On June 30, 2019, 65 members of the Knights of Columbus donned the iconic feathered chapeaus and capes one last time. The Supreme Knights of Columbus have discarded the ceremonial capes and plumed chapeaus of its fourth-degree members as of July 1, 2019.
The Knights had traveled from different councils and assemblies throughout the state (and beyond) to be a part of the procession. Six members of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 traveled to Waterbury for this historic event. All the Knights in colors gathered in front of the Father Michael J. McGivney statue at the intersections of Meadow and Grand streets in Waterbury.
The Supreme Knights of Columbus made the change in an attempt to modernize the fraternal group, and to attract new younger members. The new uniform consists of a blue blazer with the fourth-degree emblem, dark gray slacks, a blue tie and a black beret.
Norwalk-KofC Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 was so honored to be a part of the Annual Flag placing at St John Cemetery. Thanks King Industries for sponsoring the event.
Hundreds of people met at St. Johns Cemetery Saturday to
lay flags on grave sites and remember those who have helped protect our
freedom.
Volunteers placed flags on the graves of more than 5,000
military veterans across eight Norwalk cemeteries.
The annual event, hosted by King Industries, takes place
right around Memorial Day. Organizers say the purpose is to remind people that
the day is about more than sales or barbecues, it’s about those who have
served, continue to serve and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Assembly 100 was honored to be invited to be a part of the Shea-McGrath Memorial Ceremony on Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. It was a beautiful day and ceremony.
Each year the Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee holds a
remembrance ceremony in honor of the two Norwalk residents who were awarded the
Medal of Honor. The ceremony is held at the Shea-Magrath memorial at Norwalk’s
Calf Pasture Beach on the third Sunday in May. This year’s ceremony will take
place on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 12:00 p.m.
John Magrath was Norwalk’s first posthumous recipient of
the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism while fighting in Italy with
the 10th Mountain Division. It is remarkable that John was the lone member of
that famed division, which fought so heroically throughout the Italian
campaign, to be awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/2858/magrath-john-d.php
Daniel Shea was a medic serving with the American
Division in Vietnam and he earned the Medal of Honor by repeatedly risking his
life to provide battlefield care to his comrades, ultimately giving his life as
he sought to save theirs. http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3411/shea-daniel-john.php
Both of these heroic sons of Norwalk were fine young men before entering the service, serving the community and being active in the Boy Scouts of America. John was an Eagle Scout and Daniel’s love of the outdoors was recognized by the naming of Shea Island (visible from the Shea-Magrath Memorial) in his honor.
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 donated dinner proceeds to Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes and the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets
Check out the article on the Diocese of Bridgeport website
NORWALK, Conn. – The Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly
No. 100 recently hosted its 3rd Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday,
May 11, 2019 at the Knights Hall next to St. Ann Club in Norwalk. The dinner raised over $2,000 for veterans at
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes and the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets. In addition, a portion of the funds raised
was will help the Knights of Columbus purchase new t-shirts/supplies for the
Cadet Post.
The dinner was a sell out with around 110 guests which included members of
the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the Knights of
Columbus. The title sponsor for the
dinner was Assembly member Sir Knight AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s
Landscaping, LLC.
“I am so appreciative of Brother AJ Cossuto and his company AJ’s Landscaping
for being a sponsor which helped offset the costs so we can donate a more funds
to our female veterans”, said Assembly 100 Faithful Navigator George Ribellino,
Jr.
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS: FH) a program from
Homes for the Brave is Connecticut’s first and only community-based
transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their
young children. Housed at the Nicholas A. Madaras Home, FS:FH provides
ten beds for female Veterans and five beds, when available, for their
young children.
Since opening in 2011, the program helps female Veterans by meeting
their needs for a safe, secure home and adequate food, and by empowering
residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent
housing, achieving financial stability, and working toward greater
self-determination. Each resident works with a Case Manager to develop
personal, housing, and employment goals. ABRI vocational staff coach residents
in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques,
computer training, and other life skills.
The PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home is named in tribute to a young
soldier from Wilton, Connecticut. The organization Nick’s family and friends
developed in his memory, Kick for Nick, was an integral part of making the
vision for FS: FH a reality. Visit
kickfornick.org to learn more about Nick Madaras, Kick for Nick, and the
collaboration that has helped over 100 women Veterans regain their independence
to date.
