Knights in Action

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, the Catholic High Schools competed in the Catholic High School Football Championships, the Prep Bowl, at Ford Field. Michigan 1 Color Corps was on hand to present the colors, and the entire State Board was on hand at the game to cheer on the high school players.

All photos are courtesy of SK Ken Warzybok. [October 29, 2024]

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Michigan 1 exemplified 48 new Sir Knights. State Secretary Charlie McCuen III and Lady Pamela joined us for the event. From the Fourth Degree, Michigan 4 master Dale Korson and Lady Dee, PSD and former master Walter Winkle, Jr., former vice supreme master Clifford Wasmund and Lady Susan, former master Mark Brezenski, and Lady Janice, former master John Hundiak and Lady Elizabeth, and former master Duane Lord and Lady Barb were in attendance. This Exemplification's class honoree was Fr. Kishore Batty, SAC. Congratulations new Sir Knights, and welcome to the Fourth Degree! [September 28, 2024]

On September 14, 2024, the Knights of Columbus in Ontario Canada kicked off Ontario 125, celebrating 125 of Knights gf Columbus in Ontario, Canada. The Ontario group was led by State Deputy Bruce Poulin, Deputy Supreme Knight Arthur Peters, Auxilary State Chaplain Most Reverend Bishop Bryan Bayda, Vice Supreme Master Joe Matthews, Master Paul Johnston and Former Master Gordon Edwards. Those from the United States joining the festivities included State Deputy Barry Borsenik, Supreme Director Chris Kolomjec, Master Gene Suchyta, Former Vice Supreme Master Clifford Wasmund and Former Master Chris Bush (from Ohio). [September 14, 2024]

On August 31, 2024, Assembly 484 Richard Cardinal Cushing hosted Assembly 521 Father Solanus Casey and Assembly 2692 St. Paul on the Lake for an officer installation at Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Clair Shores. [August 31, 2024]

On August 29, 2024, Assembly 2599 Sacred Heart hosted Assembly 1839 Blessed Virgin Mary and Assembly 2032 Edward Cardinal Mooney for an officer installation at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Shelby Township. [August 29, 2024]

Assembly 2521 Father John R. Hogan hosted an Officer Installation on August 24, 2024, for 0480 Richmond and themselves. [August 24, 2024]

Assembly 3082 Divine Mercy hosted an Officer Installation on August 19, 2024, for four assemblies: 3082 Divine Mercy, 0477 A.X.M. Sharpe, 0478 St. John Neumann, and 0482 Bishop Michael Gallagher. [August 19, 2024]

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, Comerica Park and the Detroit Tigers welcomed Knights of Columbus members from across the state. Michigan District One provided the Honor Guard for the ceremonies. [August 17, 2024]

Assembly 2136 St. Francis of Assisi hosted an Officer Installation on August 14, 2024, for five assemblies: 2136 St. Francis of Assisi, 1536 Pope John XXIII, 0492 Msgr. Schulte, 3099 Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., and 2149 St. Michael the Archangel. Attendees made a free-will offering that was collected for Fisher House Detroit. [August 14, 2024]

On August 11, 2024, Sir Knights from Michigan District 1 joined Sir Knights and brothers from the 5th Ontario District in Canada at Holy Rest Cemetery for a memorial service celebrating the Feast Day of Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney. The cemetery serves as the home for a Blessed Fr. McGivney statue, donated by the Ontario area Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies. [August 11, 2024]

From Wednesday, July 17 through Friday, July 26, Color Corps members of Michigan District 1 participated in the Ste. Anne Novena Masses and Feast Day Mass and celebration. All Masses were at the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit. Each Novena Mass also celebrates some various cultures in the area. Additionally, on Sunday, July 21, members of the 5th Ontario District joined us for the Mass and celebration of French heritage. [July 21, 2024]

Continuing a long-standing tradition, members of Michigan District 1 headed to Windsor to join the 5th Ontario District and Dean Wagner Assembly 862 for the Canada Day Parade on July 1. The parade heads through the streets of Windsor celebrating the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867. [July 1, 2024]

On Sunday, June 30, 2024, District 1 Sir Knights joined the Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit. A procession in honor of the canonization of St. Maria Di Gesu Santocanale (Santa Fara) was held after the Mass. [June 30, 2024]

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Color Corps members from the New Baltimore area joined council and local Catholics to as they carried the Blessed Mother Statue in the 59th Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival Parade, a local event held in the area. Photos courtesy of Arrow Osborne and Felicia Szczepanski. [June 23, 2024]

