DEPTFORD – “People see your faith in action … thank you for reaching out in support of us.”
With these words, Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan expressed gratitude for the Knights of Columbus at the annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner held the evening of Oct. 26 at Auletto Caterers.
Organized by the Knights, the evening included prayer, fellowship and dinner in honor of the Diocese’s priestly shepherds. The Knights also presented Bishop Sullivan a check for $2,500, to go to the needs of the Diocese.
“The Knights support the parishes, and the parishes are the Church,” Bishop Sullivan said.
“I thank you for your generosity,” he said, also offering a prayer for the canonization of the Knights’ founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney.
Raymond Sands, New Jersey state secretary for the Knights of Columbus, told the nearly 300 gathered that the Diocese is blessed “with the best priests.” Through consecration and distribution of the Holy Eucharist, they “take us to our salvation,” said Sands, of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, Northfield.
The evening was an opportunity for priests to know that “they’re among friends,” said state deputy James Stoever from the Diocese of Trenton. In their charitable and social activities they help organize at the parish level, the Knights are always ready to serve, he knows.
“They’ve looked to us [the Knights], and we’re proud to answer the call,” he said.
In remarks from the stage after dinner, Stoever thanked Bishop Sullivan for his “unflinching, strong, steadfast support” of the Knights, and showed appreciation for all the priests of the Diocese who, during this COVID-19 pandemic, have “nourished our faith” in dark times.
“It’s a proud moment to celebrate our priests,” said Mark Middleton, aid to the state deputy, from Council 3451 of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Mays Landing.
He also praised his own pastor, Father Edward Heintzelman, for “always being very supportive of our council, and always being willing to lend a hand.”
In turn, the priests said they were grateful, humbled and energized by the support.
“The Knights have done something incredible [through their ministry],” said Father Joseph Pham, pastor of Woodbury Heights’ Infant Jesus Parish. “I feel loved,” he said during the evening’s festivities. “I’ve renewed my spirit.”
Father Patrick Brady, a retired priest of the Diocese, reflected on the Knights’ good works that he’s seen in his nearly 60 years of ministry. “They are men who give generously of their time, in service to the parish. They go above and beyond.”
Father Peter Gallagher has seen appreciation from the Knights throughout his journey to the priesthood, starting in his first-year seminary studies at The College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, and continuing today with his work as parochial vicar in Holy Angels Parish, Woodbury.
“It’s a blessing to receive their support,” be it through financial means for seminary classes, prayer, or serving as project leaders, ushers and lectors in parishes, he said.
Father Adam Cichoski, diocesan director of vocations, is thankful for the support Knights gave him as a seminarian at Seton Hall – and now for the Diocese’s 13 men in active formation for the priesthood.
Just having that “familiar voice from home” means everything to the young men, he said. “Their encouragement helps seminarians on the journey to keep saying ‘yes’ to their vocation. They [Knights] plant so many seeds that continue to grow.”
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