The Knights of Columbus Connecticut State Council celebrated its 125th Anniversary serving the state of Connecticut at its annual state convention on the weekend of May 5th. Supreme Knight Carl Anderson was the special honoree at the convention banquet on Saturday night.
Each year the state council honors the good works of Knights of Columbus members and families. This year Norwalk local K of C Council No. 14360 from St. Matthew Church nominated St. Matthew parishioner and Norwalk native Mia Ribellino age 15 for the Connecticut State Council Youth of the Year. Much to her surprise, Mia was chosen as the winner and was presented the award at the State Convention Banquet.
“My parents surprised me by saying we were going to the convention banquet to see K of C members that I have known since I was little being honored at the dinner. I was so shocked to hear my name and I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award. All the members of my Dad’s council are like uncles to me and they are my second family,” said Mia Ribellino
The award was presented by CT State Council State Warden David Gianotti. Ribellino is currently a freshman at Notre Dame of Fairfield, and an alter server at St. Matthew Church in Norwalk. She never hesitates to step in to serve at a Mass, a funeral or Stations of the Cross when needed. She will also Lector at church and will assist the religious education program by helping teachers and even substituting for a teacher when needed.
Mia is ready and willing to assist Knights of Columbus events, whether it is cleaning at Notre Dame Rehabilitation Center, painting at Malta House or helping distribute coats at the Council annual Coats for Kids event. Mia is a true believer in the Knights mission and asked to speak at one of our recruitment evenings. She spoke to a room of men about how the Knights isn’t just about them but also about family and how she considers the Knights her family and is inspired by their example of serving others.
Outside of our parish Mia is equally committed to serving others. At Notre Dame she has had High Honors for each of the first three semesters, she is part of the Campus Ministry and Key Club, both providing her with opportunities to serve her community. In addition, Mia is the Secretary for the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets, a program that gives young adults exposure to the fields of police and fire fighting while serving their community.
“Mia is the template that all youth should strive for”, said Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo. “Mia does whatever she can at our events and in the church. Her dedication makes me work harder, and is an example that youth and adults should follow. This has been the highlight of my term as Grand Knight.”
Mia will now be entered into the Supreme Knights of Columbus International Youth of the year competition which will be announced at the Supreme convention in Baltimore in August.
Also at the State Convention, St. Matthew Council No. 14360 had a state winner from Vocation Poster Contest which the council sponsors with the St. Matthew Faith formation program. It’s natural for children to think about what they’re going to do when they grow up, but they might not think about becoming a Catholic priest or a nun. The Knights of Columbus is working to change that. For several years the Connecticut State Council of the Knights of Columbus has sponsored an annual vocation poster contest among Catholic elementary and middle school-age children throughout the state. Entrants were asked to make posters representing one or more life vocations in the Catholic Church, including marriage, the single life or being a priest, nun, deacon or a religious brother. St. Matthew Council No. 14360 has been hosting the contest for the last 4 years and had a state winner in the 2017-2018 fraternal year. The winner is St. Matthew parishioner Isabella Somma from the 3rd/4th grade division. Isabella received her award at the State Convention breakfast on Sunday, May 6th.
Lastly, St. Matthew Council No. 14360 was awarded the CT State Council Activity 2017-2018 Award for their 10th Anniversary Gala in October 2017. The council celebrated 10 years of service to St. Matthew church and the greater Norwalk Community.
The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Parish is to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.
