For more information on any of our events, please contact us.
What a great day! Packed with activity but all of it “GOOD STUFF!” on June 7, 2025. Thank you to Manresa Caravan members Mary Jo Hodge, Julia Sydlowski, Ron Budzisz, and Roberta Casterwiler for answering my call to help Barcelona Caravan with their Annual Canister Drive at St. Thomas the Apostle ( The former St. Raphael) this weekend.
After the Canister Drive it was off to help promote St. Francis Camp at the opening weekend of the “Miracle League” Baseball season in Southfield. I got a chance to witness in person the amazing love that takes place on these “Special Diamonds.” Do yourself a favor and go out to support these awesome athletes and even more, treasures of humanity compete and support one another. I got to watch the St. Francis Camp sponsored team play in the final game of the day! I also had the opportunity to spend time with Grand Commander Don Kaiser and a few other Galicia Caravan members promoting and educating the “Miracle League” family about the Alhambra and St. Francis Camp! Again…..WHAT A GREAT DAY!
On June 1, 2025, a huge thank you to the wonderful Parishioners and staff at Resurrection Parish for allowing us to hold a Canister Drive to raise funds for our Ministry of working with those with Developmental and Intellectual disabilities. The financial donations we receive go directly to doing “hands on” events so we can “Enhance moments in the Lives” of those we hold so dear! God bless all of you for whatever support you send our way!
PS. A HUGE thank you to our Manresa volunteers for their efforts this weekend too! You’re the BEST!
Thank you SO MUCH to Fr. Paul Ballien and the staff at St. John Neumann for their support of the Alhambra! This is our Annual SJN “Canister Drive” weekend to help raise funds to support our Mission of Service to those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. A personal thank you to Grand Scribe Ron Budzisz and PVGC Dave Maertens for chairing this event. As a reminder, ALL FUNDS received go directly to hands on events that we hope “Enhance Moments of Lives” for those we love and hold so dear. God bless all that see the need and answer the call of service! I am truly blessed to walk the “road of service” with so many Sir and Lady Nobles of the Order of Alhambra!
John Michniak
Grand Commander
Manresa Caravan #217A dark and cold start for sure on Decembeer 13, 2024 but with our Christmas Inflatables, Warm Smiles and the sound of “Merry Christmas” ringing through the air got the arriving staff and students into a festive mood! Santa visit, photos, and gifts filled the day nicely! We just LOVE our Cooke Family!
On Momday, March 31, 2025, Region VI of the International Order of Alhambra treated ~1000 SPECIAL NEEDS clients at the Macomb Center for Performing Arts of MUTTS GONE NUTS.over two performances Yes it was on March 31, 2025 for our exclusive special event for Alhambra only. Thanks to the many volunteers that helped make this Shrine Circus replacement a huge success. Our Leaders were John Michniak and Don Kaiser. Photographer:Norm Pranger.
Thank you so much to LN Michele Kramarz and her “Dance Committee!” This year’s “Snowball Dance” was a huge hit once again. Pizza, pop, brownies, popcorn, a disc jockey and photo op is the perfect combination to making an ordinary evening a TRULY SPECIAL EVENING! 150 guests danced the evening away and spent time picking out that perfect “handmade snowflake” ornament as a keepsake. Top the night off with a “photo op” and can you say “What a Night!!” See you in about 4 months for our Annual “Spring Fling” dance! Thanks to all the volunteers and those providing snacks and desserts! You guys are the BEST!
John Michniak
Grand Commander
Manresa Caravan
Santa as well as several members of Manresa Caravan visited the special needs children at McGrath School on December 19, 2024.. Songs, stories, gifts and a Christmas Gift Sack full of Ho, ho, ho's were brought to make this day, a very, very special day for everyone! The first classroom we went to, a young man told Santa that he loved him….Santa said, “I love you too!” That verbal exchange set the tone for another wonderful day of enhancing the lives of those we hold so dear. God bless God’s Special Ones! God bless the Alhambra and all that serve those in need!
The Manresa Caravan Christmas Party followed the 12:30 Mass. on December 15, 2024, Mass, food, drink, a clever game or two filled our Sunday afternoon! What a great time! Merry Christmas to all!
A dark and cold start for sure on Decembeer 13, 2024 but with our Christmas Inflatables, Warm Smiles and the sound of “Merry Christmas” ringing through the air got the arriving staff and students into a festive mood! Santa visit, photos, and gifts filled the day nicely! We just LOVE our Cooke Family!
