To organize common fundraising activities for the Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies in the Detroit Archdiocese in support of Vocations.
Who we are
The Detroit Archdiocesan Vocations League or DAVL began in 1982. Membership is voluntary, there are no dues. Our common interest in supporting Vocations binds us together. Through our combined fundraiser events the DAVL has given back to the participating K of C Councils an average of $15,000 a year.
What we do
There are four major events held every year.
DAVL Dinner, held in the Spring
Raffle, held in late spring to early summer
Golf Outing, held in September
Memorial Mass and Breakfast, held in November
Councils who participate earn points for levels of participation and the money raised is given back to the Knights of Columbus Councils proportionately with the expectation to be used to support a seminarian or postulant through the RSVP program.
We need YOU!
The cost of an education can be quite high and our seminarians and postulants need our help. The RSVP program helps the seminarians and postulants directly with no restrictions on spending the money donated. Past seminarians have told us the money came in handy for: dental work, car repairs, clothing, daily expenses among other things.
By joining and becoming active in the DAVL you can help us grow both in membership and our fundraising efforts and as a result more seminarians and postulants can be helped.
Detroit Archdiocesan Vocations League P O Box 380763 Clinton Twp, MI 48038
Meetings fourth Thursday of the month 7:30 at John F.Kennedy Council 5460 33320 Kelly Rd. Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Contact:
davl@mikofc.org Chairman: Jeff Gapczynski
Vice Chairman: Robert Garstka Treasurer: Larry Pitruzello
Another perfect evening for a meeting. Thanks to Greg for the food afterwards. John Swan, Knight of the Month (February) and Greg Knight of the Month (June.) Also note the newly replaced tabernacle. It’s beautiful again, a fitting place for Our Lord.
You may have noticed we didn’t hold our annual Ladies Appreciation Evening during Christmas. Like so many other events, we got canceled because of COVID. Because Christmas seems so far off, let’s get together with a picnic. It’ll be fun. June 6th starting at 2 pm. We’ll set up behind the church (in our usual spot) We have a tent, a band, hotdogs, hamburgers and even a hospitality suite.
Help us out and please let us know if you are planning on attending – and, if so – how many in your family. The more the merrier. This is a family event so, please bring everyone.
If you don’t have an email or if you have questions, please call me at 586-255-5350. Thanks, Brian.
A Knights of Columbus Fraternal Benefits Seminar Featuring: Award-Winning Author and Speaker Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, CASL
Thinking about retirement? Award-winning author, speaker and economist – Tom Hegna – will be joining agents from The Borrelli, Huard & Wesley Agencies to present a free webinar for members and guests. Tom has been dubbed by many as “The Retirement Income Expert” and will be sharing his 7 steps to a secure retirement.
Did you know that the Knights of Columbus is a Fortune 1000 company, and that Catholic families have an exclusive opportunity to protect their financial futures and plan their retirement with the help of the Knights?
In addition to being the strong, Catholic and charitable organization that you know and love, the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest life insurance companies in North America, and has helped hundreds of thousands of Catholic families just like yours ensure their financial future.
The story goes as a young boy and his grandfather walking down the beach. A big storm had come in the day before and there were hundreds and hundreds of sand-dollars washed up and starting to die in the sun.
As they walked, the grandfather would stop from time to time, reach down, pick up a sand dollar and throw it into the ocean. Finally, the little boy asked, “Grandfather, why are you throwing them back in?” and his grandfather replied, “So that they will live.”
The little boy thought for a minute and said, “But grandfather, there are so many of them! What possible difference can it make?” And the grandfather, reaching down and tossing another one back into the ocean, said, “To that one, it will make all of the difference in the world.“
Isn’t that how life is? We rarely see the ripples of the grace that come from our good works. We hope, we have faith, we strive but, we don’t really know – do we? We like to think we’re making a difference in the world, in the parish, in the community but, often it’s not immediately apparent. Tonight I’m happy to share a concrete example of our works saving a baby from the horrors of abortion.
