Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 held the installation of Assembly officers on Wednesday, October 4, 2017.  Former District Master Charlie Sullivan installed the officers with assistance from his wife Vivian, SK Lou Imperato and FN George Ribellino’s daughter Mia.  At the conclusion the officers and Assembly members enjoyed refreshments.   Below are the officers for the 2017-2018 fraternal year.

2017-2018 Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 Officers

Faithful Navigator- George R Ribellino, Jr.

Faithful Comptroller- Dave McCarthy

Faithful Friar- Rev Reginald D Norman

Faithful Captain- Scott J Criscuolo

Faithful Admiral- Patrick J Finn, PFN

Faithful Purser -Scott Mazzo

Faithful Pilot -Anthony J Armentano

Faithful Scribe -Bud Taylor

Inner Sentinel- Timothy J Horne

Outer Sentinel- Anthony T Cossuto

One Year Trustee- Peter Richter

Two Year Trustee- Al Latte

Three Year Trustee-Bill Berger, PFN

Color Corps Commander-Scott J. Criscuolo

“What are you looking for? What is it that you see?” the Bishop said to begin his homily, noting that it was a question that Jesus asked his disciples.

“It is a question that roots each of our lives and one we bring to this sacred space,” the bishop said, reassuring worshippers that the Blessed Mother opens a path to the Lord.

On Saturday, September 23rd, Bishop Frank Caggiano echoed those words in his homily to a packed house of more than 4000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Bridgeport, New York City, China and the Philippines at the Basilica at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.  The Mass was held in tribute to the Rosary Walk dedicated to 100^th Anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to three shepherd children by Bishop Caggiano’s private foundation and other donations.

More than 1500 pilgrims boarded buses in the early morning from all over Fairfield County with an additional 500 who drove down on their own.  Three Knights of Columbus members from Knights of Columbus Council 14360 and Bishop Fenwick 4^th Degree Assembly 100 in Norwalk represented the Knights of Columbus in the Mass and procession.  The 3 Knights, Faithful Navigator George Ribellino, Color Corps Commander, Scott Criscuolo and Faithful Pilot Anthony Armentano travelled on a bus which left St. Matthew Parish (Norwalk) that morning at 7am.

Being a Knight is an honor by itself; having the opportunity of representing my council and assembly in such a storied setting was a humbling and joyful experience,” said Armentano

On the ride down on the bus from St. Matthew, Parochial Vicar Father Tomi Thomas led 2 rosaries praying not only for the intentions of those on the bus, but for all those making the pilgrimage.  They even has some fun by playing trivia about Our Lady of Fatima.

The Knights led the procession for the Mass and were part of the procession to the Rosary Walk and dedication outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  The Mass also included Knights of Malta, Knights of the Holy Sepulchre and 60 members of the Diocesan Youth Choir.

“It was such a humbling experience to be a part of the spiritual day and to see the youth of our Diocese bring such spirit to the day was so inspiring, “said Ribellino.  “I want to thank Bishop Frank and the Diocesan staff for making this day possible and to the wonderful ushers, clergy and staff at the Basilica for their hospitality.”

The Mass and procession was broadcast live on EWTN and covered by Catholic TV of Boston and NET-TV in Brooklyn, NY.

Criscuolo who led the Knights Honor Guard went on to say, “Not only do I think we represented our council, parish and city well but I’d like to think Catholics around the world watching on TV felt that we added a little reverence to an already spiritual experience.”

The Byzantine Romanesque basilica, which opened in 1959 after decades of construction, is a massive testimony to the faith of the American Catholic Church. It is largest Church in the U.S. and one of ten largest in the world.

More than one million people a year make pilgrimages to the site, which shares the campus of Catholic University of America.  The ushers at all Masses volunteer their time and are all members of Knights of Columbus Councils from Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.

Bishop Caggiano said that those who go on pilgrimage are also “carrying others in their hearts,” a family member or friend who is struggling spiritually.

He said that those who live entirely by the secular values of materialism and relativism often end up empty and lost with nothing to sustain them.

“We bring them to Our Lady so they can ask the questions,” he said, praying that they find love and peace in the answer that, “Christ is the desire of every human heart. “

When the Mass concluded the entire congregation formed a procession to the new Rosary Walk and Garden near the side entrance of the Basilica while reciting the rosary.

Contributions from the Diocese of Bridgeport Fairfield County Catholic

Photos by Amy Mortensen

“What unites us in Christ is greater than what could divide us…”

It was an honor to be the host Assembly for the Annual Diocesan Blue Mass honoring fire, police  and rescue workers that was celebrated at the 12Noon Mass at St. Matthew on Sunday, September 10, 2017. “When there is an emergency, you don’t ask if someone is a Republican or Democrat, Liberal or Conservative, English speaker or not – you serve them because they are brothers and sisters in need. You remind us what makes us a great nation, and that what unites us in Christ is greater than what could divide us because of personal differences,” said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

The Blue Mass, sponsored by Knights of Columbus and benefactors, recognized the following First Responders for their courage and services to the community: Officer Maryhelen McCarthy from the Patrol Division of Newtown Police Department; Weston Volunteer Fire Department EMT Mark Blake; Norwalk Fire Department Truck Co. 2 Firefighter George Baez; Norwalk, CT Police Department Officer Anthony DePanfilis,  Officer Matthew Nyquist and Officer Jose Silva.  A huge thanks to Sir Knights Mike Basso and Herb Ramirez for heading up the Blue Mass committee on behalf of the K of C.  God Bless our first responders who keep us safe each and every day.   Twenty Eight Sir Knights dressed in colors including 8 Sir Knights from Assembly 100.  The Color Corps was led by Assembly 100 and Diocese Color Corps Commander Scott J. Criscuolo.

