As has been the tradition, the New Westminster Council #1283 of the Knights of Columbus hosts an annual Appreciation Dinner for Clergy and Religious at St. Peter’s Parish.
They also invite some members of the clergy and their families and religious Sisters from the Eparchy of New Westminster along with many other clergy and religious from the area. Some of the clergy of the Eparchy are actually members of the #1283 council, including Bishop Michael.
The evening provides a wonderful meal prepared by the Knights themselves and served by their highest ranking Knights. Special guests included the KofC State Deputy Herb Yang and his wife Clara as well as State Chaplain Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski. Worthy SD Herb Yang brought greetings to the event and Bishop Michael was asked to address the event as a member of the clergy himself. He mentioned the Vancouver festival tragedy and asked all to pray for the victims and, for their family and friends that now struggle with the aftermath. He also spoke of the upcoming Conclave to choose the next Pope for the Church. He said, that want to look past our own personal preferences and sometimes superficial and unimportant qualities that we might like to see in the Holy Father and ask the Lord to provide a good and holy leader according to the needs of the Church in our time according – above all – to the Will of God. We should have that same attitude with regard to priests and Sisters – we should want them especially to be sincerely dedicate to the Will of God for the good of His People and His Church. The rest will work out! He also encouraged all to encourage their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews to think about and pray about a vocation to religious life or to the priestly ministry.
The evening was also filled with fellowship and good will and a festive spirit. Every member of the clergy in attendance and every member of a religious community received a gift of appreciation by the “luck of the draw”. There were a variety of gifts from many donors, but all were a pleasure to receive.
The pleasure of the clergy and religious to be there was apparent, and the outpouring of love and appreciation on the part of the Knights and the many other guests toward their Priests, Deacons and Sisters – was also obvious. God bless the Knights for this tradition of appreciation and, God, bless our Clergy and Sisters and bless us with many more good vocations!
