, and I am hopeful this year will be no exception!

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Gene

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

Lady Kathy and I have returned from the Supreme Convention that was held in Orlando this past August 1-3. We had a great time and met a lot of people, including Supreme Master Michael McCusker and a number of district masters from other states (not just the south).

At the convention, State Deputy Christopher Kolomjec received, on behalf of the state, the Life Program of the Year award. Knights in our state have stepped up their support of life since the repeal of Roe v. Wade in so many ways, including outstanding donations to the Aid and Support After Pregnancy (ASAP) program, the Ultrasound program, pregnancy clinics, and so many others, that Supreme awarded this prestigious award to the entire state!

Also while at the convention, I participated as Color Corps at three Masses. FVSM Cliff Wasmund joined me, we two being the only Color Corps from Michigan. (You can see the videos of the Masses at KofC.org, and you can see the two of us marching in.) The entire Color Corps gathered before each Mass to make sure we understood expectations, and we also learned a few hints and tricks to help us be even better Color Corps members.

Now that we are back, it’s time to deal with some of the business of the order…

My Email Address
This email, and hopefully most of the rest I will be sending, will be coming from e.suchyta@mikofc.org. I’m making this this change because my usual email address (gene.suchyta@gmail.com) is just getting flooded with stuff, and it is becoming more difficult to find the things that you send me (like audits and such). I would ask that you please use e.suchyta@mikofc.org to send me any emails, though I will continue to watch all my email addresses (I have at least six!) and I will respond regardless of where it is sent (as long as it gets to me).

Audits
Assembly audits are due NOW. Technically, any I get now are late, but we still need them. You can email them or US Mail them to me, the VSM and Supreme. If you email them (preferred), send them to e.suchyta@mikofc.org, sirearp@aol.com and suprememaster@kofc.org. If you need to use US Mail, contact me if you don’t have addresses.

I’ve sent the audit form at lease twice, and you can find it with this article. So far, I have received audit forms from the following assemblies:

That’s over half, but I still need 13 more! (If you sent your audit in and your assembly number isn’t list above, please re-email it or wait a few days and contact me if you US Mailed it.)

Sir Knight, Lady, and Lady's Program of the Year Awards
These OPTIONAL, but encouraged, forms are due to me on August 15. If you have a Sir Knight of the Year (many of you do), consider submitting that person to me as your SK of the Year nomination. Concerned about not having a Lady of the Year? Ask around - they do SO MUCH for us and the church, I think you’d be surprised to find out just how much they do!

Note that this program is actually run by the VSM of the province. Each district master selects one Sir Knight, Lady and Lady’s Program of the Year for the District, and forwards that to the VSM. He then chooses one from the (hopefully seven) submissions he receives from his districts.

I’m sure some of you will find it difficult to fill out the forms. (“From where am I going to get all this information?”) When I was FN, I would listen to conversations through the year, especially about Sir Knights and Ladies. I would then choose a Sir Knight from all of the Sir Knights of the Month as a Sir Knight of the Year, and one Lady as the Lady of the Year. I would ask them to send me an email with the stuff in which they were involved, both with the Knights as well as church and community. I would take all that, put it in the form and pretty it up, and send it to them to verify I represented their accomplishments reasonably well. After receiving verification (and any corrections), I would submit that to the district master.

It’s worth noting that the Lady’s Program of the Year award is new for this past fraternal year. The VSM has been impressed with some of the Lady’s programs he has seen and has been told about, and wanted to recognition for the best of them. As for guidance on the Lady’s Program of the Year, please use your best judgement.

All three of these forms are also attached to this article.

Officer Installations
Last week I installed three assemblies. I have nine to install Wednesday evening, and I have another three to install on August 20. I have been contacted by some other folks, which would be bring the total up to possibly 19. That still leaves 12 assemblies to install.

I’ll list those I have heard from below… PLEASE try and work with a couple of other assemblies that are reasonably close to you to find a date and location. I would really like to get these done in August and September (but NOT the last week of September, as I will be focused on the Exemplification). I do not plan to do any beyond the Exemplification on September 30 (the bylaws of the order state "officers shall be installed not later than the first regular meeting in October of each year”). So, yes, I can do them in October, but my preference is to be done by then.

