KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BISHOP ALLEN J. BABCOCK COUNCIL 7341 Caledonia, Michigan July 2026 Click on logo to listen Grand Knights Comments………………………………………………. Welcome to summer! I hope you are all enjoying the many blessings and all the opportunities this season brings and spending quality time with your families. June was another active and rewarding month for our council. On June 7th, six Knights, Jim Perkins, Pete Murray, Doug Kokot, Tony Pacino, Joel Aldrich, and Marv Hanson played an important role in the Corpus Christi procession held at Holy Family. They served by carrying the canopy and acting as torch bear- ers. In addition, Gary Merritt and Antonio Rodriguez, both Fourth Degree members of our council, participated as Honor Guards. Thank you to all who represented the Knights with reverence and dedication. On June 17th, eighteen Knights, some accompanied by their spouses, along with Father Mike, attended the Priests and Religious Appreciation Dinner at Saints Peter and Paul Parish. It was a wonderful evening of fellowship and appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to serving our faith community. On June 20th, Doug Kokot represented our council at the Cross Catholic Outreach food packing event , where volunteers packed an incredible 10,500 small bags of food, which will feed 61,000 people, supporting those in need. Thank you, Doug, for helping extend our mission of charity beyond our local community. We wrapped up the month on June 25th with our annual end-of-the-fraternal-year cookout before the General Membership Meeting. Knights gathered at the barn beginning at 6:30 p.m. for food and fellowship. Dale Simmons and Jeff Hernandez kept everyone well fed by grilling brats and burgers, while many others contributed side dishes. The meal was excellent, and everyone enjoyed a great evening. Looking ahead, please remember that Caledonia’s Fourth of July celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4th. Once again, our council will again participate in the parade. I encourage anyone who is available to join us as we walk alongside Cal/Middleville Right to Life and help distribute Tootsie Rolls, bottled water, and informational flyers. Later that evening, beginning at 6:00 p.m., we will gather in the parking lot for our annual Fourth of July fireworks food pantry collection while grilling hamburgers and hot dogs in support of the Young Adult Ministry. If you are available, please come lend a hand and enjoy the evening—it is also the best place in town to watch the fireworks display. Don’t forget to sell your firearms raffle tickets! The drawing will take place August 27, 2026 at the General Membership meeting. Thank you for giving your time, energy, and commitment to our council and parish community. Your service truly reflects our principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Vivat Jesus, Bill Donohue, Grand Knight gk7341@mikofc.org - 616-446-1083 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Firearms Raffle ...................... …..2 Caledonia 4th of July ............. .….3 Holy Family Corp Communion .….3 Family of the Month ............... …..4 Knight of the Month ................ …..5 Rosary Promo ........................ …..6 Knighthood Card .................... …..6 Fr. McGivney Prayer .............. …..6 Council Grill Meeting .............. …..7 Council Picnic ........................ …. 8 Diocesan Meeting .................. …. 8 Corpus Christi Procession ..... …..9 Pope Leo’s Intentions ............ ….10 Magnifica Humanitas ............. ….10 Chaplain Lori’s Challenge ...... ….10 COR Programs ...................... ….11 Pro-Life MI ............................. ….12 On the Lighter side...................... 13 Dates of Note .............................. 14 Council Officers ..................... ….14 Program Directors .................. .....14 KEPHA Rosary ...................... ….14 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BISHOP ALLEN J. BABCOCK COUNCIL 7341 Caledonia, Michigan July 2026 Newsletter 9669 Kraft Ave. Caledonia, Mi 49316 GK Phone 616-446-1083 email-gk7341@mikofc.org Supreme Fraternal Benefits Field Agent Tommy Lyons III P.O. Box 329 Westphalia, MI 48894 989-543-6538 tommy.lyons@kofc.org If you have an article or an announcement which you would like in the council newsletter, send to editor Gary Merritt— g.merritt@mikofc.org
2 THE TICKETS ARE IN AND AVAILABLE FOR OUR FIREARMS RAFFLE! First Prize—AR-15 Pistol 10.5 300 Blackout Second Prize—Rost Martin RMC1C Hand Gun & Bundle Fourth Prize—Radical Firearms 5.56X45 16” Fifth Prize—Tokarev Tar 12 Guage Shotgun Semi-load Tickets are $20 each with a limit of only 500 to be sold. The drawings will be held at our council meeting on August 27. Need not to be present to win but subject to background check and FFL transfer fee. Raffle License # R-87537 This should be a very profitable fundraiser, but we need all the membership to get on board. Please get your tickets and buy some and sell some. Remember you can sell to non–members of our Order and to family, friends and neighbors. For tickets or questions please contact: Brian Baughman or Tony Deller. Third Prize—Henry Golden Boy 22 LR