The Manresa Christmas Season kicked off as usual with our "Shopping Spree" with our High School friends from Keeler School. With "wish lists" in hands we walked the Meijer isles at Middlebelt and Schoolcraft roads on Decenber 5, 2024 with the Keeler students helping fulfill Christmas Wishes! I personally love working with this age group. They sometimes I feel they think they are the "forgotten age group"! Trust me guys, Manresa won't forget you! Merry Christmas and remember you are loved, not only by us but God too!
Cooke School Trick or Treat Time
What another fun time at Cooke School with our “Cooke Family!” Over 200 students took part in the Annual “Halloween Parade” through the hallways of Cooke School. After the Parade, they had the opportunity to do some “Trick or Treating” in the gym. As usual, Manresa members as well as some friends from the Elks Organization passed out edible treats as well as various Halloween stickers, squeeze balls and washable tattoos! After visiting our special Trick or Treat locations, the students had the opportunity for teachers to take special Halloween Photos to send home to moms and dads as a keepsake for a truly “spooky fun filled day!” Hats off to all the parents for taking the time to dress their children up in some cool costumes! Their efforts made the day truly “spooky special!”
On Sunday, September 22, 2024, Manresa Caravan treated approximately 100 Special Guests from the Livonia Community Opportunity Center, residents of the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, and parishioneers of St. john Neumnn Church in Canton to a 2 hour cruiise aboard the Diamond Jack's Diamond Belle on the Detroit River. Snacks, pizza, soft drinks, cupcakes and a magic show were provided by Manresa. The event was co-chaired by Bob Rugenski and Julia Sydlowski. Music provided by music man Norm. Contributing photographers were Jeanette Kruetzman, Jim Pryce, and Norm Pranger.
On May 19, on behalf of the Manresa Cooke School bbq Co-Chairs (Ron Budzisz, Tony Covitz and John Vella) we would like to thank you for all of your help at the Cooke School End of the Year Party! I know we as a team had a great time cooking for over 400 students, teachers and parents. From the smiles on the students' faces, you could certainly tell that they were having a great time.
The weather was a little shaky as we started, but the sun came out as soon as we began to bbq. The team did an excellent job cooking hamburgers, cheese burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. Students also enjoyed chips, popsicles and chips. Manresa bought the food for the event and sponsored the petting farm.
We were joined by Barcelona SN's at this event. Hoping you had a great time and will join us in future events.
As always, there were tons of thanks from the students and parents, but what always strikes me is how grateful the staff is.
Contributing photographer, John Michniak..
Thanks again for all of your hard work!
Ron, Tony and John
Contributing photographers upcoming.
Submitted by SN John Vella .
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
What a wonderful day, God Bless America, and God Bless all that serve those in need! The Annual Northville 4th of July Parade, 2024 Version is in the books! 4 of our 6 Michigan Caravans were represented! Thanks to Barcelona Caravan, Galicia Caravan #77 - Order of Alhambra, Sancho Caravan - International Order of Alhambra and of course Manresa Caravan 217. We had around 30 Parade walkers and drivers handing out candy and American Flags, and as always our amazing magician SN Bill Brang baffled the crowd with his plethora of tricks! A wonderful Region VI Family Oasis followed at the Cass Benton Pavilion in Hines Park. Thanks so much for our Illustrious Supreme Director Russ Smith for stopping by to join in the fun and to share a few supporting words to all who were there. We look forward to next year and the continued growth of this event! As always, God Bless the Alhambra, and all those who serve those in need! A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT AND THANK YOU to our Grand Scribe SN Ron Budzisz and VGC Chris Scanlan and his wife LN Laura for the EXTRAORDINARY efforts they put in to make this event such a success. They are true treasures. I love you guys! Thanks on behalf of all of us who enjoyed this special day! Contributing photographers, John Michniak and Norm Pranger,
VIVAT JESUS LAUS DEO
On June 1, 2024, We extend congratulations to Fr. Paul Ballien and Fr. Jeff Day for reaching their 25th Ordination Anniversary Jubilee as Priests. Their Celebratory Mass with Archbishop Allen Vigneron as well as the evening’s Dinner which followed Mass had so many moments of love, gratitude and appreciation for them both. St. John Neumann Parishioners, staff, family, the Knights of Columbus as well as the International Order of Alhambra all joined in to make it an evening fit for these two Men of God! God bless all they have done to grow and strengthen our Holy Mother Church. Contributing photographers, Norm Pranger, John Michniak
VIVAT JESUS LAUS DEO
On May 19, on behalf of the Manresa Cooke School bbq Co-Chairs (Ron Budzisz, Tony Covitz and John Vella) we would like to thank you for all of your help at the Cooke School End of the Year Party! I know we as a team had a great time cooking for over 400 students, teachers and parents. From the smiles on the students' faces, you could certainly tell that they were having a great time.
