DEPTFORD – “With deep gratitude,” Bishop Dennis Sullivan, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, hailed the work of the Diocese of Camden’s Knights during the annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner.
“It’s always a pleasure to be among the Knights,” he said, referring to the Catholic fraternity that, for 140 years, has seen men live dedicated lives of charity and faith. “Many thanks on behalf of the priests of the Diocese of Camden, and our seminarians, who really depend on your support.”
The Bishop’s remarks came during a spirited night of fellowship and prayer, as Knights and their wives shared a meal with priests Oct. 27 at Auletto Caterers. The Knights also presented the Bishop with a $2,500 check to go toward seminarians.
Bishop Dennis Sullivan addresses the annual Pride in Our Priests Dinner held Oct. 27 at Auletto Caterers in Deptford.
“Our priests are extremely important to our faith; without them, there is no Eucharist,” noted Richard MacDonald from Woodbury Heights’ Infant Jesus Parish, who is president of the Knights’ Saint John Paul II Chapter, and chairman of the Pride in Our Priests Dinner.
“Our founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, a priest himself, realized the importance of the relationship between the laity and the priesthood, and we continue that relationship with our priests. For us to lift them up tonight, it’s important,” he continued, adding that there were 311 attendees, which included 78 active and retired priests of the Diocese.
Andrew Lipenta, past New Jersey State Deputy and Vice Supreme Master, who is from Merchantville’s Saint Peter Parish, has been attending the dinner for more than 20 years. He said he always looks forward to “seeing old friends, the vital priests and Knights I’ve come to know over the years. It’s wonderful to get together with them and click glasses.”
Among the priests in attendance: Father John Rossi, pastor of Saint Bridget University Parish in Glassboro and a 4th Degree Knight.
Growing up in Saint Peter Parish, he joined the Knights when he was 18. “[The Knights] have always been a wonderful support to my vocation to the priesthood and through all my years of seminary,” he said. “We priests need their support today to do the mission of Christ.”
Father Nicholas Dudo, diocesan vicar for clergy, agreed, calling the evening one that always brings “energy and affirmation” to priestly ministry. “It’s a great night of boosting morale. To have this showing of support goes a long for way for us priests.”
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