3 The Caledonia/Middleville Right to Life group invites you to join us in the Caledonia Independence Day Parade next Saturday, July 4! Volunteers are needed to help distribute flyers, Tootsie Rolls, and water as we walk the parade route from Duncan Lake Middle School to the old Caledonia fire station. Participants will meet in the middle school parking lot at 10AM, each volunteer will receive a free commemora- tive T-shirt. For more information or to volunteer, please contact DJ Regan. Join us for the annual Caledonia 4th of July Fireworks next Saturday, July 4. The parking lot opens at 7pm with fireworks at dusk. Our Council will be collecting canned goods for the Holy Family Food Pantry. They will also be cooking burgers and hotdogs with all proceeds going to the young adult discipleship program. We could use more help in the evening. Contact GK Bill 616-446-1083 for times & duties. A few of our Honor Guard were able to attend the Corporate Communion in Caledonia in the evening after the Ordination Mass at the Cathedral that Morning. Fr. Mike Cilibraise is always a gracious host. THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CORPORATE COMMUNION is a special Mass where Council and Assembly members, with their families and friends gather together to receive the Eucharist as a unified community. It is a public witness to the Knights’ principles of Unity and Fraternity, strengthening bonds within the Order and with the parish.
4 FAMILY OF THE MONTH Our council’s selection for the Family of the Month for June is the Bill and Ruth Swartz family. Bill and Ruth were married at St. Patrick Church in Union Michigan, were they both grew up, 34 years ago. In 1996 they moved to the Alto area and became members of Holy Family in 1996. They have raised 4 wonderful children that all have been involved in the Church. Bill and Ruth have set a good example for their children always placing attendance at Sunday Mass and involvement in service to the church at the highest priority. Both of them serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors and Altar Servers. Ruth is a member of the Bell Choir and Bill played percussion when it was used in the Choir. Ruth is also involved in many other programs and ministries in the church. She’s not afraid to help out when asked. Bill is a member of the Sonrise Men’s Adoration and Prayer group and loves attending the TMIY classes and the Brewing the Faith campfires. Following their parents example the children serve in many capacities. Ben, now 25, serves as a Lector. Kyra, who is recently married and living out of the area, was a member of the choir and an instrumentalist. Daniel, 20, and Lucas, 18 both serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. Lucas also serves on the altar and attends to many of the Sacristan duties. In the community the family has been involved with the school bands over the years. Bill recently did some intricate technical work for flashing lights in the percussion section of the marching band. He also is a member of the Caledonia Pipes and Drums band. It’s not unusual for him to be seen marching in a community parade. Ruth is a member of the Middleville/Caledonia Right To Life Chapter. Bill’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Information Security from Davenport in Grand Rapids and an Associates degree in Engineering from Lawrence University in Southfield Mi. Ruth has a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in English from MSU in Lansing. Currently Bill is employed as a Solution Engineer by Cisco Systems which provides computer services and security for many Fortune 500 companies. He works mostly from home, his job does require some travel. Ruth to keep busy works at J Jill outlet in Rivertown Mall and also is an E-Bayer. Bill’s hobbies include woodworking, percussion, aviation, electronics, computers & computer programming, The family has a hobby which is beneficial to the knights and his friends and neighbors. They have chickens which provide them with many eggs. Bill provides 4 dozen for our monthly Breakfast Buffets. Bill also helps with our annual Tootsie Roll Drive in the spring. His answer to my question, why he joined the Order was this; I got a call one evening late in June 2022 from my brother-in-law, Fr. Paul Ballien. He was State Chaplain at the time and they needed just a few more men to meet their quota for the year. He said "Would you be will- ing to go to this website and sign up with the Knights as an E-member?" Not willing to say "no" to my brother -in-law (let alone a priest!), I agreed. I'd been approached several times to join in the past and had resisted. But now that I'm a member and have participated in several activities, I'm glad I finally accepted. Our selection of Family of the Month is based on a family’s example to our members as a faithful Catholic family by showing commitment toe the Church, Community and the Knights. The Schwartz family fits the categories and are well deserving of the award. Congratulations.