Our council, with 4 other councils and help from the K of C State Council, purchased an ultrasound machine for Compassion Pregnancy in Clinton Township. It was very expensive. We all continue to budget $1,000 per council per year to help with the maintenance and upgrades to that machine. Our prayer was this machine would be a tool to dissuade parents from choosing abortion once they saw their baby in full 3-D colour. I’m happy to report this evening that we helped save a life this week.
Please see the email from Gary Kopp (our District Deputy) to the five Grand Knights of the participating Councils. So, if anyone asks, please tell them you are a defender of the Holy Innocents and you have saved one life this week. Meanwhile, the mindless slaughter continues in this country at Planned Parenthood. Every Saturday, it’s estimated 10,000 children are murdered. Every Saturday, ten thousand children. For those children (and their parents) keep praying your rosaries. For this one child, thank our generous God for a life to live. To this one, it’ll make all the difference.
Keep showing up, keep working Brothers. We are making the difference.
With all best wishes, I am
Sincerely Yours in Christ
Brian M O’Curran Financial Secretary Knights of Columbus #7018 St. Clement of Rome, Romeo, MI
——– Original message ——–
From: Gary Kopp
Date: 3/1/21 2:22 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Eddie Sachs, Gary Bates, Mark DiPaola, Mark Kovasity
Cc: Tom Weisner, Cliff Wasmund, Walter Winkle
Subject: Compassion Pregnancy Center
I just go off the phone with Sue Nellis, Director of Compassion Pregnancy Center.
I feel compelled to share her story:
A young couple came into the center, unsure of their pregnancy. Using the UltraSound Machine we purchased for the center, the scan was performed.
Utilizing the 3D probe and the resolution of the machine, the scan showed a baby and heartbeat about 7 weeks old.
The decision to not abort was made on the spot.
Brothers, take pride in the work that you do, and the lives that you save. This is our Right to Life Program.
PGK Joe and his lovely wife Susan Suminski along with Kathy and her lovely husband Paul Wierbicki had a wonderful idea. Let’s build Lenten Crosses for people to display in their front yards for Lent. Brilliant. Joe and Karrie Illner got busy and developed an assembly-line Henry Ford would be proud of. Here’s a picture of proud papa Karrie and his creation – the cross, not the assembly line. It’s like seeing Henry Ford standing by a Model A – right?
These beautiful crosses are for sale. They’re made of the best pine and lovingly stained in English Chestnut. Each stands 48′ tall with a 24″ cross arm. A rebar stake is included. That stake slips over a 1/2 inch PCV pipe mounted on the back of the cross. Included with each cross are two drapes, one white and one purple.
We are asking for a minimum donation of $25 per cross. Crosses will be made available at St Clement for pickup.
********** Thank you for everyone who purchased a ham for 2021 Easter. We’ll be back next year.
**********
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Dearborn Ham Sale. These delicious 8-pound hams are only $40. All profits go to the K of C Vocations Fund. These Dearborn Famous Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham (Half) arrive just in time for Easter. Deadline for orders is Sunday, March 21. Pick up after 1 on March 29th.
Dearborn’s Famous Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham is slow-cooked and smoked for up to 24 hours. Dearborn has the perfect ham for your Easter gathering. Find out why this Ham is renowned locally and beyond.
How Do the Knights Use the Vocations Fund?
These young people have all answered the call to their vocations. The Knights make direct monetary gifts to each to defer the cost of their tuition or other expenses. Additionally, we participate in funding a $1 million endowment to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. This endowment will allow candidates to say “yes” and not have to worry about the expenses. These and many other programs support vocations to religious life. When you support the Knights of Columbus, you are supporting the future of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
If you’d like to order a ham with a check or cash, please download the order form HERE. Return it to the St Clement Office during their normal office hours.