Installations that have occurred, are scheduled, or assemblies that have tentatively contacted me:

• Thursday, August 27 (completed)
  • 0490 Bishop Kelley
  • 2149 St. Michael the Archangel
  • 2804 St. Mary on the Lake
• Wednesday, August 9 (scheduled)
  • 2136 St. Francis of Assisi
  • 1536 Pope John XXIII
  • 3099 Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
  • 0482 Bishop Michael Gallagher
  • 0477 Msgr. A.X.M. Sharpe
  • 0478 St. John Neumann
  • 2599 Sacred Heart
  • 1839 Blessed Virgin Mary
  • 0492 Msgr. Schulte
• Sunday, August 20 (scheduled)
  • 2696 St. Paul on the Lake
  • 0484 Richard Cardinal Cushing
  • 0521 Fr. Solanus Casey
• Wednesday, August 23 (tentative, 2032 contacting other assemblies)
  • 2032 Edward Cardinal Mooney
  • 3057 Bishop Walter J. Schoenherr
  • 0480 Richmond Assembly

Assemblies that contacted me but have not scheduled a date:

• 2521 Fr. John R. Hogan
• 0475 Msgr. Francis F. Van Antwerp

Any assembly not listed above, to the best of my knowledge, has not tried to contact me and is not scheduled.

2023 Fall Exemplification
A reminder that the 2023 Fall Exemplification will be September 30, 2023, at St. Isidore, 18201 23 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI, 48042. The Exemplification, as well as the Ladies Program, is expected to start at 10:30am (which is back to the usual time).

Paperwork (including form 4’s) and checks are due on September 20, 2023, to Norm Pranger (ndp651@aol.com). This is a few days earlier that the Spring Exemplification, as I need to get some counts to the VSM a little earlier (Supreme changed his travel rules). Please do your best to help us in this regard, as it also helps Norm compile all the information for Mark Palmer (district secretary) so we can figure out seating and everything else that goes into a successful exemplification. The forms for exemplification are attached to this email.

One of the activities that helps defray the cost of the exemplification is the basket raffle. We had an outstanding number of baskets donated for the last exemplification and it really helped with the cost. I am asking for basket donations once again. Having been to a number of exemplifications in other districts, I can honestly say ours is one of the nicest, especially when it comes to food and drink. Basket donations really help to keep the costs in line, and both Kathy and I really appreciate them. Please ask your assembly to consider donating a basket to the upcoming exemplification.

2023 Fall Harvest Packing Party and District Meeting
The 2023 Fall Harvest Packing Party and District Meeting will be Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Jane Frances De Chantal, 38750 Ryan Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310. (It took me quite a while to find a location that could a) handle both us and the ladies; and b) was available.)

So, yes, I know both the Exemplification and the District Meeting are a bit of a drive for those of us that might be south and west. I look forward ot an assembly volunteering a location that can handle the event that might be closer to your home! Depending on the event, Lady Kathy and/or I will come to verify that the location will be suitable. (It might be worth mentioning that the 2023 Spring Exemplification might be in Monroe, as I think we have two venues down there that would work, one being a KofC Hall.)

Back to the packing party and meeting. The plan is to set up the rooms the night before, and open the doors Saturday morning at 8:00am to bring in all the great stuff the ladies will be packing and sending off to the troops. The packing party, and the district meeting, are expected to start at 9:30am, and last about 2 hours. We will have lunch afterwards (I will work with the nice folks at assembly 1839 Blessed Virgin Mary on a cost for lunch as well as what we will have.)

Since we always get a list of things for the packing party, I’ve included that in the attachments to this email. Note that this list is from 2022, but the list doesn’t change much from year to year. I’ll send an updated list if we get on from The Desert Angel.

Request from the VSM and Supreme Master
I received a request from the VSM and the Supreme Master. The funds for the Knights of Columbus Father McGivney Military Chaplains scholarship program are getting low, and they are requesting donations from assemblies. Our assembly gives to this every year, and it certainly falls into the categories of a) supporting our priests; and b) being patriotic! Please ask your assembly to consider making a donation. You can find out more about this program by clicking here.