5 Our councils selection of Knight of the Month for June is Tony Deller. He and his wife Tammy will be celebrating their Silver wedding anniversary in July. They were married at St. John Vianney and lived in Cutlerville for the first 5 years of their marriage. Tony is a convert going through the RCIA program in 2005. They built a home in the Caledonia area and became members of Holy Family in 2006 and have been active ever since. They have 2 adult children, Abby 23 and Austin 22. Both would help Usher when Tony was a member of an User team. Tony grew up in Harrisville on the northeast side of the State. He attended Alpena College for a while and discovered that computer programing may be a good fit for him, so he became certified on IBM AS/400. He found a position with Amway and worked in different computer positions over the years. His positions gave him the opportunity to travel to 11 different countries before retiring after 27.5 years as Data Center manager. His activity in the church include serving as an usher for many years and still assists if needed. An enjoyable service was being co-leader of the Liturgy of the Word for Children when we had that ministry in our church. Volunteering at Vacation Bible School as safety patrol was another part of his service. A new position in Holy Family is the Safety and Hospitality team and Tony is serving with the group. The TMIY weeknight group and Missionary to the Family couples group are 2 others that Tony finds time to attend. In the community Tony became involved with the schools baseball and basketball programs as his boys joined the teams. He coached for several years. A couple of community events he loves to participate in are the Caledonia Pack Walk and the neighborhood dog walking group. Joining the Order back in 2007, Tony has contributed to our council in several capacities. He has served as Guard, Chancellor and is currently on the board of officers as Advocate. For many years he has volunteered for the MI Tootsie Roll Drive and has assisted at Special Olympics luncheons. He always enjoys being in the Caledonia Independence Day parade and fireworks. Recently our council has decided, with Tony’s inspiration and organization, to try some raffle contests. Our first, a grill raffle was a success. Presently Tony is working with Brian Baughman in developing a firearms raffle. I’m sure with Tony’s input it will be a success. As mentioned before Tony did his share of traveling while employed. He still like to travel, especially any- where warm during the Michigan cold months. Tony’s hobbies include spending time working with his Service Dog Scout, going to the range and shooting guns and hunting for deer in the fall. He enjoys board games or cards with family and or friends and watch- ing baseball live or on TV. I asked Tony what is his favorite program and why he joined the Order. His reply is very interesting; “I don't know that I have a favorite program, but seeing all the great work that the Knights do and being part of an active council is rewarding whether I'm able to engage or not. Originally and still, what drew me to the Knights of Columbus was the same reason I went through RCIA; being involved with a group and or commu- nity that will help me grow my faith and know that for the most part, it's like-minded individuals.” Tony is an inspiration and is well deserving of the Knight of the Month Award. KNIGHT of the month
6 We draw closer to our membership quota by installing 2new members to our council. CANONIZATION PRAYER FOR BLESSED MICHAEL MCGIVNEY God, our Father, protector of the poor and defender of the widow and orphan, you called your priest, Blessed Michael McGivney, to be an apostle of Christian family life and to lead the young to the generous service of their neighbor. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, more closely, fulfilling his commandment of charity and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of your servant prompt us to greater confidence in your love so that we may continue his work of caring for the needy and the outcast. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Michael McGivney on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present, (here make your request). Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Join the Father McGivney Guild at: www.fathermcgivney.org Please join us in the church at 6:45 pm prior to every officer’s and membership meeting for a recitation of the Rosary by our council members. With the suggestion of our Diocesan Chaplain, Fr. Mark Bauer, we are instituted this old tradition. What a better way to prepare for a meeting then by asking Our Mother to intercede with Jesus to guide us. We will be leading a Rosary prior to every Mass on the Fifth Sunday of the Month. Come to Mass early and join us.
7 What has become a tradition, our final council meeting of the Fraternal year is held outside by the church storage barn. As not always the case, the weather was perfect for a picnic. The camaraderie and fraternity was as wonderful as the weather. The potluck worked out well. It’s always amazing that the menus works out even with out a signup sheet. Our grill masters Dale Simons and Jeff Hernandez provided excellent burgers & brats with their magical touch. Presentations where made to Tony Deller as Knight of the Month and to Bill & Ruth Swartz as Family of the Month. DD John Vanenklase was able to be with us for his last meeting as our District Deputy. He brought along with him and introduced his replacement Rich Olszewski. For those of you that missed it, plan on attending next year. If you only attend one meeting a year, this should be the one.