The weather was a little shaky as we started, but the sun came out as soon as we began to bbq. The team did an excellent job cooking hamburgers, cheese burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. Students also enjoyed chips, popsicles and chips. Manresa bought the food for the event and sponsored the petting farm.
We were joined by Barcelona SN's at this event. Hoping you had a great time and will join us in future events.
As always, there were tons of thanks from the students and parents, but what always strikes me is how grateful the staff is.
Contributing photographer, John Michniak..
Thanks again for all of your hard work!
Ron, Tony and John
Contributing photographers upcoming.
Submitted by SN John Vella .
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
Manresa Caravan’s Spring Fling Dance was held on Saturday, May 11th at St. John Neumann Parish. There were 76 of our special guests along with 55 of their caregivers in attendance. Thirty Manresa members stepped up to help shop, decorate, bake, serve refreshments, make corsages, clean up and dance along with our guests. DJ Zak kept the party rockin and rollin with our favorite songs. Our members seemed to have as much fun as our guests. Everyone left with a complimentary photograph and memories of a fun night!
Submitted by LN Michele Kramarz .
Contributing photographer Jeannette Kruetzman.
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Friday, February 2, 2024, St. Francis Camp on the Lake held their annual fundraiser at Monaghan's Knights of Columbus hall in Livonia, Michigan. Chairpersons were Eddie Smith, Russ Smith, and Mike Malinowski. Contributing photographers were Mary Jo Hodge and Norm Pranger. The Honorary Co-Chairmen were Knights of Columbus Michigan State Deputy Christopher Kolomjec and Fr. Enzo Addari from the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Michigan. Catering provided by "Jim's Custom Catering". There were 62 "TIN CAN" raffles, a special Heads or Tails fun game, as well as various gun raffles from Bass Pro Shops, and also included "share the wealth" raffles. 28 Members and friends of Manresa Caravan attended the fun filled evening as well as many Knights of Columbus, Shriners, and other Alhambrans
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 treated over 100 clients and their caregivers to a SNOWBALL DANCE at St. John Neumann Church in Canton, Michigan. Contributing photographers were MaryJo Hodge and Jeanette Kruetzman.
Submitted by LN Michele Kramarz .
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Sunday, December 10, 50 of our Manresa members and their families attended Mass at St. John Neumann Parish in Canton, then enjoyed appetizers, beverages and a catered dinner in Baldwin Hall. Many thanks to PGC John Vella, LN Barb Vella, LN Michele Kramarz, LN Beverly Ulfig, LN Sheila Dake and Sultana Shirley Chrostowski for Committee work, planning, purchasing and setting up for our event. Thanks also to LN Colleen Morrison and Sultana Shirley Chrostowski for their delicious appetizers and to GC John Michniak for the scrumptious Christmas cookies. The room was beautifully decorated by GC John Michniak and SN Ron Budzisz. LN Barb Vella and LN Beverly Ulfig added to the festive atmosphere with stunning table decorations. We enjoyed visiting with each other and even played a holiday game provided by SN Ed Chrostowski. As they say, a really good time was had by all!
Submitted by LN Michele Kramarz .
Contributing photographer John Michniak.
