NORWALK—On Saturday, March 9, Knights of Council 14360 held their 14th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner to raised over $7,000 for their charitable causes. Around 210 attendees packed the Masterpool Great Room at St. Matthew Church to enjoy some tasty, corned beef with all the trimmings, as well as a superb Irish Dance performance from the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance.
The dinner included corned beef prepared by Brother Knight Jetmir Daka, owner of Leonardo’s Restaurant, complemented by cabbage, carrots, potatoes and soda bread—and delicious cupcakes donated by Vicki Perez, mother of our youngest Knight Roman Perez. The event also featured a “cornucopia of great raffle prizes from many local businesses such as Dooney & Bouke, Adventure Park at Discovery Museum, Two Roads Brewing and Osteria Romana.
I can’t believe it has been 14 years since our first dinner, said dinner committee member and past Grand Knight George Ribellino. “The first dinner had 81 attendees and now we have sold out 12 years in a row.”
Money raised from the dinner will help assist such local organizations as Malta House, Family and Children’s Agency, Homes for the Brave, All Saints Catholic School, House of Heroes, Coats for Kids program and The St. Matthew Food Pantry.
Grand Knight Chris O’Connor presented checks to Lisa Habasinski from Family & Children’s Agency, Sister Lucie Monast of Notre Dame Health and Rehab Center and Past Father Frank Hoffmann of St Matthew Church.
Grand Knight Chris O’Connor commented, “I would like to thank the wonderful St. Matthew community for supporting our 14th annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Not only it a fun night, but the proceeds from it will allow us to continue supporting our parish as well as numerous other worthy causes in our community. I also extend my sincere appreciation to all of my Brother Knights for their tireless efforts in making an event such as this happen. It is truly an honor to be a part of such an amazing organization.
In addition to the dinner, the council held a supplies drive after all Masses at St. Matthew for Malta House. Members collected goods before and after Masses all weekend and delivered 5 carloads of goods to Malta House on Sunday, March 10th. Malta House promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children. Mothers at Malta House receive counseling, financial education, and parental development followed by transitional and post-residential support.
The council announced their next major event to the capacity crowd at the dinner, which will be their annual Communion Breakfast, which will feature Msgr. John Sabia, visiting priest and former Pastor of St Jude Church in Monroe. Msgr, Sabia is celebrating his 90th birthday, 60 ordination anniversary and 10 years as a visiting priest at St Matthew 2024. “Msgr. Sabia is beloved by our council and parish, and it will be an honor to celebrate a great man of faith,” said O’Connor.
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