On Monday, June 20, 2024, Michigan District 1 exemplified 20 new Sir Knights. From the Fourth Degree, former vice supreme master Clifford Wasmund and Lady Susan were in attendance. This Exemplification's class honoree was Msgr. Gary Smetanka. Congratulations new Sir Knights, and welcome to the Fourth Degree! [June 10, 2024]

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, local residents, the VFW Honor Guard and Color Corps members of Michigan District 1 joined members of assembly 2804 St. Mary of the Lake as they dedicated a new Veterans Memorial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Ira Township. The Veterans Memorial was donated by the assembly with about 2 years of work to make it happen. [June 1, 2024]

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Color Corps members from across the state came together at Kelly Shorts Stadium at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI, for the Michigan Special Olympics Opening Ceremony. Over 30 Sir Knights helped greet over 2000 athletes participating in the summer games. State Deputy Barry Borsenik and Lady Mandy, along with Special Olympics State Program Director Robbie Waclawski and Special Olympics Assistant Willy Winkle, were also on hand. [May 30, 2024]

On Monday, May 27, 2024, member of Fr. Solanus Casey assembly 0521 and St. Paul on the Lake assembly 2696 joined scouts, VFW members and Daughters of the American Revolution members to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice to give us our freedom and the liberty we currently enjoy. [May 27, 2024]

On Wednesday, May 22 through Friday, May 24, 2024, Knights of Columbus members from across the state joined together for the annual State Convention. Fourth Degree Sir Knights participated in a Eucharistic Procession from Saint Anne's Church to the Grand Hotel, all three convention Holy Masses, posting as well as retiring the colors, the Living Rosary on the front lawn and posting watch during Eucharistic Adoration. Our very own district friar Fr. Paul Ballien was also in the Eucharistic Procession.

Joining the the State Board this year was Supreme Director Arcie Lim, from British Columbia, as well as vice supreme master Ed Ponder of the Fr. Louis Hennepin Province. [May 24, 2024]

On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Color Corps members from assemblies 484 Richard Cardinal Cushing, 490 Bishop Kelley and 478 St. John Neumann helped St. Hubert celebrate Sunday Mass and May Crowning. [May 5, 2024]

On Saturday, April 27, members of assembly 2696 St. Paul on the Lake joined with Scout Troop 6100, VFW Post 1146 Bruce Honor Guard and Faithful Friar Fr. Andrew Smith to retire flags that are deemed to be no longer serviceable. [April 27, 2024]

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, Michigan District 1 exemplified 35 new Sir Knights. State Board members joining us for the event included State Deputy SK Chris Kolomjec and Lady Julie, State Secretary Barry Borsenik and Lady Mandy, State Warden SK Charlie McCuen and Lady Pam, State Warden SK Dan Fuller and Lady Kara and Immediate Past State Deputy SK Walter Winkle and Lady Karen. From the Fourth Degree, former master John Hundiak and Mark Brezenski, and Lady Jan, were in attendance. This Exemplification's class honoree was Fr. Aidan Logan, OCSO. Congratulations new Sir Knights, and welcome to the Fourth Degree! [April 20, 2024]

On Saturday, February 17, Sunday, February 18 and Wednesday, February 21, members of Michigan District 1 watched over a relic of Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey at St Mary Queen of Families in Center Line (the church formerly known as St Clemens). All photos are courtesy of SK Erni Boulos. [February 18, 2024]

A small Michigan District 1 Knights of Columbus Honor Guard joined Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, State Deputy Christopher Kolomjec and other members of the Michigan State Board, Dr. Lisa Knysz and Dr. Leisa Marie Carzon for the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Heart of Christ Clinic. The clinic, in the former convent of the Basilica of Ste Anne in Detroit, will officially open its doors on January 22, 2024. The clinic also will offer comprehensive health care for the whole family and, down the road, offer vaccines for children.

For more information on this event, please click here to read the Detroit Catholic article at their web site. [January 17, 2024]

Members of St. Paul on the Lake Assembly 2696 in Grosse Pointe Farms and local first responders stand around food donated by the assembly for first responders in Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Park. This ongoing program was supported by selling US Flags at parishes the weekend prior to Patriots Day. [January 5, 2024]

On December 16, 2023, members of Richard Cardinal Cushing assembly 484, Bishop Kelley assembly 490 and St. Paul on the Lake assembly 2696 Color Corps were joined by the Knights on Bikes, veterans groups, and boy scouts for Wreaths Across America at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township. After the ceremony, wreaths were placed on veterans graves to help remember the service they gave to our country. [December 16, 2023]

On December 16, 2023, members of Divine Mercy assembly 3082, Bishop Kelley assembly 0490 and St. Michael the Archangel assembly 2149 Color Corps were joined by veterans groups, girl scouts and boy scouts for Wreaths Across America at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Rochester. After the ceremony, wreaths were placed on veterans graves to help remember the service they gave to our country.

