knights of colubus council #2084 grand knights page


Grand knight
Placeholder Picture
Robert Pratt

Grand knight's Archive Pages


grand knight's corner - 2026


Grand Knight's 2026 - 2027 E-mails to Members


9/15/2026
Good afternoon Brothers,
We have received a special request that I would like to forward on to all of you. The diocese of Grand Rapids has asked for a day to pray for our priests, that being Tuesday September 22nd. Normally we would have our Mens COR meeting but we have been asked to lead the Rosary after Mass and during adoration at St. Joseph's. It has been a blessing for our community to have both Fr. Andrew and Decon Jene, so I am changing the schedule a little and asking for Knights to have a presence at both the Mass on Tues 22nd (5:30pm) and for Adoration and Reconciliation (6pm to 7pm) in which we will be leading the Rosary at that time (6pm). So, what I am asking is for our normal COR group and our Brother Knights to try to make it to Mass and stay for Adoration/Rosary and we will pray the Rosary the way we do in the council meeting, each person leading a decade. If possible please show up in a Knight's outfit/ shirt, I am also working on something for a recruitment experiment.

You guys are truly amazing and I am always impressed with your commitment to our community.
Thank you all!

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

9/9/2026
Good afternoon brothers,
I just wanted to give a heads up that we will still have our council meeting tomorrow night at 630pm in the usual place, but we will try to be as quick as possible to go over the Friday 9/11 materials and if anyone is interested in taking part in the proceedings of the evening please attend as we can see what parts need addressed. I look forward to seeing you and getting ready for our September 11th memorial prayer service. Thank you guys for all you do.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

9/1/2026
Good afternoon Brother Knights,

We did it! We made this year's Danish Festival a success. People were fed and happy and we were able to raise funds for our programs for the year. Thank all of you that helped with this year's Danish booth and kitchen! This month we are gearing up for our fall events.

Standard dates for meetings are: COR on Tues 9/8 at 730pm, we will be meeting at the rectory to have some brats and sides with Fr. Andrew. He now has a nice fire ring and would like some conversation. So park in the upstairs lot and come on over if you are interested, just email or text me back so I have a rough estimate and can get food around. Additionally, our second COR meeting will be on Tues 9/22 at 630pm in the conference room downstairs, I think we may be starting a new discussion or book.

For Council meetings we have the following: 1st meeting is on Thurs 9/10 at 630 (rosary) 7pm(meeting). and our 2nd meeting is on Thurs 9/24 at the previously stated times.
Our big event for this month is on Friday 9/11 when we have our September 11th memorial prayer service. Our council has held this for 25 years now and it looks like we will have KofC State officers and other brothers attending. Starting time is 6pm so be there a little early if possible at St. Charles and there will be some refreshments after.

Other activities to be aware of: We are gearing up for the annual MIDrive for Special Olympics on October 9 and 10. If anyone would be interested in heading up this event let me know. Most of the prep work is already started and the details are being worked on currently

Thank you all for your service.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/24/2026
Good afternoon Brother Knights,
We have lots to do coming up and I wanted to reach out to everyone in a single email to make it easier for everyone.
1) Thank you to John Taylor and Tim Reno for helping Sally get the grotto moved to its new home. I know the project was not an easy one and you guys did an amazing service.
2) Father Andrew's welcoming picnic is on Sunday August 2nd at St. Mary's approx 12:30 pm. If you would like to serve I am sure there would be a place for you.
3) Danish Festival Booth Clean-Up fraternal picnic. This will be at Ralph Vanockers home (thank you), 14198 MacClain St., NE. Gowen, MI, 49326. Cleaning starts at 4pm or when you arrive and potluck dinner to follow. Families are invited and encouraged to attend as this is one of the events that we can "cut loose" and have a good time. There is also plenty for the kiddo's to do around Ralph's house such as a trampoline and swing set.
4) Danish Festival sign up sheets/sign up genius. There will be physical copies of the sign up sheets at each of our parishes shortly (hopefully this weekend), and the QR code will be attached here and on next week's bulletin. As we all know there are many parts to this fundraising event and many hands make lighter work, so please consider signing up for multiple slots as soon as possible. There are never too many people helping and there is always something that needs done. As this is the largest fundraiser that we do as a council I humbly pead with all of you brothers to help in any way possible.
5) Cor is starting up again and here are the next three dates for those that would like to see what this amazing men's program is about. Tues July 28, Tues Aug 11, Tues Aug 25 at 6pm in McKinney Hall at St. Charles parish. If you have never attended please consider as the discussions are great and the fraternal aspect is something that one could find that they miss when not having the opportunity.
6) Sanding and Painting of the St. Charles School playground. This is a great opportunity for our school families to show up in force, or anyone that would like to serve the school. Principal Saladin has asked for assistance in sanding and painting the school equipment on July 30 and 31st.
7) Monday July 27, we are moving the Food Pantry bags to the Eccumenical Food Council Pantry and could use some vehicles for a quick delivery. Meet at approx 1pm at St. Charles and deliver approx 2 pm down the road. The bags at St. Marys will go to St. Joes and those bags will stay there for the St. Joes' pantry, while the St. Charles bags will be delivered to the Eccumenical Pantry. Thank you all for your donations and help with this.
8) August 9th we have an exemplification at St. Charles for three new brothers. Now is the time to invite men to join the council and plan that seed. The ceremony will take place at approximately 12:30pm and I need to confirm with the team if they are able to attend or if there is a need for a substitute. Additionally, it appears that St. Patricks of Parnell will be bringing some brothers to come into their council as well. Let's show our new brothers that our fraternal bonds are strong.
9) Finally, we have our next council meeting on Thursday Aug 13th in McKinney hall at 6:30 (Rosary) 7pm (meeting start). We will be instituting our new officers so please attend.

