On Sunday, September 13, 2026, parishioners, family, friends, and Brother Knights gathered at St. Martin de Porres Church in Warren for a special 11:00 a.m. Mass to bless and dedicate a gold chalice and paten in loving memory of the parish’s former pastor, Reverend Nicholas Zukowski.

 

The chalice was presented through the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Chalice Program, a longstanding tradition that honors a deceased Sir Knight by placing his name on a sacred vessel used at the altar. Each time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated with that chalice, the Sir Knight is remembered in a uniquely priestly way. The base of Fr. Nick’s chalice is engraved “S.K. Rev. Nicholas Zukowski” with his dates of life, October 9, 1954 – March 4, 2026, and the Fourth Degree emblem of the Order.

 

Fr. Nick was born in Detroit and ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit on May 1, 1982. He served as pastor of St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore for 21 years (1993–2014) and as pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish in Warren beginning in 2014. He later served on the in solidum team of priests for the Saints Among the Saints Family of Parishes, remaining primarily at St. Martin de Porres. He also served as Vicar for the Blue Water Vicariate. Fr. Nick was a Fourth Degree Knight. He entered eternal life on March 4, 2026, at the age of 71.

 

Brother Knights from both of Fr. Nick’s pastorates took part in the blessing and dedication: St. Pius X Council #3848 and Fourth Degree members of Bishop Gallagher Assembly #0482, associated with St. Martin de Porres; and Anchor Bay Council #5981 and Fourth Degree members of St. Mary on the Lake Assembly #2804, associated with Anchor Bay Council 5981 and Au Lac Council 10724.

 

Worthy Faithful Navigator David Sczepanski is planning on sending the chalice to Poland to be used by a newly ordained Priest there.

 

Following the Mass, a light reception was held in the parish hall where the chalice and paten were displayed. The blessed vessels will now be sent to a mission parish in Poland, extending Fr. Nick’s priestly legacy to the altar of another community of faith.

 

The Fourth Degree Chalice Program reflects the Knights’ principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, and the Order’s enduring commitment to the priesthood and the mission of the Church. May this sacred vessel be a lasting tribute to Fr. Nick’s faithful service and a reminder of the eternal hope we share in Christ.

 

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” — Luke 22:19–20