St Clement of Rome K of C Dearborn Ham Fundraiser 343 S Main St Romeo, MI 48065
Deadline for orders is Sunday, March 21
Hams will be available for pickup at St. Clements after 1:00 PM on Monday, March 29th
This weekend the Knights will be out in the community selling Tootsie Rolls. The proceeds go right back to support programs in this community. Please help us give to programs to support people with intellectual disabilities. Click the image above to donate. Thank you.
The Tilson Street event needs at least 9 people every night. On the weekend, a few more are needed. Please consider helping us out. The Tilson Street event is a chance for us to continue to fund programs in the parish and community. With dinners and most of our other fund raisers canceled this year, these few nights are a change for us to make up some ground.
St Clement is proud to participate in Father John Riccardo’s call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. On September 24th 2020, St Clement will observe the World Day of Prayer and Fasting. Brother Karrie Ilner and his lovely wife Jean are heading up this important spiritual day for our country, and the world in this trying time. Below you will find a quick video on our preparations and below that an agenda.
The following is a list of services that will be available for you to participate in.
Fasting for the day following the rules for fasting: light morning meal, light lunch meal, and then your evening meal be no larger than the 2 previous meals. Those that are over 60 are not obliged to fast.
Stations of the Cross outside or inside will be available throughout the day. Booklets will be accessible for you to use. Self paced, no set time.
Adoration in the church in pews with the reserved sign on them from 12:00 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Rosary to be said at 6:20 p.m.
Mass at 7:00 p.m. or Evening Prayers.
We are inviting all members of our Parish community to participate in this day of Fasting and Prayer in whatever capacity you feel most comfortable with.
Read why the Detroit -based non-profit apostolate ACTS XXIX are calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting September 24th.
Lincoln-Inspired Movement to Pray and Fast for God’s Mercy on the Country and the Healing and Conversion of Our Hearts
“Looking at all that’s happening in our country right now, it seems we’re in need of a lot of things… The real problem of American culture today is that our hearts are messed up. Only God can fix the human heart, and He loves doing that.
Fr John Riccardo
Fr. John Riccardo and the team of the Detroit-based non-profit apostolate ACTS XXIX are calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting on September 24. “Looking at all that’s happening in our country right now, it seems we’re in need of a lot of things,” says Fr. Riccardo. “Policy and law are crucial, to be sure. But as important as these are, they can’t fix the root problem. The real problem of American culture today is that our hearts are messed up. Only God can fix the human heart, and He loves doing that.”
Fr. Riccardo explains the idea for the entire nation devoting a single day to prayer and fasting grew out of the weekly podcast series produced by ACTS XXIX, You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo. “We did an episode in mid-July about the need for courage in these times and the response was terrific.” He and the team began working on a follow-up instalment when several seemingly unrelated incidents converged to set the ACTS XXIX team on their present course.
That weekend at church, one of Sunday’s Readings was 1 Kings 3:5-12, which recounts the story of King Solomon asking God for wisdom as a leader. While meditating on the passage, Fr. Riccardo says he was taken in prayer to President Lincoln, whom he esteems as a Solomon-like leader, who embodied extraordinary courage and wisdom, which then led him to Lincoln’s three Presidential Proclamations from the 1860s calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. “I was intrigued by the idea of the whole country participating together on one day. How momentous would that be to feel everybody’s knees hitting the ground at the same time.”
That same afternoon—and completely unawares—ACTS XXIX Associate Director Mary Guilfoyle reached out to Fr. Riccardo and other members of the team, sharing that she had felt called in her own reflections on the day’s Scriptures to pray and fast for the nation and urged that ACTS XXIX as an organization take the lead. “Clearly, the Holy Spirit was guiding us,” says Fr. Riccardo. Lincoln chose the last Thursday of September in his first proclamation, so Fr. Riccardo and the ACTS XXIX team decided to follow suit. This year the last Thursday of September falls on the 24th and that date, as it turns out, possesses additional significance. “There’s no feast day associated with September 24 in the Catholic liturgical calendar,” notes Fr. Riccardo, “but it used to be dedicated to Our Lady of Ransom.”