Photos courtesy of Ron DeGuire. [December 16, 2023]

On December 16, 2023, members of Sacred Heart assembly 2599 and St. John Neumann assembly 0478 Color Corps were joined by veterans groups, girl scouts and boy scouts for Wreaths Across America at Cadillac Memorial Gardens in Clinton Township. After the ceremony, wreaths were placed on veterans graves to help remember the service they gave to our country. [December 16, 2023]

On December 16, 2023, members of Bishop Michael Gallagher assembly 482 and Blessed Virgin Mary assembly 1839 Color Corps were joined by veterans groups for Wreaths Across America at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. After the ceremony, wreaths were placed on veterans graves to help remember the service they gave to our country. [December 16, 2023]

On December 16, 2023, members of Msgr. Schulte assembly 0492, Pope John XXIII assembly 1536, Msgr. Francis F. Van Antwerp assembly 0475 and 2136 St. Francis of Assisi Color Corps were joined by the American Legion Post 32 Livonia Honor Guard, Archdiocesan Chaplain and District Friar Fr. Paul Ballien, State Treasurer Charles McCuen III for Wreaths Across America at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights. After the ceremony, 1200 wreaths were placed on veterans graves to help remember the service they gave to our country. [December 16, 2023]

On Wedensday, December 13, 2023, Michigan District 1 exemplified 12 new Sir Knights. State Warden SK Dan Fuller and Lady Kara joined us for this event. From the Fourth Degree, FVSM SK Clifford Wasmund, FMFD SK Mark Brezenski and Lady Jan, and FMFD John Hundiak were in attendance. Congratulations new Sir Knights, and welcome to the Fourth Degree! [December 13, 2023]

On November 7, 2023, members of the Michigan District 1 Color Corps gathered at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit for the installation of His Excellency the Most Reverend Jeffery Monforton as auxiliary bishop of Detroit. Archbishop Vigneron presided at the Mass in which His Eminence the Most Reverend Christophe Cardinal Pierre, Papal Nuncio the the United States, read the Pope’s Apostolic Letter of appointment for Bishop Monforton.

Photos courtesy of Jeremy Bastyr and Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic. [November 9, 2023]

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, Knights of Columbus from across the state gathered at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for the state's annual Detroit Archdiocese Vocations League Memorial Mass. District 1 Color Corps Sir Knights escorted Fr. Stephen Burr into the chapel for the services.

This Mass is celebrated each year on the first Sunday in November to remember those Knights of Columbus that have passed away in the previous year.

Photos courtesy of Ken Warzybok and PSD Walter Winkle, Jr. [November 5, 2023]

On Sunday, October 29, 2023, members of Michigan District 1 Color Corps from Pope John XXIII assembly 1536 and St. Francis of Assisi assembly 2136 gathered at St. Toma Syriac Catholic Church in Farmington Hills to join Mor (Bishop) Barnaba Yousif Habash in welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Papal Nuncio the the United States. Cardinal Pierre was at St. Toma to concelebrate a memorial mass for those that died in the Hamdaniya banquet fire in Iraq. [October 29, 2023]

On Saturday, September 30, 2023, Michigan District 1 exemplified 61 new Sir Knights. State Board members joining us for the event included State Deputy SK Chris Kolomjec and Lady Julie, State Secretary Barry Borsenik and Lady Mandy, State Warden SK Charlie McCuen and Lady Pam, State Advocate Sk Vern Miron and Lady Christy and Immediate Past State Deputy SK Walter Winkle and Lady Karen. From the Fourth Degree, MFD SK Joe Yekulis and Lady Denise, MFD SK Dale Korson and Lady Dee and many Former Masters were in attendance. This Exemplification's class honoree was Dr. Msgr Charles Kosanke. Dr. Lisa Knysz from the Heart of Christ Clinic was the presenter for the Ladies Program. Congratulations new Sir Knights, and welcome to the Fourth Degree! [September 30, 2023]

On Sunday, September 10, 2023, in honor of 9/11, members of Assembly 0484 Richard Cardinal Cushing, Council 3257 Bishop Murphy and AoD Knights on Bikes along with GK Dennis Thomas, DD117 Matt Elias and host DD127 Mark Elias provided chicken dinners to Engine 56 Detroit Fire, Hazel Park Fire, Ferndale Fire, and Warren Fire Houses 1 and 3. [September 10, 2023]

