By CHRISTINA LESLIE
Correspondent
UPDATED 10-9-2024
Knights of Columbus from the Trenton Diocese presented Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., with a $5,000 check to benefit the diocesan Holy Innocents Society, which serves individuals and families with special needs of any kind.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2024 Pride In Our Priests Dinner
The presentation was one of the highlights of an evening of faith and fellowship during the annual Pride in Our Priests dinner Sept. 26 in South Gate Manor, Freehold. The event, sponsored by the Knights’ Trenton Diocese Federation, drew some 300 men, including 89 active and retired clergy.
“This event affords each of our councils the opportunity to honor our priests in a very special way,” said K of C State Warden Edward Michalak, a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown. “Today our priests are in short supply and are hard pressed by the many demands placed upon them. [They] certainly deserve to know of our appreciation, support and love for them. The Knights of Columbus will continue to do everything in our power to assist our priests and the Catholic Church.”
Father Walter Quiceno, parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, said the event was “a beautiful time to see each other and a time to share with our parishioners. It gives us the chance to see also our Bishop.
“We share and celebrate our vocation, our ministry and our friendship,” he added. “I love to see many Knights of Columbus I had met in former parish assignments to find out how they are doing. Indeed, it is everything about friendship and sharing in the love of Christ.”
The presence of a strong, active Knights of Columbus council at a parish helps the faith community in a multitude of ways, Father Quiceno added.
“This group of men not only grow together in their friendship and faith, but they also learn how to serve in other ministries of the parish,” he said.
Bishop O’Connell enjoyed posing for photos with the various Knights of Columbus council in attendance at the dinner. Also shown in this photo are priests, Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Lorentsen, pastor of St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park, seated center, and Father Joy Chacko, parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, standing to the Bishop’s left.