NORWALK—The Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly No. 100-4th Degree-5th Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday, April 15th at the St. Matthew Church in Norwalk. The dinner raised over $2,000 for House of Heroes CT.
The dinner was attended by over 130 guests which included members of the American Legion and Sons of American Legion Post 12-Norwalk, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and members of the Knights of Columbus. The title sponsor for the dinner was Assembly member Mike Purdy and his company Riverside Cemetery in Norwalk “I am so appreciative of Brother Mike Purdy and his company Riverside Cemetery for being a sponsor which helped offset the costs so we can donate more funds to House of Heroes,” said Assembly 100 faithful navigator George Ribellino, Jr.
The guest speaker was Susan Cavanaugh from the House of Heroes. She spoke about the great work the organization does to help our veterans in need by partnering with companies and organizations such as the Knights of Columbus.
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 sponsored a project last year by assisting a WWII vet in Darien.
Founded in January 2000, the House of Heroes™ is a nonprofit organization serving our nation’s military and public safety veterans (and their spouses) who are disabled, living on a fixed income, or facing other physical/financial challenges.
Volunteers perform minor repairs and make improvements to the homes of veterans and their spouses at no cost to the veteran through the generosity of individuals, civic organizations, and corporations..
Ribellino had a vision of a fundraiser once a year for a specific Veterans or Law Enforcement Organization when elected to lead the Assembly in September 2016. “One of my goals, when I took over as the Faithful Navigator of the Assembly, was to assist an organization that works and helps our veterans and our law enforcement”, he said. The annual dinner has raised over $10,000 for various veterans and public safety organizations. Ribellino went on the say “I am so appreciative of all the Sir Knights that assisted with everything from set-up, serving and clean-up at the event. A special thanks to Brother Jetmir Daka, owner of Leonardo’s Pizza in Norwalk from preparing a phenomenal meal.”
Assembly also honors chaplain Father Reggie Norman
The Assembly also honored its Chaplain Father Reggie Norman, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton. Father Reggie has been chaplain of Assembly 100 for 10 years. FN George Ribellino presented an Award of Appreciation on behalf of all the members of Assembly 100.
“Father Reggie is not only our spiritual leader, he is an active member of the Assembly. Father Reggie takes time out of his busy schedule to host our Memorial Mass, officer Installation and hosts a yearly cook-out for our members,” said Ribellino when presenting the award.
“I was blown away as my brother Sir Knights honored me tonight at the Annual Patriot Dinner. Assembly 100 is a special type of family of Knights who go above and beyond to serve the community and I am humbled to be honored by these heroes who go above and beyond every day. My prayer is that every Pastor would have the ability to work with such an amazing group of faithful men. It is truly an honor to serve as their chaplain/Faithful Friar. Thank you Assembky 100,” said Father Reggie.
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree Knights of Columbus has been based in Norwalk, Conn., since 1914. The Fourth Degree is the outgrowth and culmination of the desire of the members to manifest their love for country and pride in their Catholic American heritage. In 1882, the Reverend Michael J. McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus to provide mutual aid and assistance to its members and their families. At that time, the Order had only three degrees, exemplifying the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. In compliance with the wishes of the body, the national board of directors met in August 1899 and approved the addition of a Fourth Degree to the work of the Knights of Columbus. The new ritual was adopted on the 9th of December that year and went into effect in 1900 with its primary purpose to foster the spirit of patriotism through the demonstration of one’s love for its country and by responsible citizenship. It is the highest Degree in the Knights of Columbus, giving a greater knowledge and appreciation for our Catholic heritage. For more info go to Assembly100.org.