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
What a wonderful way to start the Christmas Season! Our Annual "Target Christmas Shopping Spree" took place Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at Target in Livonia. Manresa volunteers helped 42 high school students from "Keeler School" shop for family, friends and of course themselves. Over the years there have been some amazing stories of "Why I Bought That", I remember.....One student who bought a "shovel" to shovel snow to help Mom pay the rent, another bought a pre-lit 4 ft Christmas tree so the family could actually have a Christmas tree. The stories go on and on! Personally, seeing and hearing what Christmas actually means to these students helps keep me grounded. We all walk away having a better understanding of what is truly important at this Blessed time of year! These "students" have no idea how amazing they are as "Life Teachers"! God Bless, LAUS DEO and the Peace and Love of our Lord, Jesus be with all of you, MERRY CHRISTMAS! Special THANK YOU goes to PGC JACK TEMPLIN for chairing this wonderful event. Contributing photographers John Michniak and Rebecca Phillips
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
“No Tricks, LOTS OF TREATS”
Friday October 27, 2023
Manresa Caravan members were absolutely blessed to be able to step in and help “rekindle” an event that hasn’t taken place at Cooke School for the past 3 years. Traveling through the hallways of Cooke School with their “Costume Parade” and then ending up in the gym enjoying 5 separate “Trick or Treat” stations and a super fun “Photo Op” for a final stop made the morning a true day to remember. What a morning of pure joy for ALL! God bless these beautiful children of God and their teachers who care for them daily!
GOD bless the Alhambra and GOD Bless all that serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, an election was held for the 2023-2024 Manresa 217 Divan conducted by Region VI representative Richard Sosin. Please click on the "DIVAN" section in the menu. Also, PGC Ed Peters was awarded the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD.
Ed is celebrating 50 years as an Alhambran. CONGRATULATIONS ED.
Making the presentation were PSD Cliff Dake, PGC Ed Peters, Supreme Chaplain Fr. Paul Ballien, and outgoing GC Tom Kramarz. Picture courtesy of Mary Jo Hodge.
GOD Bless the Alhambra, and GOD Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Sunday, September 24, 2023, Manresa Caravan 217 and 21 volunteers treated approximately 100 Special Needs clients on a two hour Diamond Jack boat cruise on the Detroit River. Our guests were treated to pizza, cookies, snack mix, various sodas, and a variety of music broadcast over the boat public address system. Special thanks to Julia Sydlowski, and Bob Rogenski, co-chairs for this year's event. Contributing photographers were Norm Pranger, Janet Kurkie, and Gloria Rzucidlo. A great time was had by all.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Thursday, September 14, 2023, over twenty Manresa Caravan members and friends treated the Community Opportunity Center to their annual picnic at Rotary Park in Livonia. Manresa provided the funds for the burgers and bratwurst in addition to supplying the barbeque grill/propane, cooking, and wrapping of the burgers and bratwurst. Please see the attached pictures commemorating the event. Thanks to Dave Maertens and John Vella, the co-chairs for the event. Contributing photographers are Julia Sydlinski and John Michniak.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
On Saturday, August 26, 2023, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 held their annual golf fundraiser at Hilltop Golf Course in Plymouth, Michigan for the purpose of raising funds for GOD's Special People. 96 Golfers participated plus many volunteers. Thanks to Co-Chairs of the event Eddie Smith and Jack Templin, and contributing photographer John Michniak.
God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
Happy Birthday America! What an amazing day, what an amazing Parade! Members of Manresa #217 and Galicia #77 Caravans joined a jam-packed 4th of July Parade in Northville this morning. So much fun, so much positive energy! Fr. Paul was called “Adorable” by one parade watcher as he sped through the streets of downtown in his little “Manresa Motorcar”. Manresa’s very own “Magic Man SN Bill Brang mystified parade watchers with his “Magic and sleight of hand trickery”! Candy and American Flags handed out by our members as well as family members just seemed to top it off! It’s hard to explain how wonderful this morning was, it’s more of how wonderful it made us all feel! God Bless America, God Bless the Alhambra, and God Bless all who serve those in need! LAUS DEO!
2023/06/10-11
St. John Neumann Canister Drive. On the weekend of June 10-11, Manresa Caravan conducted a canister drive. Thanks to all the volunteers and the parishioneers that donated to our fundraiser for the benefit of God's Special people.
Cooke End of Year BBQ 2023-05-26
What a beautiful day "The Lord has made" and shared with us! The Cooke School "End of the year Family BBQ" basked in beautiful sunshine and an abundance of love! The hamburgers and hotdogs weren't bad either! Just over 300 students, their family members and Cooke Staff enjoyed a petting farm, face painting, dancing to the sounds of DJ "Zac Attack" and delicious bbq foods and goodies! We just love our " Cooke Family"! What a day! What a day! God bless all that serve those in need!
