Highlights from the August 1 General Meeting

On August 1, 2026, the General Meeting for the Council of Catholic Women in the Archdiocese of Detroit commenced with a mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Following the mass, council members proceeded downstairs to partake in breakfast and fellowship. The meeting was initiated with the Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting's speakers advocated for Veterans Affairs. The first speaker, Bob Kalfain, represented the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Bob detailed the various admirable ways the foundation assists veterans. He highlighted the upcoming opening of a Veterans Village in the Detroit area. This village will provide long-term supportive housing and round-the-clock comprehensive services for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The village, which includes 84 apartments, is set to have its grand opening on October 21, 2026. For information on how you can support Tunnels to Towers in the Detroit area through volunteering or donations, please contact Bob at Robert.Kalfaian@T2T.org.

Bob also mentioned the Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K Run & Walk scheduled for September 12, 2026. The event will kick off at 9 AM at Lake St. Claire Metropark, situated at 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township, MI 48045. For details about the walk, please contact metrodetroit@t2t.com.

Bob Kalfaian from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Following Bob’s motivational speech, Retired Lt. Colonel Frank Roche shared details about ways to volunteer and assist our local Veterans. One option is to volunteer for serving coffee at the Veterans Hospital in Detroit, with opportunities available Monday through Thursday from 8-10 AM. Additional ways to contribute include joining the walk for suicide prevention, participating in Wreaths Across America in December, supporting a family at Christmas via the giving tree program, or contributing to the Amazon wishlist. Becoming a volunteer shows the veterans that you care and support them. For volunteer opportunities please reach out to our Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Debbie Roche (debroche129@yahoo.com)

Lt. Col. Frank Roche (Ret.)

Following the inspiration from our incredible speakers, our committees participated in breakout sessions, allowing them to discuss ways to serve the Detroit community. After the breakout sessions, each committee chair shared updates. The meeting ended with a prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Join us for our next General Meeting on November 7, 2026.