NORWALK, Conn. — The Norwalk-based Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4^TH Degree Assembly No. 100 recently hosted its 2nd Patriot Dinner, which raised a total of $2,000 for veterans of American Legion Frank C Godfrey Post 12 Norwalk and American Legion James B. Whipple Post 86 Wilton.  In addition a portion of the funds was donated to the young men and women of the Norwalk Public Safety Cadets Post 1913.

The fundraiser dinner took place on Saturday, April 14^th at the Knights Hall (next to St. Ann Club), 16 Hendricks Ave. in Norwalk. The dinner was a sell out with 105 guests which included members of both American Legion Posts, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and members of the Knights of Columbus.

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that advocates for veterans via grass-roots involvement in the legislative process. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to their community, state, and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands not behind politics, but behind veterans, focusing on the issues and people that affect veteran’s rights and quality of life.  The Legion posts are very active in Norwalk and Wilton by hosting such events as tending Veteran’s graves and performing the Veteran of the Month ceremony to commemorate a deceased Veteran.

Commander Rich Olson, American Legion Post 12 Norwalk and Don Hazzard, American Legion Post 86 were presented checks by Knights of Columbus Faithful Navigator, George Ribellino.  “Post 12 is most appreciative of the continued support of the Knights of Columbus.  They are always present at our big events such as the Veteran of the Month Flag ceremony,” said Commander Olson.

Commander Hazzard went on to say, “Post 86 is most grateful to the Knights of Columbus for hosting the dinner to help raise fund for both Legion Posts.”

The goal of Faithful Navigator George Ribellino has been to conduct a fundraiser once a year for a specific veteran’s organization since he took over in September 2016.

“Last year we raised funds for Homes for the Brave in Bridgeport which does great work for our veterans and the Assembly voted to have the dinner for the American Legion Posts in Norwalk and Wilton,” said Ribellino.

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 leading the Sir Knights and the great dedicated members of the St. Ann Club in the kitchen in preparing a fabulous meal. I am thankful for him and the Brother Knights who helped set up, prepare, serve and clean up.”

“I really have to thank Brothers Dave McCarthy and Al Latte for helping make this dream become a reality. Once the plans came together the other Brother Knights were excited to help and everything wound up coming to together,” Ribellino said.

In addition, K of C Assembly No. 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 what 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 thankful for the help they provided.  We were happy to return the favor with a donation for their hard work.”

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.

Check out the articles below

https://patch.com/connecticut/norwalk/2nd-annual-patriot-dinner-raises-2-000-veterans-youth

The Assembly was honored to be invited to take part in the Annual Lincoln Day Dinner hosted by the Norwalk Catholic Men’s Club.  Great job by Brother Larry Cafero for doing a great job at Toastmaster and always great to see Bishop Frank Caggiano!  Also a fabulous meal at Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien. God Bless!

On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 honored Year of Service to the 4th Degree with an Awards Dinner held at the Assembly Hall in Norwalk.    Honorees included service from 25-65 years.  The total was 1516 years of service from 38 Sir Knights.  In addition, Faithful Friar Father Reggie Norman was honored for his service and support of the Assembly.   Past Faithful Navigator William Berger was the chairperson for the dinner and was also an honoree for 45 years of service to the 4th Degree.  “Worthy PFN Bill brought the idea of honoring the many years of service for our longest tenured Sir Knights and I thought it was a great idea so he ran with it and organized a great evening, said Faithful Navigator George Ribellino.

The dinner which was catered by Zody’s 19th Hole in Stamford was attended by 80 guests with 11 honorees attending with friends and family.  Sir Knights, George Ribellino, Anthony Armentano, Chris O”Connor, Scott Criscuolo and FN George Ribellino”s daughter Mia.  A huge thanks to Grand Knight Al Latte and the member of council 46 for letting the Assembly use the hall for the dinner.

God Bless all of the honorees.  See below for those honored.

Members and families remember fellow Sir Knights at a beautiful Mass at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton on Monday, November 13, 2017.   The Mass was celebrated by Faithful Friar SK Reggie Norman and Sir Knight Father Damian Pielesz.  There was also a Knights Honor Guard led by Color Corps Commander Scott Criscuolo.  As the Assembly honors all Sir Knights that went before us,  over the last year 3 Sir Knights who now reside in our Eternal Chapter were specially remembered:

SK William Surette

SK  Domenico Sgarlata

SK Msgr. Joseph Kohut

At the conclusion of the Mass refreshments were served in the Parish Center.

Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 was honored to serve in colors for 4 great events over the weekend.  On Saturday November 4th, Color Corps Commander Scott Criscuolo and Faithful Navigator George Ribellino were in colors for the Mass of Installation of Father Jeff Couture as new Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Weston, CT.

On Sunday, November 5th, CCC Scott and FN George served in colors for the Memorial Mass at St. Aloysius in New Canaan, CT for Rev John Stapleton Council No. 2287 and the Catholic Daughters.   Sir Knights Scott and George then headed to Norwalk where they met up with SK Anthony Cossuto to serve in colors for the American Legion Post 12 Norwalk Veteran of the Month Flag ceremony which was held inside the Legion Hall due to the inclement weather.   Finally after a short break, George, Scott and Faithful Pilot Anthony Armentano headed to Fairfield to Holy Cross Church for the Diocese Mass for People With Special Needs celebrated by Vicar General Msgr. Tom Powers.  This was such an honor for the Assembly to serve in colors for these great events.  God Bless!

The annual Mass to celebrate people with disabilities held on November 5 was hosted by St. Catherine Center for Special Needs in Fairfield.  The Sir Knights from Assembly 100 were honored to serve as a honor guard for the Mass

It has been customary at this Mass to offer the opportunity for individuals to receive one or more Sacraments of Initiation, with preparation that has taken place outside the typical faith formation program. Gail Mikolsky, director of parish and community outreach for the center, worked with directors of religious education (DREs) throughout the diocese to coordinate preparation and participation. Planning and coordination with the parish religious education programs began in the spring.

“Collaborating with the parishes, we get the opportunity to listen to parents and to create a welcoming and comforting setting for these children to participate in the Mass,” commented Mikolsky. This year, there were 17 young people from 11 different parishes and St. Catherine Academy who received sacraments.

Msgr. Thomas Powers, vicar general of the diocese, celebrated Mass with a church filled with families, St. Catherine Center board members and staff, Knights of Columbus honor guard and friends of St. Catherine Center. Anna Stowe, a confirmand from St. Catherine Academy, and her brother presented the first and second readings. Nicholas D’Ostilio, confirmand and parishioner of St. Peter Parish in Danbury led the Prayer of the Faithful and Philip Palilla, a confirmand from St. Catherine Academy and St. Rose of Lima Parish, presented the gifts at the offertory, accompanied by his family.

In his homily, Msgr. Powers spoke of the virtue of humility. “If we are truly humble, we see ourselves as God sees us,” he began. “These children of God are the essence of humility and are welcomed and valued in the eyes of God.”

“This annual Mass reminds us that all are welcomed in our Church,” commented Helen Burland, executive director of the center. “Each of us must work to encourage the full participation of all people in the life of our parishes and the diocese. Our efforts on a daily basis focus on the ordinary. But today, we celebrate the extraordinary”

Following Mass, Msgr. Powers, several board members and Ryan, one of the adult program participant.  Portions of this post are from the Diocese of Bridgeport website.

Check out the link below to the K of C Supreme website about Assembly 100’s involvement in the co-sponsoring the lunch at the Diocese of Bridgeport Fan the Fire Youth Rally in August 2017.

http://kofc.org/un/en/knights-in-action/index.html#/us/new-england/Oct2017/1/20

Fan the Fire Youth Rally 2017

Fan the Fire Youth Rally 2017

Fan the Fire Youth Rally 2017

Fan the Fire Youth Rally 2017

On Sunday, October 9. 2017, Columbus Day and Italian Heritage was celebrated at St. Ann Club in Norwalk.  This has been a tradition or many years for the ceremony to take place at Heritage Wall on West Ave in Norwalk.  Due to inclement weather for the 2nd straight year, the ceremony was moved to the St. Ann Club with Mass celebrated by Father Tim Iannacone and a great Italian meal for all the guests in attendance.  Bishop Fenwick Assembly provided an Honor Guard with FN George Ribellino, Color Corps Commander Scott Criscuolo, SK Tim Horne and SK Steve Haywood.  A great day was had by all!