WILDWOOD – Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan celebrated the opening Mass for the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus Convention on May 19, entrusting the Knights and their work to the Lord.
“May God glorify what goes on here, and may each participant be renewed in Christ and the mission,” Bishop Sullivan said as the Catholic fraternal organization’s two-day annual convention began with Mass in Saint Ann Church, Notre Dame de la Mer Parish.
Joined by Father Cadmus Mazzarella, parish pastor and Father Ernest Rush, assistant to the state chaplain, the Bishop encouraged the hundreds of Knights and their wives, recalling the liturgy’s Acts of the Apostles passage in which Jesus implored Paul, who was receiving fierce opposition to his teachings in Corinth, to “not be afraid.”
Bishop Sullivan, a 4th degree Knight, urged his brothers to “keep on speaking … about the sanctity of life; about the dignity of marriage; about the essential importance … of family; about the persecuted Church; about the support for good priests; about the need to observe Jesus’ commandment of charity; about the need that we, as Christians, have to respond to disasters [not only] in our country, but around the world; about the importance of our Catholic faith, which is met with such rejection and mocking; about the dignity of the poor and immigrants.”
“As Paul was sustained, encouraged and strengthened in his speaking because of the confidence he had in the Lord … let our brotherhood be as confident in whatever conflict we might face,” he concluded.
During the two-day convention, held May 19-20 at the Wildwoods Convention Center, Knights deliberated on council matters, elected state council officers, and honored and recognized members for work in their local parish communities.
Raymond Sands, of Vineland Council 2531, was elected State Deputy of New Jersey. Don Olbrich, of Bridgeton’s Liberty Council 1910 and current Deputy of District 60, was named Knight of the Year. District Deputies Dan Gilliam Jr. (District 51, North Wildwood, Erma, Sea Isle City, Cape May and Cape May Court House), and John Sarin (District 52, Pennsville, Paulsboro, Mantua, Swedesboro, Woodstown and Mullica Hill) received Circle of Honor awards.
Sands gave credit to “everyone that I’ve come along this journey with.” After 30 years as a Knight, he knows that “the Knights make men better husbands, better fathers,” men who are prepared to go “into our communities and parishes and do the work of God as his hands here on Earth.”
Olbrich expressed shock at receiving the Knight of the Year award, for his “significant achievements, leadership and exemplary service … and principles of fraternity, charity and unity.”
“It’s a great feeling,” said Olbrich, who has been involved in his council for 12 years and is known for his fundraising efforts, including spearheading one in December that raised more than $4,000.
The Circle of Honor received by Gilliam and Sarin is given each year to two district deputies in each Diocese. It recognizes efforts such as council membership gains, and the overall health and program activity of their councils.
A moving moment during the convention came on the second day, when Ukrainian State Deputy Youriy Maletskiy met with the Knights via Zoom. Ever since Russia invaded the Eastern European country, the Knights have provided aid to Ukraine, including food and financial assistance.
“I express my gratitude for the Knights of Columbus for your continued support and deep personal connection to us,” Maletskiy said. “Don’t forget about us.” His words garnered a standing ovation from the Knights.
Outgoing State Deputy James Stoever responded, saying that “we in New Jersey are not finished yet” in providing aid.
After declaring his foreign brother an honorary member of the New Jersey State Council, Stoever added, “Slava Ukraini [Glory to Ukraine].”
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