In summary, I hope these outlines help all of you know what we are up to and inspire us with ways to serve our community.
Thank you brothers, for everything, it has been a whirlwind lately but you guys really make a difference in the community.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/20/2026
Good evening gentlemen,
I would like to remind everyone that we are hosting the Tri-District meeting tomorrow at St. Charles gym. Reception at 5:30 pm, Dinner at 6pm (pizza, pop, and cookies) with a meeting to follow. But here is the new information Ouir District Deputy Mike has informed me that The State Deputy and State Warden are planning to be in attendance!!! I don't know about you but I think that is pretty cool. So, please if you are able to attend do so.

We also have our normal meeting on Thursday at 6:30 pm in McKinney Hall. Our Insurance agent Tommy Lyons will be in attendance. And, this year as we know if we are going to shoot for Star Council (and we should) the agent must meet with our non-insured members to gain the points we need for the process. So, if you are not an insured brother please consider some face time with him on thursday, and as always you do not have to buy into the policies but they are good. I am currently in the process of finalizing my own. I was impressed with their flexibility and affordability.
Thank you all and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/16/2026
Good morning gentlemen,
Brother Dan Evans has been having a persistent issue with a potential health hazard in our mens locker room/storage room. The usual methods of elimination of the eminitions that come from that area are not working. He has asked, and it would be a good idea anyway, for us to as soon as possible straighten up the materials back there and reorganize everything to keep the goods off of the floor. If we can get this done He and Dani can get a deeper cleaning done very soon. I am currently out of town but am going to be working to set up the Tri-Distrtict meeting oon Tuesday July 21st. around 3:30 to 4 pm. So, If anyone would like to lend me a hand in setting up and then working on the storage room feel free to come on down and we can get this resolved quickly.
Thank you all,
Vivat Jesus

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/14/2026
The booth cleanup is Monday the 3rd of August at 4pm (or whatever time you can make it), bring the family it will be fun.
Thank you all for helping get the booth ready for Danish Fest.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/14/2026
Good afternoon gentlemen,
I wanted to let everyone know that if you are able to make it to the booth cleaning at Ralph's house please bring your family. This event is very family oriented and every person and Ralph says there is plenty for the kiddos to do and play while we are there. I would also like to thank Ralph for being amazing at hosting this for our council, it is greatly appreciated.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/13/2026
Good evening gentlemen and Vivat Jesus,
We have much going on at the moment, so I will try to list them out in this email.
1) Ecumenical Food Pantry Drive reception of bags on Saturday July 18th for St. Joe's (If anyone is possible to attend and help with reception please let me know). Sunday July 19 at St. Mary's (Miles F. is helping out but could always accept another hand), and St. Charles (Peter W. is taking charge here and would be happy to have additional help as well.). After all the bags are accounted for, we will send out another email to see about help transporting them to their storage location.
2) We have a Tri-District meeting in the St. Charles gym on Tuesday July 21st. Registration at 5:30pm with dinner served at 6pm and the meeting following the meal.
3) Knights of Columbus Council meeting on Thursday July 23rd. Rosary at 630pm, with a meeting to follow by 7pm.
4) COR Men's group will be starting back up on Tues July 28th at the St. Charles Conference room 2 again (The OCIA room). Starting at 6pm, we will be continuing our exploration in the video discussion series of "Into The Breach". The discussions here are amazing so if you can attend please do.
5) Booth Cleanup at Ralph Vanockers house, starting at approximately 4pm until we are completed. Potluck dinner to follow so bring a dish to pass. Thank you Ralph for hosting us again!!! We promise to behave :)
6) COR Men's group meeting on Tuesday 8/11 from 6 to completed in the same location as prior.
7) Knights of Columbus Council meeting on Thursday July 13th. Rosary to start at 630pm and meeting to follow.

Then the big one fellas......
8) Danish Festival week. Lots going on and volunteers are needed!!! We will cover this at the meetings and there will be a signup sheet out very soon.

Finally, I would like to thank each and everyone of you for all of the guidance and help you have offered me since the first of the month. I appreciate the firm roots this council has and how every member is willing to help a new GK get started. I am humbled and privileged to be serving with you gentlemen and am looking forward to what we can do for the community this year. I would like to end this rather large email with a passage that has led me to some rather interesting contemplative times.

From the Book of Revelation Chapter 3 verses 15-22

"I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot." I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, "I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything," and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich , and white garments to put on so that your shameful nakedness may not be exposed, and buy ointment to smear on your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and chastise. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. ""Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him and he with me". I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""

Vivat Jesus and God Bless each of you and your families.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/8/2026
Greetings Brothers and Vivat Jesus,
It is that time again for the Grand Rapids Diocesan Summer meeting. The meeting will be held at St. Robert of Newminster Parish 6477 Ada Dr. SE Ada, Mi,49301 if you are interested. Registration at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:00pm. If you would like to attend please email Mike Karpus at dd312@mikofc.org or let him know at Thursday's meeting (July 9th 6:30pm).
Blessings and prayers for all of you and your families.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033

7/6/2026
I am sorry to have to report that our community and council has had another passing this week. Brother Thomas Rasch Sr. has passed, our most sincere condolences go out to his family. Brother Rasch's funeral mass will be held on Wednesday July 8th,2026 at 11:30am at St. Charles Church, with a visitation starting at 10:30am. Visitation will also be held on Tues July 7th at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home in Belding from 5-7pm with a Rosary at 7pm. Brother Rasch had been a Knight of Columbus for 63 years starting in October of1963. Our prayers go out for His eternal rest and for His family.

Robert E. Pratt Jr.
Grand Knight
St. Charles Council 2084
(989) 287-3033