The guest speaker was Homes for
the Brave board member and veteran Juliet Taylor. She spoke of her time in the
service as well as adjusting to civilian life after being injured in battle and
dealing with PTSD. In 2002 Staff
Sergeant Juliet Taylor enlisted in the US Army. After her initial training,
Juliet was mobilized and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
II. She was medically retired in 2014. She spends her day working in the
community as an avid Veteran Advocate and a Reintegration Support Specialist
while earning her degree in Public Health.
Juliet continues to serve her
community through several non-profit organizations: Am Vet, Post 43; DAV
Chapter 13; Operation Gift Cards; Habitat for Heroes Fairfield Coastal County;
Female Soldier Forgotten Heroes: Homes for the Brave; Trumbull Rotary; and VFW
Post 10059.
“Many,
many thanks to the Knights of Columbus for inviting me to speak at last
night’s dinner. The pleasure was all mine. It was an enormous privilege to have
been given the opportunity to address this great community which supports
Veterans in their need to make a strong transition back to civilian society.
The love and admiration I received was overwhelming and inspiring,” said Taylor.
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. Assembly Member Al Latte was in
charge of the catering part of the dinner. Ribellino went on the say “I am so
appreciative of Brother Al for being in charge of the kitchen. I am thankful
for him and the Brother Knights and members of St Ann Club who prepared a delicious
Italian meal.
In addition, Assembly 100 wanted to do something for the youth and future
leaders in our community so they decided to help the young men and woman in the
Norwalk Public Safety Cadets Post 1913.
“My daughter is a member of the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets and I see
the program has done for her by helping her grow into a disciplined young lady,
so we’re thrilled to help such a great group of young adults,” said
Ribellino.
The Norwalk Public Safety Cadets assisted with serving and clean up.
Ribellino went on to say, “I was so impressed at how the Cadets jumped
right in and made the attendees feel right at home. I am so grateful for the
help they provided. We were happy to return the favor with the donation of Post
t-shirts and supplies for their hard and exemplary work.”
Public Safety Cadet Advisor, Norwalk Police Officer Chris Holms acknowledged
the crew of cadets by having them come up to the podium while he spoke of the
program and how proud he is of the hard work and dedication they give to the
program and community.
The Public Safety Cadet program is a shared program between the Norwalk
Police and Fire Departments for youth ages 13-20. This program gives youth the
opportunity to learn about both departments, while participating in community
service and learning leadership.
At the end of the evening Ribellino presented a check for $1500 to Taylor
and Elizabeth Gorenbergh from Homes for the Brave.
“Homes for the Brave is so proud of Board Member Taylor, who gave an awesome presentation as the Guest Speaker for the Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly’s Patriot Day Dinner. In addition, we are incredibly grateful to Bishop Fenwick Assembly for this remarkable contribution to our Female House, the PFC Nicholas A. Madaras Home for Female Veterans, and for the Assembly’s amazing support of our organization throughout the year,” said Vince Santilli, CEO Homes for the Brave.
On Sunday, May 5, 2019 79 new Sir Knights were exemplified into the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Hamden, CT. Three of the 79 new Sir Knights are new members to Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100.
The Assembly is honored to welcome Sir Knights Christopher Lau, Jim McCourt and Harrison Valante. All 3 Sir Knights are from Westport Council No. 3688. God Bless and we look forward to them making the Assembly stronger by helping us promote patriotism and defending our Catholic Faith.
79 new 4th Degree Knights exemplified in the CT District of the Bishop Healy Province at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church in Hamden4th Degree Exemplification-5-6-19
Assembly 100 in the house! l to r SK Walter Avitabile, SK Jon Starr, new SK Harrison, Valante, SK George Ribellino, Jr., SK Scott Criscuolo, SK Giuseppe Pampena, SK Ralph Burke, new SK Chris Lau
On Sunday, April 28, members of the Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 Color Corps provided an honor guard for the annual Diocese of Bridgeport Divine Mercy Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport.
Mercy is not simply teaching and preaching the truth, it is about becoming ‘believable messengers’ who represent the living presence of God’s love in the world,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said at the Divine Mercy Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral on Sunday afternoon. After his homily the bishop presided over the admission of seminarian Jim Divasto to Candidacy for Holy Orders. Divasto will begin his theological studies in the Fall and hopes to be ordained in four and a half years.