Fr. Riccardo explains that not only is this a day devoted to the Patroness of our country, but it’s also a day specifically focused on her role in our rescue and redemption. “Mary is the mother of the Redeemer,” he continues. “What does it mean to ransom someone? It meant to rescue a person, even at the cost of one’s life. That’s the message of the Gospel. So suddenly this initiative for a day of prayer and fasting for the nation is united to the story of our salvation.”
“This is not about politics or any particular social movement or even the November election,” Fr. Riccardo cautions. “This is about asking for God’s mercy on our nation and for the healing of our hearts—all of our hearts, starting with mine.” His hope is that the entire country, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all people of goodwill, would set September 24 aside as a true holy day, forego food until dinner, and pray for the conversion of hearts.
“Let’s avoid spending money unless we absolutely have to, gather in our houses of worship, and take part in our most sacred religious practices,” Fr. Riccardo suggests. “For Catholics, that means getting in front of the Blessed Sacrament, participating in a Eucharistic procession, or celebrating Mass at the Hour of Mercy.” Fr. Riccardo and the ACTS XXIX team encourages everyone to put September 24 on their calendar, spread the word on social media, and “ask God for what only God can do.”
In the end, Fr. Riccardo turns to Scripture as the authority for an appeal to the country to fast and pray: “When God says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if His people humble themselves and pray, He will heal their land, He’s making a promise.”
For more information about Fr. John Riccardo, ACTS XXIX, and their call for September 24 as a National Day of Prayer and Fasting visit ActsXXIX.org.
Please watch as Father John Riccardo tells us more.
UPDATE: WE ARE DONE FOR 2021. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Each mum comes in a 2 gallon pot. They are from Brohl’s Greenhouses a high quality local grower. This is an “action” shot from earlier in the summer as the mums were just getting started.
These beautiful fall Mums are ready to be planted in your yard or just displayed out on the front porch. PLEASE NOTE: All mums can be picked up at St Clement Church in Romeo on Saturday September 11th from 10 am till 2 pm.
If you’re going to buy mums anyway, please consider buying them from us. These are the same big-quality mums local retail stores are selling for $14.99. The picture below was taken outside Kroger’s on Aug 15th. Buy early, buy often!
We tried something new this year. Since all the churches are locked and we have no access to the Sacraments, we had to take matters into our own hands. Divine Mercy Sunday is too big of a deal to allow it to pass us by.
Lead by Deacon Kurt Godfryd, we organized a virtual prayer service to take advantage of the promises offered in connection to this celebration. I’d like to thank Father Chris Alar of the Divine Mercy Shrine in Stockbridge for giving us the idea. We took the inspiration from this YouTube video posted below.
This is our celebration of the Lord’s promises to St Faustina. Please pray along and receive God’s unfathomable mercy. If you’d like to slides we used in this service, please use the button below.
Even though churches are closed and you cannot go to Confession and receive Holy Communion, you can receive these special graces this Sunday, April 19, Divine Mercy Sunday. And we’re going to tell you how.
Let’s begin by reading what is arguably the most important passage in St. Faustina’s Diary, when Jesus tells St. Faustina:
I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet (699).
Diary of St Faustine
There it is. Jesus promises that the soul that’s been to Confession and receives Holy Communion will be completely wiped away of the two stains that are on our soul. Those stains are sin and the punishment due to sin. The special grace promised by our Lord for Divine Mercy Sunday is nothing less than the equivalent of a complete renewal of baptismal grace in the soul.
But how can you receive this complete forgiveness of sins and remission of all punishment? After all, churches are closed and Confession and Communion are not available.
There is, however, still a way to receive this grace. Do these three things on Divine Mercy Sunday with the intention to turn away from sin in your life:
Make an Act of Contrition
Since you are unable to get to Confession, make an Act of Contrition, instead. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Among the penitent’s acts contrition occupies first place. Contrition is ‘sorrow of the soul and detestation for the sin committed, together with the resolution not to sin again'” (1451).