To give, make a check payable to Knights of Columbus Charities Inc, and write on the memo line Military Chaplain Scholarship Fund. Send the check to:

Knights of Columbus Charities Inc
Attn: Maryann Ludington
1 Columbus Plaza
PO Box 1966
New Haven CT 06509

The second request we received from the Supreme Master concerns his email address. When sending forms (such as audits), please send to suprememaster@kofc.org. The Supreme Master, just like me, has a number of email addresses, and apparently he is receiving stuff at those other email addresses. Please use only the one mentioned here.

*********

A long email, I know, especially for those FN’s (and comptrollers) that are new for this fraternal year. The good news is that once the audit and SK, Lady and Lady’s program forms are done, there are no more forms until next January!

Much thanks for all you do for the order and for our veterans and first responders. God’s Blessing upon you, your families and your assemblies, and Vivat Jesus!

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1

Worthies All,

The state convention was held this past week on Mackinac Island. I am very pleased that we had a great turnout of Sir Knights for all of the Fourth Degree activities, including the Eucharistic Procession, the Living Rosary and all three Masses at the Grand Hotel. Hopefully I will receive some photos I can post on the district web site.

The conclusion of the state convention means June is imminent, which means the end of the 2022-2023 fraternal year on June 30 and the start of the 2023-2024 fraternal year on July 1. This also means elections should be completed, with new officers getting ready to take over in about a month.

And, FORMS ARE DUE! This is a quick summary of what is needed (and all forms are attached to this article):

• Assembly Directory Information: This form is sent by the State Council to all councils and assemblies to gather information on key leaders. Specifically for us, that means the Faithful Navigator and the Faithful Comptroller. As in the past, it would also be helpful if you would include the commander. (This information will also be used to update the district website.) THIS FORM IS DUE NOW. Please send to spwasmund@aol.com and gene.suchyta@gmail.com.
• Form 231 - Civic Award Application: This form is at the Supreme website (kofc.org). While optional, I encourage you to take credit for the great work your assembly has done through the year such that you can be recognized. THIS FORM IS DUE ON JUNE 30. Please send to fraternalmission@kofc.org, gene.suchyta@gmail.com, sirearp@aol.com and keep a copy for the assembly files.
• Form 2863A - RSVP Refund and Plaque: This form is at the Supreme website (kofc.org). Also optional, but if you gave at least $500 to a seminarian or religious person, why not get back some money from Supreme? THIS FORM IS DUE ON JUNE 30. Please send to fraternalmission@kofc.org, gene.suchyta@gmail.com, sirearp@aol.com, g.stump@mikofc.org and keep a copy for the assembly files.
• Form 186 - Report of Assembly Officers Chosen: This form is at the Supreme website (kofc.org). If Member Management is used by your assembly (this is preferred), and officer records have been updated for the upcoming fraternal year, this form is not needed. If you do not use Member Management, this form is required. MEMBER MANAGEMENT MUST BE UPDATED OR THIS FORM SENT IN BY JULY 1. If emailing, please send to membershiprecords@kofc.org, m.brezenski@mikofc.org, gene.suchyta@gmail.com, sirearp@aol.com, and keep a copy for the assembly files.
• Form 1315 - Annual Assembly Audit: This form is at the Supreme website (kofc.org) and is required of all assemblies. THIS FORM IS DUE ON AUGUST 1. Please send to suprememaster@kofc.org, gene.suchyta@gmail.com, sirearp@aol.com and keep a copy for the assembly files.

I was recently asked where to send checks for Guest House, Holy Cross Services and the Military Chaplains Scholarship Fund. After some phone calls and verification, this is what I was told:

• Guest House and Holy Cross Services: Michael J. Fontana (you can find his address in the directory available to subscribers at mikofc.org or by contacting me.
• Military Chaplains Scholarship Fund: Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc, 1 Columbus Plaza, PO Box 1966, New Haven, CT 06509. Write Military Chaplains Scholarship Fund on the memo line.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

God Bless and Vivat Jesus!

Eugene Suchyta, District Master
Michigan District 1