Bishop Kevin Britt Council 8117: With over 70,000 members in Michigan and 2.0 million worldwide, the Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to various charities, the Catholic Church, the community, families, and young people.
Current and upcoming events/initiatives:
Coats for Kids Drive (held during October) – The Knights of Columbus wrapped up their Coats for Kids Drive at the end of October. Thank you to all who donated new and gently used coats which will go to children and families of our sister parish Holy Name of Jesus and San Juan Diego Academy in Wyoming.
Entry deadline has now passed. The Knights of Columbus 2025 Essay Contest is open to young Catholics in grades 8-12. This year’s topic was: In an essay of 500-750 words, out of the 267 popes that have led the Catholic Church, who are your three favorite popes and why? The first-place writer will be awarded $100 and their essay will be forwarded for possible Diocesan and potentially higher level awards. Participants and parents were asked to email kofc8117@gmail.com to complete the registration form. The essay submission deadline was Nov. 15, 2025.
Apply Now! Nursing Scholarship – The Knights of Columbus sponsor a nursing scholarship for St. Robert parishioners in memory of Annette Walters-Blascha. Application Deadline: Nov. 30, 2025. Applicants, please submit an essay or letter describing your history at St. Robert, school details (school, current year of your program – first of four, second of four, etc. – planned degree, and a transcript to confirm grades will be needed), and how you are living your faith at home and particularly at school. Candidates must have a B average or better to be eligible. The scholarship offers up to $750 per semester to qualifying candidates. Submit applications via email or direct questions to Joe Szyperski or Ken Jacobs with subject “Knights of Columbus Council 8117” at JSzyperski68@outlook.com or adajacobs03@yahoo.com.
Thanksgiving Pie Sale – Meet the Knights in the narthex following all Masses the weekend of Nov. 22/23 and purchase your Thanksgiving pies. Flavors: Pumpkin, apple, and cherry. Cost: $15/each. Cash or card accepted; cash preferred.
Fifth Sunday Rosary – Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Eucharistic Chapel (enter through Door C if you’re coming ahead of11:00 a.m. Mass)
“Keep Christ in Christmas” poster contest – For students in grades: K, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. Poster entries must reflect the theme of “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Each poster should be an original work (including concept, layout, slogan and any visual images) of a single person. Poster should be approximately 11×17 inches in size. If pastels, chalk or charcoal are used, the poster must be laminated or covered with clear plastic. Posters may be done in color or black and white. Each poster must be submitted with a Knights of Columbus “Keep Christ in Christmas” Poster Contest entry form. The name and grade of the person entering the poster should be included on the back of the poster. All entries become the property of the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council. Posters will not be returned. Entry deadline: Dec. 11. Judging will take place on Dec. 18.
Membership Drive during Donut Sunday – Dec. 7 in Newminster Hall. Men of St. Robert, the Knights of Columbus Council 8117 invites you to consider being part of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Our principals of charity, unity, and fraternity are exercised regularly as we support our parish, our pastor, and our parishioners, as well as the community at large. Ours is a stewardship-oriented group, and there are many opportunities to serve others as we all grow closer in relationship with Christ. The Knights meet regularly on the third Tuesday of each month.
Free Throw Contest, Jan. 4, 2026 in the Parish Life Center – Details to come!
Pancake Breakfast – Leave breakfast (and clean up) to the Knights! Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 in Newminster Hall following the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses. Free will donations are accepted for breakfast with a suggested donation of $8 per person and $25 per family.
The SRN Knights of Columbus do more than just host the Pancake Breakfasts and Tootsie Roll drives after Mass. Our parishioners enjoy the efforts of our K of C without realizing it! The Knights support our parish by:
- Providing baby blankets for children baptized at SRN
- Donating the Holy Family statuary in the southeast corner of our Sanctuary
- Donating a Memorial Flag for a Gold Star Family at SRN
- Initiating the Fr. Len Sudlik Scholarship fund for Saint Robert Catholic School
- Donating Blessed Mother statues for all classrooms at Saint Robert Catholic School
- Assisting in setting up for major events including Christmas, Easter, and our Parish Picnic
They also host, support, and facilitate the following activities at SRN:
- Kids’ Soccer & Free-Throw Challenges
- Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest
- Youth Essay Contest
- Fifth Sunday Rosary
- KEPHA Men’s Conference
- Habitat for Humanity
- Stations of the Cross
- Helping Hands Event (for elderly parishioners)
The impact of their initiatives and charitable work is felt far beyond the walls of our campus. Charities the Knights supported over the last year:
- Michigan Mentally Impaired and Special Olympics
- HELP Pregnancy Aid
- Holy Family Radio
- Brody’s Be Café
- Beer City Dog Biscuits
- Seminarian Assistance (directly to the candidates)
- Money & Winter Clothes to San Juan Diego Academy
- Scholarships for Nursing students
General Meetings are held on the third (3rd) Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., typically in Marian Hall
Contact: Joe Szyperski, Grand Knight
(616) 821-7525 | GK8117@mikofc.org
Membership Director: Ted Wright
(616) 862-8337