You thereby will be completely forgiven of all sins, even “mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible” (Catechism, 1452).
Make a Spiritual Communion
Since churches are closed and you cannot receive Holy Communion, make a Spiritual Communion instead, asking God to come into your heart as if you received Him sacramentally — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. For instance, you can say this:
Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself to You; permit not that I should ever be separated from You. Amen.
Again, do this act of trust with the intent to return to the sacrament of Holy Communion as soon as possible.
Say a prayer like this:
Lord Jesus Christ, You promised St. Faustina that the soul that has been to Confession [I’m unable, but I made an Act of Contrition] and the soul that receives Holy Communion [I’m unable, but I made a Spiritual Communion] will receive the complete forgiveness of all sins and punishment. Please, Lord Jesus Christ, give me this grace.
Finally, please remember that this extraordinary promise of Divine Mercy Sunday is for everyone. Tell your non-Catholic friends about it. Everyone can ask Jesus to forgive their sins. Everyone can make a Spiritual Communion. And everyone can ask for this grace to completely wipe their slate clean of not only all sin, but all punishment due to sin. Normally, the punishment is not remitted unless one has absolute perfect contrition. And unlike a plenary indulgence, there is no requirement of having perfect detachment from sin. In other words, as long as we have a desire for this grace and intention to amend our lives, we can be completely cleansed with grace similar to our original Baptism. It is a way to really start over in our spiritual life!
“I promise you, it will be the most important thing you ever do in your entire life. In fact, it could mean the difference in your salvation. And Jesus told St. Faustina, Divine Mercy is mankind’s last hope of salvation [see Diary, 998]. Please don’t let this grace pass you by.”
Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, the director of the Association of Marian Helpers
These are certainly uncharted waters. Please be aware, the organizations at St Clement of Rome are here to help. If you are in need of an emergency item please call the parish office and we will try and assist you. The Parish Office is 1-586-752-9611. Alternatively, you can leave us an email by clicking the button below. We will do our best to help.
Many of the “good” we do goes unnoticed. And, that’s alright. We strive to make a difference in the world. Maybe not the world at large but certainly our little world; our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Even then, the moments of recognition or satisfaction are fleeting if ever manifested at all.
This is the saga of the pro-life movement. Our council is certainly directly involved and supports the many efforts dedicated to ending the wholesale slaughter of our children. Ron and Judy Stec have been on the frontlines of the movement for as long as I’ve known them. They’re out talking to people, handing out information, praying with (and for) people as they struggle in the real world with the complications that bearing children always brings.
Judy shared a wonderful encounter she had and the life changing effect of being present for another person. This story unfolded at the Armada Fair last year.
Ron and I were standing behind the tables we had set up at the Armada Fair. We were getting signatures for the petition drive to “End Dismemberment Abortion.” A lady came up. We talked a little and she signed it. With her, she had a little girl and a little boy in a stroller with her. They started to walk away.
She turned back to me, leaned forward real close and whispered in my ear… “I have to tell you that it is because of you and the man that is with you that my son sleeping in the stroller here is with me today. I came to the fair for last three years looking for you to tell you this. ‘I was going to have an abortion and because of you and this booth, on that day I decided to have my baby, and here he is.’”
Her beautiful little boy was asleep. They’d been at the fair whole day. I told her she made me happy and very grateful she shared this with me. I asked her if I could take his picture. She said “of course”. She then hugged me and kissed the cheek. I told her, “we always say it would be worth it if we can save only one life”.
She told me we did! “And here he is,” as she pointed to her son!
Keep going. What you do matters. Thank you Ron and Judy for being such fine examples of God love in the world.
By now, you may have heard about the Knights changing their admission ceremony. We are pulling down a veil of secrecy surrounding our ceremonies. This is an effort to showcase our core principles and encourage Catholic men to become spiritual leaders in this family, parish and community.
“There is nothing we do that is secret or needs to be secret. We decided this is a way to let other parishioners know, family members know, what the Knights of Columbus is all about. And we think that’s a good thing.”
