Andy Lipenta still recalls his first words to Bishop Dennis Sullivan.
The Diocese’s new shepherd was about to be installed as the eighth Bishop of Camden during a Mass on Feb. 12, 2013, in Saint Agnes Church, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Blackwood.
Lipenta, then-state secretary for the Knights of Columbus, was in charge of the Color Corps procession. Just before the processional hymn, Lipenta approached the Bishop.
‘“Welcome to the Diocese,’” the Knight recalled saying to Bishop Sullivan. “I then asked, ‘Are you a Knight?’ He responded, ‘1st degree.’”
Over the next six years, Lipenta and his brother Knights would go on to accompany Bishop Sullivan on his journey to 2nd, 3rd and 4th degrees. That accompaniment, he said, was representative of the mutual love, respect and support between Bishop Sullivan and the Diocese’s Knights.
“He’s always made himself available. He’s loved and supported us, as much as we’ve loved and supported him,” said Lipenta, who is also a former New Jersey State Deputy of the Knights.
Indeed, Bishop Sullivan has been vocal about the fraternal organization’s good works. At the Knights of Columbus’ annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner in Fall 2024, the Bishop said he’s “always had the best color guards in the state” to assist him at diocesan Masses and for the celebration of sacraments.
At the Opening Mass of the Knights’ 2024 State Convention in Wildwood, he told all present that the Knights “feed the flock.”
“The examples are numerous here in New Jersey … activities that support the culture of life in a society that celebrates death. The availability of ultrasound machines; pregnancy resource centers; after-pregnancy support for mothers and their infants; Coats for Kids; collection of foods; emergency disaster response in our country and outside of it,” he said during his homily.
He also praised their generous support of vocations and seminarians, as well as the National Eucharistic Revival. “These activities of the Knights of Columbus demonstrate love for Jesus and love for others,” he said.
Raymond Sands, current New Jersey State Deputy of the Knights, and a parishioner of Northfield’s Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, said he will miss the Bishop, a dedicated leader who was “the Catholic conscience of who we are, a guiding force for us spiritually as Catholics, and as Knights.”
“He’s made us stronger: in unity, fraternity and charity,” Sands said.
Reggie Beckett, a former New Jersey State Deputy, agreed, adding that Bishop Sullivan also has hosted the fraternity at his personal residence. “He’s always been very appreciative, and his welcoming attitude and encouragement of our work has energized us.”
According to the New Jersey Knights’ 2024 annual report, the Diocese of Camden had 72 Knights councils and 7,618 brothers committed to the cause, an increase of 382 from 2023.
“Bishop Sullivan’s enthusiasm has paid dividends,” said Beckett, a trustee of Santa Maria Council #1443 in Haddon Township.
Critical to the organization’s work is the support of the Knights’ wives, whom Bishop Sullivan has made sure to include in sentiment and through invitations.
“His warm way is very inviting,” said Beckett’s wife, Alice, of Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Haddon Heights. “Bishop Sullivan enjoys sharing his residence with the people of the Diocese. He hosts numerous social gatherings as well as business and committee meetings. From the moment you enter until the moment you leave, you feel welcomed. The warmth and camaraderie among the priests who share his residence is apparent, too – they care for each other, laugh, and have fun just like your family or mine.”
Lipenta’s wife, Maria, said she has enjoyed being around the Bishop, whom she called a “down-to-earth people person.” Whenever she knows she will see the Diocese’s shepherd, she whips up a fresh loaf of Irish soda bread.
“He always handwrites and mails me a thank you card,” she said. “As busy a man as he is, he takes the time. He knows his flock. He cares for them, and they care for him.”
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