Assembly 100 Color Corps-Diocese of Bridgeport Divine Mercy Mass-photo-Diocese of BridgeportBishop Caggiano celebrating the Diocese of Bridgeport Divine Mercy Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral photo-Diocese of Bridgeport
Assembly 100 was honored to march in Norwalk Police Emerald Society St Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 9, 2019. Great job by the Norwalk Police Emerald Society for organizing a great day. God Bless all of our police, fire and first responders.
Thanks to all the Sir Knights who took part in the
parade. Congratulations to new Color
Corps member Jimmy Booth for doing a great job in his first event.
SK Pat McBrien and SK Anthony Cossuto-photo credit-Erik Trautmann-The HourL to R-SK Tim Horne and FN George RibellinoColor Corps Commander Scott J. Criscuolo leading the Assembly 100 Color Corps – credit-Erik Trautmann-The HourColor Corps getting ready to step off for the paradeSK Jimmy Booth marching for the first time in his brand new 4th Degree UniformL to R-SK Mark Ludwig and SK Mike Colaluca
An Assembly tradition: Assembly 100 provided an Honor Guard for The Catholic Club Annual Lincoln Day Banquet! We were so honored to be a part of the 122nd Banquet At Waters Edge At Giovanni’s in Darien.
NORWALK, Conn. – Knights of Columbus’ Bishop Fenwick 4th Assembly #100 has been awarded the Supreme Council’s Civic Award. The Assembly is comprised of Fourth Degree Knights from various councils in Norwalk, Wilton and Westport.
The Assembly was presented with the award by Connecticut District Master Allyn Temple at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury.
The Supreme Civic Award is presented as a tribute to the spirit of patriotism and national pride exemplified in the patriotic activities conducted by all 4th Degree Assemblies. “Our #1 goal as an Assembly is to promote patriotism, support our veterans and defend our Catholic faith,” said Faithful Navigator George Ribellino, Jr. Assembly 100 is very active in such events as Columbus Day festivities, raising money for Veterans organizations including Homes for the Brave, American Legion and Fisher House CT and paying tribute to those men and women who have and still protect our freedoms in the United States.
Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 is hosting its Third Annual Patriot Dinner on Saturday May 11, 2018 at 7p to benefit the Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes in Bridgeport. The fundraiser dinner will take place at the Knights Hall at St. Ann Club on 16 Hendricks Ave in Norwalk. Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes (FS: FH) is Connecticut’s first and only community-based transitional home exclusively for homeless female Veterans and their young children. Housed at the Nicholas A. Madaras Home, FS: FH provides ten beds for female Veterans and five beds, when available, for their young children. Since opening in 2011, the program helps female Veterans by meeting their needs for a safe, secure home and adequate food, and by empowering residents to move forward with their long-term goals: obtaining permanent housing, achieving financial stability, and working toward greater self-determination. Each resident works with a Case Manager to develop personal, housing, and employment goals. ABRI vocational staff coach residents in the job search process, including resume writing, interview techniques, computer training, and other life skills For those interested in attending this fundraiser dinner, please go to Assembly100.org/payments to make reservations. No walk-ins, reservations required.
In addition, the Assembly assists the youth in the city of Norwalk by making a donation to the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets since they assist with the serving, set up and clean up for the Patriot Dinner.
“I am so excited for our third annual Patriot Dinner fundraiser to help our Veterans who have defended our freedom and way of life. If you are interested sign up quickly since limited seating is available,” said Ribellino.
During the weekend of December 15 and 16th Assembly 100 took part in 2 special occasions honoring our veterans. On Saturday, December 15th, a few members of the Assembly attended the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Spring Hill Veterans Cemetery in Darien. Wreaths were placed on the headstones of our deceased veterans. This was able to be accomplished by many local businesses and organizations that donated funds to purchase the wreaths as a part of the Wreaths Across America Day which took place at many cemeteries across the US including Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
On Sunday, December 16th, Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 joined with Gen Philip Sheridan Assembly 107 to deliver gift bags to the patients at the VA Hospital. Many Knights and their families joined Santa Claus in delivering the gifts and putting a smile on the veterans faces. God Bless our veterans!
As a joyful celebration of inclusion, Saint Catherine Center held its 2018 Mass Celebrating People with Special Needs on Sunday, December 2 in Fairfield! Bishop Frank J. Caggiano celebrated the Mass and as many as 15 young people from all over the diocese received Sacraments! Members of the Assembly 100 Color Corps along with CT District Marshal Chris Randall were honored to serve in colors for this beautiful celebration.