On August 13, 2023, the Feast Day of Blessed Fr. Michael McGivney, Sir Knights from Michigan District 1 joined Sir Knights and brothers from the 5th Ontario District in Canada at Holy Rest Cemetery for a memorial service. The cemetery serves as the home for a Blessed Fr. McGivney statue, donated by the Ontario area Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies. [August 14, 2023]

The Knights of Columbus 2023 Supreme Convention was held from August 1 thru August 3, 2023, at the Marriott World Center in Orlando, Florida. Not only did our State Board and delegates to the convention make the trip, Former Vice Supreme Master Clifford Wasmund and Lady Susan along with District Master Gene Suchyta and Lady Kathy were also on hand for the event. [August 3, 2023]

From Monday, July 17 through Wednesday, July 26, Color Corps members of Michigan District 1 participated in the Ste. Anne Novena Masses and Feast Day Mass and celebration. All Masses were at the Basilica of Ste. Anne's de Detroit. Each Novena Mass also celebrates some various cultures in the area. Additionally, on Sunday, July 23, members of the 5th Ontario District joined us for the Mass and celebration of French heritage. [July 26, 2023]

On Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, members of Michigan District 1 joined together to march in the Wyandotte Independence Day Parade. Family members as well as the Knights on Bikes joined the Sir Knights. Host assembly 475 Msgr. Francis Van Antwerp and host council 1802 Wyandotte served as the gathering location both before and after the parade. [July 4, 2023]

Renewing another long-standing tradition with the end of Covid restrictions, members of Michigan District 1 headed to Windsor to join the 5th Ontario District and Dean Wagner Assembly 862 for the Canada Day Parade on July 1. The parade heads through the streets of Windsor celebrating the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867. [July 2, 2023]

On Sunday, June 25, 2023, members of Michigan District 1 were invited to participate in the Polish Festival Polka Mass at the American Polish Century Club in Warren, MI. Polish dancers from the area were also invited to participate. [June 25, 2023]

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, Comerica Park and the Detroit Tigers welcomed Knights of Columbus members from across the state. Michigan District One provided the Honor Guard for the ceremonies. [June 24, 2023]

On Sunday, June 11, 2023, Sir Knights joined other faith-filled Catholics for the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ, otherwise known as Corpus Christi. The district had no less than 11 requests for Color Corps for the various Masses and Eucharistic Processions in the Detroit Archdiocese. Assemblies rose to the occasion and made every effort to provide at least a few people for every event requested. [June 11, 2023]

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Knights of Columbus members from across Michigan gathered in Lansing at our state’s capital building on the front lawn for the annual Living Rosary. Over 40 Sir Knights, along with Knights on Bikes and Knights of Columbus State Officers, participated in the event. State Chaplain Fr. Logan helped lead the rosary, along with the rest of the State Officers. The Knights on Bikes brought a Silver Rose for the event, as well. [June 3, 2023]

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, Color Corps members from around the state came together at Kelly Shorts Stadium at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI, for the Michigan Special Olympics Opening Ceremony. Over 30 Sir Knights helped great over 2000 athletes participating in the summer games. State Secretary Barry Borsenik and Lady Mandy, along with Special Olympics State Program Director Robbie Waclawski and Special Olympics Assistant Willy Winkle. [June 1, 2023]

On May 28, 2023, newly ordained priest Fr. Andrew Smith celebrated his first Mass at St. Peter's in Mt. Clemens. Sir Knights from the area were on hand, paying tribute to Fr. Andrew is also has the unique distinction of being a past grand knight for his council. Congratulations, Fr. Andrew! [May 28, 2023]

On Wednesday, May 24 through Friday, May 26, 2023, Knights of Columbus members from across the state joined together for the annual State Convention. Fourth Degree Sir Knights participated in a Eucharistic Procession from Saint Anne's Church to the Grand Hotel, all three convention Holy Masses, posting as well as retiring the colors, the Living Rosary on the front lawn and posting watch during Eucharistic Adoration. Our very own district friar Fr. Paul Ballien was also in the Eucharistic Procession, taking the Blesses Sacrament up the hill to the Grand Hotel.

Joining the the State Board this year was Mark McMullen, senior vice president for Membership & Marketing from the Supreme Council as well as vice supreme master Ed Ponder of the Fr. Louis Hennepin Province. [May 26, 2023]

Didn't see a picture and you know we took it? We have photos going back even further, so click here to see all the recognition we have given over the years!