Courier Note From Our Grand Knight
September 2026
Worthy Brothers, As the summer of 2026 comes to an end, let’s take time to reflect on the many blessings of these past few months. How fortunate and blessed we are to have been able to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of this wonderful nation – a nation that could only have come to be by the hand of God! No other nation in the history of this planet has given its people the freedom, the liberty, and the opportunities that we have here in the United States of America. With this celebration in mind. It is important to realize the influence the Knights of Columbus has had on this country. Although the United States Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892, it wasn’t until 1951 that the Knights of Columbus launched a campaign to add the words “under God“ to the pledge. Finally, in 1954, thanks to the persistence and influence of our organization, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law, adding the words “under God“ to the US Pledge of Allegiance. Also, the Knights of Columbus recognized its 144th year - celebrating charity, unity and fraternity, protecting life and bringing faith and security to our Catholic families and to our communities. Over the past several months, Council #1266 participated in a number of community events. In May, our council took a major role in the Monroe Walk for Life through the streets of Monroe as an effort to protect the unborn. In June, the Knights of Columbus led the Eucharistic procession on the feast of Corpus Christi from St. John Church to Saint Michael. As in past years, Council 1266 took part in the Monroe Special Olympics, served lunch at Holiday Camp and served dinners in cooperation with God Works at the St. Mary Family Center. In further support of our community, our council financially supported organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, Heartbeat of Monroe, Selah’s, and God Works - just to name a few. Looking ahead, our next big event is the third annual Comedy Night, which will be held on October 2nd. This has become a great tradition for our council and a lot of fun. If you have not joined us in the past, I highly encourage you to come and enjoy a delicious meal and a hilarious, clean comedy act. On Columbus Day weekend, we will be having our fall Tootsie roll drive. Funds received from this event will help to pay tuition to St Mary Catholic Church for mentally challenged children allowing them to receive a good Catholic education. Then in November we will have our annual Coats for Kids day. Last year we started giving out hats and mittens as well as coats to those Monroe children in need of these items. Please be supportive of these events in any way you can, either financially or with your time in volunteering to help. I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe summer filled with many of God‘s blessings. Lady Jennifer, and I wish you all a pleasant autumn. Remember to always keep love in your heart and God in the forefront of your mind! Pray often and may the love of our Savior be with you every day! Grand Knight Jeff Couturier 66th Grand Knight of the Monroe Council #1266 Blessed Michael J. McGivney, Pray for Us!
January 2026
Greetings, Worthy Brothers, and Happy New Year!
This past year was a very successful one for the Monroe Knights of Columbus Council #1266. The last quarter of 2025 was packed with many activities! In October, we had our annual fall Tootsie Roll drive and raised over $2,700. With a matching gift from our council, we were able to donate $5,000 towards SMCC's St. Andre Bissette Inclusion Program which offers special needs kids an opportunity to receive a Catholic education. In November, we held our annual Coats for Kids program. Thanks to many generous donors, we were able to pass out over 300 coats. In addition to the coats, we also provided mittens, hats, and “Jesus loves me” bracelets. Coats were distributed to children who not only came to the hall on Coats for Kids Day, but coats were also distributed to Heartbeat of Monroe, Monroe Intermediate Schools, God Works and Paula’s House. December was an especially busy month. On December 13th we had a very special mass and dinner, honoring the clergy of our five parishes and the Past Grand Knights of our council. Also at the dinner, Mark and Susan Carollo received the Family of Year award and Fred Fedorowicz was awarded Knight of the Year. 10 days later, volunteers with the Goodfellows packed over 400 boxes of food. The boxes were then distributed the next day, Christmas Eve, to 350 families throughout Monroe County. This was the 111th year that the Monroe K of C Goodfellows have distributed food to the needy of our community. On December 31st, we had our second annual New Year’s Eve party. The event once again was a success, and all who attended had a wonderful time ringing in the new year. I hope everyone of our worthy Knights had a very blessed and joyous Christmas! I am very excited about 2026 and look forward to many exciting, rewarding events through and sponsored by the greatest Knights of Columbus Council in the state of Michigan.
God bless you all and Vivat Jesus!
Grand Knight Jeff Couturier 66th Grand Knight of the Monroe Council #1266 Blessed Michael J. McGivney, Pray for Us!