“It’s a proud moment to celebrate our priests,” said Mark Middleton, aid to the state deputy, from Council 3451 of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Mays Landing. In remarks from the stage after dinner, Stoever thanked Bishop Sullivan for his “unflinching, strong, steadfast support” of the Knights, and showed appreciation for all the priests of the Diocese who, during this COVID-19 pandemic, have “nourished our faith” in dark times.
“They’ve looked to us, and we’re proud to answer the call,” he said. In their charitable and social activities they help organize at the parish level, the Knights are always ready to serve, he knows. The evening was an opportunity for priests to know that “they’re among friends,” said state deputy James Stoever from the Diocese of Trenton. Raymond Sands, New Jersey state secretary for the Knights of Columbus, told the nearly 300 gathered that the Diocese is blessed “with the best priests.” Through consecration and distribution of the Holy Eucharist, they “take us to our salvation,” said Sands, of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, Northfield.
Father Steven Bertonazzi, newly ordained priest and parochial vicar in Incarnation Parish, Mantua, enjoys a conversation with Carl Tomaszewski, Past Grand Knight of Incarnation Council 6364.
