NORWALK—Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 in Norwalk was honored with awards at the Knights of Columbus CT State Council’s 126th convention April 26-28 in Hartford.
As the fraternal year is concluding, K of C Council no.14360 in Norwalk is finishing one of the busiest years in the history of the council. From running service projects to fundraiser planning and holding prayer services, Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 in Norwalk worked tirelessly the last nine months to help those in need at St. Matthew church and in the surrounding community. Among the highlights over the past year was conducting a Marian ICON Prayer Service for persecuted Christians, providing labor for sprucing up playgrounds at All Saints and Our Lady of Fatima schools and sponsoring the FCA Family and Child Development Annual picnic.
At the state council’s 126th convention. It was awarded a state program award – the Family Program Award for sponsoring the Family & Children’s Agency Family & Child Development Annual picnic. The council donated funds from various fundraisers to sponsor the food, games and rental of Fodor Farm in Norwalk on Friday, August 10, 2018. In addition, many members of the council took the day off from work to prepare, grill and serve the families a delicious meal. FCA’s Child & Family Development programs provides positive parent support and programs to families and their young children. This program focuses on the critical early years of a child’s life, birth to age 5, to support strong foundations for future success
“It has been busy and productive fraternal year, but our purpose has always been first and foremost to help our priests at St. Matthew and the non-profit organizations in our community,” said Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo. “I am so proud of the members of the council for always being ready and willing to help those in need.”
In addition, the council’s Past Grand Knight and District Deputy George Ribellino was awarded the Donald L. Le Clair Leadership Award by the CT State Council Knights of Columbus. Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo nominated Ribellino for his leadership over the years as a previous Grand Knight of the council and current 4th Degree Faithful Navigator of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100. The Donald LeClair Leadership Award is presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding leadership abilities. The Donald LeClair Leadership Award recognizes the leadership of the highest caliber of a member of the Order. The State council officer’s form a committee to choose a recipient from all the nominations of knights throughout the state.
“George is the epitome of what our Order is all about. Getting out there and doing what it is needed for those in need. It’s as simple as that”, said Criscuolo.
Lastly, the council had state winner for the annual Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest held at All Saints Catholic School. Maya Witczak won for her poster in the age’s 5-7 category. Her poster will go on to the Supreme KofC International Competition.
“What a wonderful year it’s been for our council. As it’s my final year as Grand Knight, it’s an honor knowing what our council did and what it will do”, said Criscuolo.
The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 14360 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.)