Long based in metropolitan Detroit, the Michigan Area has expanded to include members in the western part of the state, raising the Order’s profile in the Diocese of Grand Rapids and beyond.

Over 96,000 square miles in size, Michigan is the largest state by total area east of the Mississippi River. Due in part to the state’s size, and the concentration of population in southeast Michigan, the Michigan Area has had mostly Detroit-area members and events. 

But in recent months, the Area’s outreach to western Michigan Catholics has significantly enhanced the Order’s presence in that part of the state.

“One of our goals is to make the Michigan Area more ‘Michigan Area’ and not only ‘Detroit Area,’” explained Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM.

Under the leadership of Barbara Wilson, DM, and Robert Wilson, KM, former Michigan Area co-chairs, events in Lansing and Gaylord were aimed at potential members in central and northern Michigan.

But more recently, Grand Rapids-based members of the Order have been boosting the Order’s profile there, beginning with an April 25, 2025 “Palestrina 500” choral event at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Grand Rapids. The Michigan Area was invited to process at the Mass where the music of Renaissance composer Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-94) was performed. Stanley Sedore, KM, then a Member in Formation, is an usher at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish and arranged for the invitation to be extended to the Michigan Area. See, “Michigan Area participates in “Palestrina 500” celebration of sacred music | Order of Malta American Association.

In August, Michigan Area leadership met with His Excellency David John Walkowiak, Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and received his approval for the Order to expand its presence in the diocese. In September, Associates John and Angela Bursch hosted a membership event at their Grand Rapids-area home. 

In addition to Stanley Sedore and the Bursches, the Grand Rapids membership includes Orlando Benedict, KM; Patrick Jones, KM; and several members in formation. They meet on the third Saturday of each month for Mass, recitation of the Rosary, breakfast, and Scripture study.

The Order is now regularly included in important events of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, including the December 20, 2025 Mass with the Rite of Ordination of Deacons, and the December 28 Closing Mass for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

The group’s leadership has also met with the head of Catholic Charities West Michigan to explore service opportunities, including serving at a pregnancy resource center and at a soup kitchen.

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