The daily rewards of being a Knight

When Pope Francis announced the Oct. 31 beatification of Venerable Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, the organization’s current Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson reacted to the exciting news by saying of the future Blessed that he “has inspired generations of Catholic men to roll up their sleeves and put their faith into action.”

“He was decades ahead of his time in giving the laity an important role within the church,” he continued. “Today, his spirit continues to shape the extraordinary charitable work of Knights as they continue to serve those on the margins of society as he served widows and orphans in the 1880s.”

Anderson’s words ring true throughout the 70 councils and their Knights in the Diocese of Camden who keep Venerable Father McGivney’s example alive, especially through this pandemic time. Although lockdowns have prevented their usual gatherings, the fraternity’s work remains, now even more vital.

“It’s a great group of men, always willing to help,” says George Pierlott, Grand Knight of Council 6735 out of Merchantville’s Saint Peter Parish.

A Grand Knight since July 1, and a member of the council since 2006, Pierlott has joined his brothers in assisting the parish during COVID-19.  Their work has included setting up the parish’s live-streaming of Masses; organizing a drive-up and drop-off to fill the pantry of the parish’s local Saint Vincent de Paul Chapter, and help feed over 50 families each month; and providing funds for the church’s sanitizing supply. 

As well, one will see the Knights at every weekend Mass, assisting visitors with seating and at Communion.

Through the camaraderie and service, Pierlott’s service as a Knight has transformed him into a better man, he said. “It’s strengthened my faith, and made me a better husband and father.”

The Knights lineage in his family continues to his son, Collin, a Fourth Degree member and founding Knight of a council based out of the University of Toronto.

Don Olbrich, the Past Grand Knight of Liberty Council 1910 (Parish of the Holy Cross, Bridgeton), credits the ministry to “bringing my faith back into the forefront. I’ve always been a strong Catholic; the Knights made it more so. I like the camaraderie, and the accomplishment of things we can do” for the parish.

Their recent work in Bridgeton included the brothers and their wives making over 4,000 ravioli last month for a parish fundraiser, and currently painting parking lines in the church lots.

Olbrich, now retired, has held many professions throughout his working career: banker, recreational vehicle salesman, director of public works and city councilman. Their importance pales in comparison to his role with the Knights. He is currently the Faithful Navigator of Assembly 654, in Vineland.

Being a Knight of Columbus “gives a man the opportunity to become involved in the local parish and meet other men from different walks of life,” he said.

As a Past Grand Knight of Archangel Council 7249 (Saint Simon Stock, Berlin), Rich Cattell remembers making the decision to join 11 years ago.

“It was a good fit for making myself a better Catholic man,” he said, adding that the organization changed him from a “casual” to a committed Catholic.

The Berlin Knights’ good works this past year include providing financial assistance to a parishioner and organizing their 17th annual Miniature Golf Tournament at Voorhees’ Pleasant Valley Golf Course. Until conditions get better, other annual fundraisers such as their 5K and basketball shoot-out will have to wait.

Cattell calls his time with the ministry “humbling and rewarding,” and he tells men considering the call that they’re “going to get more out of it than they possibly think.”

The Grand Knight of Saint Jude Council 6551, out of Gibbsboro’s Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish, is John McLaughlin, who has held the position for 15 months. He has been a Knight for eight years.

“Before I joined, I was performing volunteer maintenance at the church, and I was always running into them,” as both he and the council were very active in the life of the parish, he said.

Their passion is evident today throughout the area. The Saint Jude Council recently donated bagels to Voorhees First Responders and pizzas to the Voorhees Police Department in gratitude for their work. For Camden’s Cathedral Kitchen and Joseph’s House, $3,000 worth of food was delivered by the Knights.

This past summer, McLaughlin and his brothers painted seven classrooms in the parish’s Little Angels Academy in preparation for this fall.

He and other members are continuing their fellowship, realizing the need to support one another right now. Every Tuesday morning, they meet for breakfast. On every first Tuesday, a morning Mass is part of the routine.

“The Knights have brought me closer to my church. Whatever they need, I’ll do it,” McLaughlin said. “Any man who desires to help their community, their parish, or those whose can’t help themselves, should sign up.”

For more information on joining the Knights of Columbus, visit www.kofc.org/joinus.