‘Pride in Our Priests’ event unites clergy, Knights of Columbus

“We are always here to help and serve you,” said Knights of Columbus N.J. State Deputy Raymond Sands to more than 300 clergy and Knights in the Imperia banquet hall, Somerset, Sept. 7 for the Knights’ annual “Pride in Our Priests” dinner. Sponsored by the Knights’ Metuchen Diocese Chapter, the gala event was an opportunity for both groups to break bread and reflect upon the integral roles they fulfill in the four counties of the Diocese.

During the cocktail hour, Knights expressed their admiration for their parish priests who had devoted their lives to strengthen the faith and good works throughout the Diocese of Metuchen’s four counties.

Two Knights from St. Mary-Stony Hill Council 14675 in Watchung – Resty Rivera and Richard Wellbrock – agreed that clergy were integral in the life of the parish.

“The priests are the head [of the parish]. They live for the faith and guide us,” said Rivera, while Wellbrock added, “The world needs people who are called to live to a higher call.”

“Priests do so much for us,” asserted Jared Rindos, a new member of the St. Elizabeth Council 2392 which serves St. James Parish, Basking Ridge. “We should honor them as they honor us.”

Dinner chairman Daniel Murphy, a communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, explained the scope of the celebration had expanded over the years. In addition to nearly 100 priests in attendance, various Knights councils had invited men and women religious, deacons and seminarians as well.

“[They] do so much for us 24/7,” Murphy said. “This is the least we can do. It helps them reconnect with one another as well.”

During the dinner, Edward M. Schilke, president of the Knights’ Metuchen Diocese Chapter, shared the details of how its more than 60 member councils had contributed to the Church and community over the past year. Schilke, who serves as Grand Knight of St. Catherine of Siena Council 15217, Pittstown, enumerated that the Knights’ efforts aided in the purchase of three ultrasound machines for pregnancy centers; paid for a number of seminarians to attend the recent World Youth Day in Portugal; contributed food, funds and gift cards to a food bank which supports military families, and raised over $25,000 under the Knights’ ASAP (Aid and Support After Pregnancy) program.

The Metuchen Chapter also presented Bishop Checchio with a check with proceeds from the Knights’ Intellectual Disabilities Drive. He addressed the fraternal organization, saying, “Thank you for all you do for our priests and for life… it is such an uphill battle defending life. You are on the front lines, and we need your support.”

N.J. State Deputy Raymond Sands expressed his gratitude towards the clergy feted at the dinner, saying, “Thank you for being our leaders, our mentors, our spiritual guides, our passionate advocates and our friends. You give us the means to receive our Lord’s grace through the expression of the most perfect sacrifice of the Eucharist. Thank you for your ministry.”