DEPTFORD – The Diocese’s Knights of Columbus councils held an evening of appreciation, solidarity and support for South Jersey’s shepherds, honoring dozens of clergy at the annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner.
One of the honored, Father John March, rang an appreciative note, in turn, for the fraternal organization.
“I’m indebted to the Knights of Columbus. They’re the right arm of my parish,” said the pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul in Mays Landing. “Any time we have an initiative, especially those that help young families and the youth come back to the Church, we ask the Knights to help get those programs off the ground.”
PHOTO GALLERY: 2024 Pride in Our Priests Dinner
The dinner, Father March knows, “is an expression of their love for us, which they show on a daily basis. I’m grateful for them.”
The pastor joined 73 other priests, 230 Knights of Columbus and their spouses, and Bishop Dennis Sullivan and Coadjutor Bishop Joseph Williams for dinner and awards Oct. 10 at the Sapphire Grand.
“Let us make this a night of memories – of warmth, friendship, fellowship and fraternity-sharing,” Raymond Sands, state deputy of the New Jersey Knights of Columbus, said in his remarks to the gathered.
Calling their ministry invaluable, Sands thanked the clergy for “providing us with the means to receive the grace of our Lord through the Eucharist” and leading all “on the right path to salvation.”
“Your leadership, mentorship, spiritual guidance, passion, advocacy and friendship have not just significantly impacted our order, but also the entire community. Thank you for being there for us,” he continued.
Remarking that for the last 12 years of his time in Camden, he’s “always had the best color guards in the state” during celebrations such as the Sacrament of Confirmation and diocesan Masses, Bishop Dennis Sullivan expressed appreciation for how the Knights continue the work of their founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, in serving the needs of families, parishes and communities.
“Vivat Jesus, and thank you very much,” he said.
Father Adam Cichoski, the diocese’s director of vocations, also thanked the organization for “the hope they give our seminarians.” He cited ways the organization supports vocations, including financial aid and the annual Knights of Columbus Seminarian Letter Project – in which Catholic school students and parish religious education students write letters of encouragement to seminarians.
Support like this, Father Cichoski said, gives young men the confidence to “say yes, and continue to say yes, to the Lord, knowing that they will have others to depend up when things get rough.”
“The brotherhood of the Knights, and the willingness to sacrifice for your faith, families and communities, continue to instill this hope that we are never alone. We can always depend on you for your service and devotion to the Church,” he said.
Consistent with the priest’s words, the Knights presented Bishop Sullivan with a $3,000 check in support of diocesan vocations.
Bishop Williams joined in praising South Jersey’s priests, noting that the day marked the fourth ordination anniversary of Father Vigilius Amanze, MSSCC, part-time parochial vicar at Saint Damien Parish, Ocean City. Bishop Williams also expressed appreciation for his recent visits with two of the Diocese’s retired priests, Msgr. Michael Coyne; and Father Patrick Brady, who was in attendance.
Anthony Scarpelli, Warden of Knights of Columbus Council #8718 from Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, traveled from Collings Lakes with his pastor, Father Steven Pinzon.
“We’re here to honor him,” said Scarpelli, a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus who has been involved with the order for the past 21 years. “Father Pinzon is young, bright and vibrant in our parish, and we’ll support him any way we can.”
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