8 What a great time of year to gather together out of doors. Don’t miss this opportunity to have a Sunday of relaxation with friends and maybe meet new ones. Bring the whole family and invite your friends, especially those that are not part of the Knights of Columbus Family. Bring your favorite out door game for all to enjoy. The Knights provide the location and most everything else. You just provide a dish to pass and willingness to have some fun & R&R. See you there! If you would like to learn more about what the State Council is all about and what they expect of the local councils you may attend the Grand Rapids KC Diocesan Summer Meeting on Thursday July 16 at St Robert of Newminster Parish in Ada. The program includes presentations from the State Directors and the State Officers. Registration is at 5:30 PM with a dinner at 6 PM. Yes, to encourage attendance they will feed you. The program will begin with local presentations at 6:30 with the State program beginning at 7. The State Directors and Officers travel to all the Dioceses in Michigan to make these very informative presentations. If you would like to attend contact our Grand Knight Bill Donohue; 616-446-1083, gk7341@mikofc.org
9 The Corpus Christi procession went off without a glitz. Many parishioners stayed after the 11 AM to participate in the procession. It was a beautiful afternoon to have such a Catholic traditional event. With two Honor Guard members from Assembly 2210 leading, no one got lost during the procession. Several of our Knights served as canopy bearers, cross bearers and candle bearers. There were also many Knights in the procession following along. Thanks to Father Michael for continuing this tradition at Holy Family. The Corpus Christi procession is held annually on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, typically on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday, about 60 days after Easter. Its primary purpose is to publicly honor and worship Christ present in the Eucharist, bringing the sacred presence into the heart of the community and offering a visible witness of faith. The procession is both devotional and evangelical, allow- ing participants to express reverence while inviting others to witness the mystery of the Eucharist. adoremus.org
10 Council 7341 For respect for human life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God. Amen. “While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.” (Gospel for July 19, Mt 13:25-26) In the midst of his suffering, Job asked, “Why do the wicked keep on living, grow old, become mighty in power?” (Job 21:7). It seems to human eyes an injustice: the good suffer while the evil prosper. But Jesus explains that God “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Mt 5:45). He is a patient God, and we must “consider the patience of our Lord as salvation” (2 Pt 3:15a). God is patient with sinners — including us. Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori: This month, I challenge you to reach out to a family member or friend and invite them to go to the sacrament of penance. Questions for Reflection: In what way are you like wheat, and in what ways are you like weeds? Are you envious or disturbed by those who lead unholy lives but seem to prosper? Do you find it difficult to love the “weeds” in your life, to pray for and work toward their salvation? Read more about our Supreme Chaplain HERE Magnifica Humanitas Presenting the first encyclical of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV warned that artificial intelligence risks deepening inequality, weakening human relationships and concentrating power unless guided by ethical oversight. Magnificent Humanity On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, is Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, addressing human dignity and the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This encyclical invites us to consider the profound impacts that rapid technological advancement has on hu- man work, social relations, and the common good of all people. Read Magnifica Humanitas
11 THAT MAN IS YOU will be taking a break for the summer and will return in September. Men you are invited to join us at the Holy Family fire pit for Brewing the Faith. En- joy a cold beverage as we sit around a campfire, enjoying the warm weather and ex- ploring our faith. This program is available once a month during the summer. Watch the bulletin for more details. Beer, soda, water, snacks are provided and the smoke is added for your pleasure at no charge. Any questions call Lori Pieri 616-389-4794. In this time of difficulties in society and in the Church, crisis of families, “pride” events, and fathers either absent or inef- fective, it is more important than ever that men’s groups form in parishes and learn to support their faith and each oth- er. Men need to learn to be men, not macho, but true men. Manhood means being a leader, an example for others, standing up for what is right, and, if married, the head of the family is the first servant of the family. Catholic365.com Your invited to one of these COR programs. Come see what your missing! Blessed Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with a keen under- standing of every man's call to holiness and a fatherly vocation. Cor (Latin for "heart") continues this mission by centering men's hearts on Jesus so they can be transformed by an authentic relationship with him and each other. Everything flows from the heart. If you get the heart right, you get the man right – a man of faith who will courageously live out the mission God calls him to. Christ is the heart of Cor. We invite all men to join us in uniting our hearts with his
12 You may register early by clicking on this flyer. Protect Life Michigan's full-time internship launched just two weeks ago, and I'm already so encour- aged by our interns. These young people have a deep conviction that inspires me and gives me hope for Michigan's pro-life future. This summer, 52 students will receive exceptional pro-life training and will change thousands of pro- choice minds through street outreach and door-to-door canvassing in Southeast Michigan. I want you to see the kind of conviction that I'm talking about, so I asked a few of our new and returning interns to share about what motivated them to give up their summer for un- born children. Watch this video to hear directly from our interns as they introduce themselves and explain why they have become involved with Protect Life Michigan. Our interns are on the front lines this summer, facing the abortion industry head-on in one of the most pro-abortion communities in Michigan. We know that the days ahead won't all be easy, but any opposition we face will be worth it. Would you join me in praying for each of our interns this summer, that God would work through them to transform and redeem the lives of those they speak to? Thank you for your prayers and support. For Life, Trevor Polo Executive Director It was really great to see Trevor at the Michigan State Convention and to hear him speak about the mission of Protect Life Michigan. He spoke on how grateful he is for the support of the Michigan State Council and the local councils throughout Michigan.
