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:
The Knights of Columbus 2025 Essay Contest is now open to young Catholics in grades 8-12. This year’s topic: 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 should email kofc8117@gmail.com to complete the registration form. The essay submission deadline is Nov. 15, 2025.
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.
Coats for Kids Drive (throughout the month of October) – Collecting new and gently used coats. Donation bins are located around the narthex. Coats benefit the kids and families of St. Robert’s sister parish Holy Name of Jesus and school San Juan Diego Academy in Wyoming.
Pancake Breakfast – Sunday, Nov. 9 in Newminster Hall following the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Masses
Annual Pie Sale – Pies will be available for sale after all Masses on the weekend of Nov. 22/23. A great addition to your Thanksgiving dessert menu!
Fifth Sunday Rosary – Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 a.m. in the Eucharistic Chapel (enter through Door C if you’re coming for 11:00 a.m. Mass)
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