Initiation
On May 17th, 2023, Manresa Caravan welcomed in 7 New Members. Welcome to SN Michael Kreutzman, LN Jeanette Kreutzman, LN Shelia Dake, LN Laura Scanlan, LN Beverly Ulfig, LN Barb Vella and LN Maria Zeolla. God bless all of you and welcome to the International Order of Alhambra. LAUS DEO
Region VI – Manresa 217 – Spring Fling
On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Manresa Caravan 217 held it's first “Spring Fling” dance this May. LN Michele Kramarz, led the team in organizing this event. Pizza, pop, ice cream and potato chips were served. Popcorn and desserts were made by members for over 200 guests and their chaperones. Volunteers from Manresa, St. John Neumann parish and Knights greeted, served and danced with our guests. DJ “Zak Attack” queued up the music to keep everyone dancing. The DJ, refreshments, the photo corner, and the corsages were all a big hit.
With the theme “Brotherhood – Hand in Hand, Together We Can”, the event was hosted this year by the Alhambra and included guest speakers from the Michigan Knights of Columbus, Elks, Odd Fellows, Knights of St John, Shriners, and Eagles.
On February 25, 2023, Manresa Caravan #217 in concert with The Region VI Order of Alhambra, St. Francis Camp on the Lake in Jerome, Mi. the St. Louis Center in Chelsea, Mi. and in solidarity with the State of Michigan Knights of Columbus Council attended a tribute to the State Chaplain Rev. Aidan Logan at Zuccaro's Banquest center in Chesterfield Township.
What a wonderful evening! A night to celebrate the Knights of Columbus State Chaplain, Rev. Aidan Logan. It was great to see the Alhambra so well represented at this event! Every “White Fez” I saw were also “Knights”! God bless the Knights of Columbus and the Alhambra! God bless all that serve those in need!
On behalf of our Circus Chairpersons, John Vella, Gary DeCarlo, Cliff Dake and John Michniak, I would like to say thank you to all that made the February 9, “2023 Alhambra Day at the Shrine Circus” a success!
Our crew consisted of Alhambra, Knights of Columbus, Shriners, Stellantis, GM and many friends of Alhambra. We greeted, unloaded, seated, prepared food, served and put many smiles on the faces of God’s Special People!
We had 2982 reservations and 2012 guests entered the doors at Suburban for a 67% show rate.
Shriners, it has been another great event! Thanks for being at our sides and helping us in numerous ways. Without the Shriners, this event would not be possible.
Special thanks to EPOCH Hospitality and Matthew Herschler and Paul Hess. EPOCH was instrumental in making food donations happen, supplying the chefs to cook our guests food, …
Suburban Collection Showplace and Riley Stechschultz, and BoCo’s, Emily Moir, it has been great working with you.
Thanks to US Foods and Mark Minnick who donated hot dogs and buns.
Thanks to Northern Haserot and Steve Schmoeger who donated water and cookies.
I cannot say it better than one of our guests that talked to me after the event:
“Joseph, Grandma, Grandpa and I had a really incredible time today! Thanks for all your Caravans do to put on such a wonderful event for the community”
John Vella
On Wednesday, December 21, 2022, The Christmas season wrapped up at Roosevelt-McGrath Elementary School in the Wayne-Westland School District. Chairperson Sheri Staub, Manresa elves and Santa visited 7 special education classrooms K-5 on December 21. Santa entered each classroom interacting with students with Autism, and physical and mental disabilities.
On Thursday, October 13, 2022, Alhambra Manresa Caravan #217 provided the bratwurst, burgers and buns as well as the barbecuing for the annual Community Opportunity Center(COC) picnic for approximately 150 guests at Rotary Park in Livonia, Michigan. It was a bit windy with temperatures in the mid 50's but no rain that was in the forecast. Approximately 17 Alhambrans/friends helped make this event a huge success. Special thanks to Manresa chairman for the event John Michniak and the contributing photographers Janet Kurkie and John Michniak.
22-05-27 Cooke School End of Year Picnic
22-05-27 What a wonderful day! So many smiling faces, so many hugs and so, so much love in the air! The Annual Cooke School "End of the Year Family Picnic" was a huge success. Although the crowd was down just a little because of some early morning threatening weather, the sun broke through, the D.J.'s music filled the air and the dancing was underway!
Our Holiday Party on December 10, 2021 was a huge success!! 🎁Presents were delivered, (both wrapped boxes to Amazon cards or deliveries), 👕Tshirts delivered, 🍕Pizza, Pop, & ...