13 For many years John Romero would write a humorous story for our newsletter. I’d like to reintroduce that article. As many of us spend many hours taking care of our lawn, I thought this old story I’ve had in my files would be a great place to start. GOD’S LAWN GOD: Frank, you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going on down there on the plan- et? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistle and stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect no- maintenance garden plan. Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply with aban- don. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracts butterflies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see a vast garden of colors by now. But, all I see are these green rectangles. St. FRANCIS: It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites. They started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to great lengths to kill them and replace them with grass. GOD: Grass? But, it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds and bees; only grubs and sod worms. It's sensitive to temperatures. Do these Suburbanites really want all that grass growing there? ST. FRANCIS: Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. They begin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in the lawn. GOD: The spring rains and warm weather probably make grass grow really fast. That must make the Subur- banites happy. ST. FRANCIS: Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it-sometimes twice a week. GOD: They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay? ST. FRANCIS: Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags. GOD: They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it? ST. FRANCIS: No, Sir, just the opposite. They pay to throw it away. GOD: Now, let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow. And, when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away? ST. FRANCIS: Yes, Sir. GOD: These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. That surely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work. ST. FRANCIS: You aren't going to believe this, Lord. When the grass stops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay more money to water it, so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it. GOD: What nonsense. At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty and shade in the summer. In the autumn, they fall to the ground and form a natural blanket to keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. It's a natural cycle of life. ST. FRANCIS: You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon as the leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and pay to have them hauled away. GOD: No!? What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter to keep the soil moist and loose? ST. FRANCIS: After throwing away the leaves, they go out and buy something which they call mulch. They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves. GOD: And where do they get this mulch? ST. FRANCIS: They cut down trees and grind them up to make the mulch. GOD: Enough! I don't want to think about this anymore. St. Catherine, you're in charge of the arts. What movie have you scheduled for us tonight? ST. CATHERINE: 'Dumb and Dumber', Lord.. It's a story about.... GOD: Never mind, I think I just heard the whole story from St. Francis. This is a good reason to have a yard and not a lawn.
14 DATES OF NOTE Thurs July 2 Officers Meeting Fri July 3 Feast St Thomas Sat July 4 Independence Day Sat July 11 Memorial St Benedict Sat July 11 Adopt-A-Highway Tues July 14 Mem St Katri Tekakwitha Tue July 14 4th Degree Meeting Wed July 15 Mem St Bonaventure Thurs July 16 GR KC Diocesan Meeting Sun July 19 Council Exemplification Wed July 22 Feast St Mary Magdalene Thurs July 22 Membership Meeting Sat July 25 Feast St James Fri July 31 Feast St Ignatius of Lyola Sonrise Men’s Adoration, Prayer Every Sat 6AM KEPHA Public Rosary Every 3rd Sat of Mo. @ Cathedral Square Council Picnic Sun Aug 9 COUNCIL OFFICERS 2026/2027 Grand Knight-Bill Donohue gk7341@mikofc.org Chaplain-Rv. Mike Cilibraise Deputy Grand Knight-Brian Baughman pd7341@mikofc.org Financial Sec-Roger Campbell fs7341@mikofc.org Chancellor -Fred Klampferer Recorder - Brett Vasicek Treasurer - Tim Thome Lecturer - Deacon Mike Schasser Advocate - Tony Deller Warden - Steve Maleski Trustees - Pete Murray Jim Shoaf Jim Perkins Inside Guard - Mark Hardy Outside Guard - Frank Boska The Fraternal year runs July 1—June 30 PROGRAM PERSONNEL 26/27 Program Director Brain Baughman Faith Director Gary Merritt Family Director Gary Merritt Community Director Jeff Hernandez PR Director Gary Merritt Membership Director Phil France Retention Director Pete Murray Lecturer Dcn. Mike Schasser Officers Meeting 1st Thurs. monthly General Meeting 4th Thurs. monthly Both meetings begin at 7:30 PM Refreshments and Fraternity after. Council 7341 9669 Kraft Ave. Caledonia, MI 49316 July 2026 edition links Council FB page 7341 Facebook Supreme web Knights of Columbus State website MI Knights of Columbus If you have an article or an announcement which you would like in the Council newsletter, send to editor Gary Merritt— g.merritt@mikofc.org