Knights, clergy unite at Pride in Our Priests annual dinner

Faith and fellowship were on the menu Sept. 17 as some 400 individuals crucial in the life and work of the Diocese of Metuchen gathered in The Imperia, Somerset, for the annual Pride in our Priests dinner sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. 

As the lay pillars of the local Church exchanged pleasantries and renewed their bonds with the 102 active and retired priests, seminarians and religious, Knights of Columbus State Deputy Raymond Sands explained why the fraternal order hosts the event each year to honor the men who pledge their lives to take up the Lord’s Cross.

“Priests provide us with the means to receive the grace of the Lord by the expression of his sacrifice through the Eucharist,” Sands said. “This sacred act is the cornerstone of our religious nourishment. We give thanks to them and their ministry, and we are here to support them and celebrate them publicly.”

Fellow Knights and clergy expressed their mutual gratitude and respect for each of the groups in attendance.  

“There is a camaraderie amongst Knights and priests,” declared James Trenchard, Past Grand Knight of the Somerville council. “This is a chance for Knights to show their appreciation to priests for all the work they do for us and the support they do for us.”

Father Peter Phan, parochial vicar in St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, called the order “very supportive,” while new deacon candidate Miguel Colon of Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick, noted the Knights were the “order and process of what happens in our parishes.”

Knights State Advocate Scott Williams, a parishioner in St. Cecilia, Monmouth Junction, said, “It is important that we show respect and gratitude to our spiritual leadership. They are here for us; to hold this dinner for them is just a no-brainer, a great way for us to say ‘thank you.’”

“They are one of the backbones of the parish,” said Father Gerry Paderon, pastor of Queenship of Mary, Plainsboro. “The Knights are always ready to help and support all of our activities. They are a good witness to the faith.”

Bishop James F. Checchio expressed his gratitude to the Knights, labeled as “the strong right arm of the Church” by St. John Paul II, for their integral assistance to their faith communities, and thanked the more than 100 active and retired priests, deacons and religious in attendance for devoting their lives in faithful service to God’s people.

“We are grateful for all you do all year long in parishes and institutions of the diocese,” said the Bishop, “and pray for you and families.” Recognizing the new priests, their active and retired brothers in faith, he continued, “I am proud to be part of the presbyterate of the Diocese of Metuchen.”

Turning his attention to the Knights at the meal, Bishop Checchio concluded, “We support you as you are supporting us. You further the Church, and we need you so much at this time. Don’t tire: Jesus is our example.”