NORWALK, Conn. -- Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council No. 14360 became Norwalk’s third Knights of Columbus council on July 25, 2007. It was the first time in a century that a new council in Norwalk was founded.
Persistence paid off when parishioner and first Grand Knight Gerry Grippe lobbied for many years to start a council at St. Matthew Church. Grippe wanted to start the council to assist Pastor, Msgr. Walter Orlowski with various parish projects as well as outreach in the local community. Msgr. Walter gave the green light to start the process of forming a new council with the CT State Knights of Columbus in March 2007.
The council recently celebrated the Anniversary with a Mass and a presentation of a state citation from Sen. Bob Duff. The Mass took place in a packed with St. Matthew Church Chapel where the council was formed back in 2007.
Father Tomi Thomas thanked the council for their service and mentioned that the Knights of Columbus principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism are rooted in the gospel. He left everyone with one final thought, “We are here to serve not to be served.”
Duff praised the council for their service to St. Matthew Parish and the local community. Duff said, “I see the Knights at various civic events such as the American Legion Veteran of the Month, flag placing ceremony, Memorial Day Parade and assisting local organizations. Their presence adds to each of these events.”
The council started with around 30 members made up of new members, transfers and reactivations. Currently the council membership totals 100 members. In the 10 years the council has done many projects in the parish including church/chapel cleanings, youth events and fundraiser dinners. In addition, the council has donated funds and man power to help Malta House (Norwalk), Family & Children’s Agency of Norwalk, All Saints Catholic School and Notre Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Council 14360 has won the Order’s highest honor of Star Council four times in its 10-year history. Other accomplishments include donating more than $110,000 to various parish and community organizations, collecting over 20,000 pounds of food for the St. Matthew Food pantry and remodeling the chapel from pews to painting at the Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Convent Chapel.
The council has had four Grand Knights: Gerry Grippe (2007-2010), Michael Colaluca (2010-2013), George Ribellino, Jr. (2013-2016) and current Grand Knight Scott J. Criscuolo.
“I am very proud to be part of a wonderful group of Catholic men, men who follow their faith in charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. It is the backbone of our order and of being a strong Catholic. I look forward to the next 10 years of serving,” said Criscuolo.
The council will also celebrate the 10th Anniversary with a Gala on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Waters Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien. There will be a sit down dinner with a beer/wine open bar. For more info go to at https://squareup.com/store/kofc14360.
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