Supreme Knight Carl Anderson
Why have these changes been made?
The future of our Order depends upon growth. True growth can only be accomplished by providing an inviting entry path that is accessible to prospective members and their families. Efforts to create a combined ceremony focused on 1.) removing the barriers of secrecy and 2.) the commitment of time inhibiting many from joining. It also focuses on presenting the lessons of Charity, Unity and Fraternity in a clear and convincing manner. This new Exemplification is designed to be held in a parish with family and friends seated in the pews. All can now witness – firsthand – the organization their husbands, fathers and brothers are joining; its principles, values, and why they matter. The new Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity stays true to our traditions while addressing the needs of our times.
What Should People Wear?
This is not a casual event.
CANDIDATES: Please wear a suit and tie, but a collared dress shirt with dress pants is also appropriate.
PRESENTERS: The preferred attire is suit and tie with ceremonial baldric. At the very minimum shirt, blazer, and slacks with ceremonial baldric.
COUNCIL OFFICERS: The preferred attire is suit and tie with Medal of Office. Matching, branded Knights of Columbus Council shirts would also be appropriate.
More Info on K of C’s New Ceremonial
It’s the beginning of a new era for the Knights of Columbus: A modern single, public exemplification ceremony can now be used to welcome men to our ranks as full members of the Order. The new ceremony combines the three ceremonies used in the past.
This issue takes an in-depth look at the new exemplification ceremony: what it is, why it’s changed and how you can run one.
New Ceremony: Rooted in past and tailored for present (Read more here)
Eight steps for a successful new exemplification (Read more here)
Again this year our Council supported the Romeo Relay for Life. The picture above is Bernie Bianche and Grand Knight Joe Suminski. Both men are cancer survivors. Thank you to Tom Benoit for being a leader in this event for our community.
Another great time was had by all. Dispute an overcast day, we had a great turn out. Many ministries of the parish came together and pulled off the event of the summer. We had bouncy houses, ice cream trucks, marvellous food and the Knights hosted the Hospitality Suite as usual. Thanks to all.
Greg workin’ the room
Mem and Mark
Daddy War Bucks
The Bag Man
Hotdogs and Holy Water
This is what happens when you let Mark take pictures
Another banner year for the lovers of Pasta. Thank you everyone, the workers, the diners and the fans. We had plenty of help this year and we also had lots of hungry customers.
The power team from the Capuchin Retreat Center.
Ron!
Dessert Girls
Father Mark and his Holy Water
There are no small jobs, there are just small people!
This is the talent behind all the good food.
A stolen kiss.
One of the very few perks of being Grand Knight. Joseph Suminski.
It’s finally here. The event of the year, Romeo’s Peach Festival weekend. We have a lot going on this weekend and – as usual, we can use some help. We host a pasta dinner this Friday. There’s a link HERE. Please show up around 3 pm so we can get the place set up and ready for guests. The sign-up site maxes out at 20 people, we can use more than that. Just show up and help. Also, if you can bring a dessert that would be great. As I understand it, peach pies are off the list as are cupcakes. Drop them off anytime Friday morning in the Social Hall. Joes looking for a couple of people to help out Thursday morning setting up the Social Hall and doing some cooking. If you can help, call Joe or just show up.
We also run the parking lot during Peachfest. It takes 6 people minimum per shift to cover all the spots. This is a big moneymaker for the Council. Please consider doing a shift or two so the same 10 guys aren’t there all weekend. There’s a link HERE.
Whats a life well-lived? I do believe it’s having 200 friends and family show up for your birthday party. Norm Rumph was surrounded by friends and family yesterday to tell stories, share a memory and break bread. Maybe the best story was figuring out exactly when Norms birthday is and what – if any – his middle name could be. Regardless of his actual birthday, it’s amazing the cross-section of the community that showed up to pay tribute to a man that’s contributed so much. Happy Birthday, Norm. There was a rumor early on in the afternoon that Norm would be leading a “dollar dance” to raise funds for his 100th.