In a solemn outdoor ceremony held on Saturday morning, September 9th on the beautiful grounds of Notre Dame Health & Rehabilitation Center in Norwalk, members of Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4^th Degree Assembly were joined by their families as well as residents and staff of Notre Dame at a special Mass in remembrance of those who lost their lives sixteen years ago on September 11, 2001.

“It is nice to take time to honor those we lost on that day,” said George Ribellino, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 100. “This is the 3^rd year of having the Memorial Mass and picnic with the residents of Notre Dame and we are so appreciative of the hospitality of Sister Lucie and the staff of Notre Dame,”  Ribellino went on to say.

On a bright sunny morning, residents and patients Notre Dame, along with staff, volunteers, a Knights Color Guard formed a procession across the Notre Dame grounds to the flag pole for the blessing of a brand new American Flag donated by Assembly 100.

Father Reggie Norman, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima parish (Wilton) and Chaplain of Knights of Columbus Assembly 100, was the celebrant of the Mass.  Special American flags bearing the names of 9/11 victims were part of the ceremony as well.

Father Reggie in his homily about the 9-11 Anniversary said, “9/11 is a day to remember: remember who we are and what we are about. It was not a time of selflessness but a time of togetherness. Let us return to the time where we work and pray for each other.

The Mass was coordinated by Notre Dame’s Sister Lucie Monast, SSTV, with assistance from Assembly 100 and members of Catholic Daughters, Court St. Matthew #2640. Following the Mass, a special picnic was held for all attendees in which the Knights helped serve.

 “It was truly a special and memorable morning for all”, said Sister Lucie Monast

Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 60-bed residence, including 6 private rooms, and located on five landscaped acres in Norwalk, CT, is operated under the loving sponsorship of The Sisters of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Their goal is to optimize the quality of life for the chronically ill and convalescent elderly.  Notre Dame has been awarded 5 stars, the highest ranking from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has been named by US News & World Report as one of the Best Nursing Homes in CT.   For more information go to ndhrehab.org.

Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 was chartered in Norwalk, CT since 1914.  The Fourth Degree is the outgrowth and culmination of the desire of the Members to manifest their love for country and pride in their Catholic American heritage. In 1882, the Reverend Michael J. McGivney had founded the Knights of Columbus to provide mutual aid and assistance to its members and their families. At that time the Order had only three Degrees exemplifying the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. In compliance with the wishes of the body as a whole, the national board of directors met in August 1899 and approved the addition of a Fourth Degree to the work of the Knights of Columbus. The new ritual was adopted on the 9th of December and went into effect in 1900 with its primary purpose to foster the spirit of patriotism through the demonstration of one’s love for its country and by responsible citizenship. It is the highest Degree in the Knights of Columbus, giving a greater knowledge and appreciation for our Catholic heritage.  For more information, go to Assembly100.org.

The Mass was covered by local media outlets (see below).

http://norwalk.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/norwalk-mass-remembers-those-lost-in-sept-11-attacks/721238/

https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/knights-columbus-hold-3rd-annual-9-11-memorial-mass/

Norwalk-Sons of the American Legion Squadron 12 is hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 9a-1130am during the Coachmen’s Rod & Custom Car Show at the American Legion Hall on 60 County Street in Norwalk.  The Breakfast includes: Pancakes, Scrambled eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Orange Juice, Tea, and Coffee for $7.00 per person.   No Reservations are needed.  Come on down for a good old fashioned breakfast and enjoy the car show.

“Our annual pancake breakfast is always a fun event held jointly with the local and highly regarded Coachmen’s Rod and Custom car club,” said Squadron 12 Commander Pete Torrano.

This is the first e fundraising event under the new team of officers elected to SAL leadership, and we are excited to be active in assisting the American Legion with various patriotic events.  The SAL Squadron 12 is in the process in planning more events in the coming months and plans to work with other patriotic organizations such as the local Knights of Columbus 4^th Degree Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 in Norwalk.

Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires.

Squadrons’ campaigns place an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

Since 1988, S.A.L. has raised more than $5.8 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. S.A.L. members have volunteered over 500,000 hours at veteran’s hospitals and raised over $1,000,000 for VA hospitals and VA homes. The Sons also support the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition dedicated to protecting the U.S. flag from desecration through a constitutional amendment.

S.A.L. members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 4.2 million.  If you are interested in joining this great organization, please contact Commander Pete Torrano at: [email protected].

Honoring Samuel Grumman, Norwalk Patriot and Town Clerk in the 1700’s. He hid and saved the town’s records just before the British burned Norwalk, Connecticut’s largest battle of the Revolutionary War.

A great honor to serve in colors for the confirmation Mass for our friends at Our Lady of Solace Parish in Coney Island, NY. We love the parishioners and their Pastor Father Shiju! It was a nice treat to see former Pastor Father Armando! God Bless the newly confirmed.