Enduring support: Knights of Columbus show appreciation for religious men, women at annual dinner

North Texas Catholic
(Jul 25, 2024) Local

Knights from the Diocese of Fort Worth express their spiritual and financial support by presenting a check to Vicar General Father Jonathan Wallis to support seminarian education and Deaf ministry. From left, Josh Gomez, State Charities Fundraiser Chairman; Fr. Wallis; State Deputy Ron Alonzo; David Pels, State Advocate; Chris Stark, General Insurance Agent; and Pat Henz, former State Warden. (NTC/Scott Wagner)

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KELLER — About 70 priests, deacons, religious women, and diocesan seminarians joined more than 200 Knights of Columbus and their families at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller for the 29th annual religious appreciation dinner hosted by the Knights.

At the event, Knights from the Diocese of Fort Worth expressed their spiritual and financial support by presenting a check to the diocese to support seminarian education and Deaf ministry. This year, the check totaled $58,738, bringing the total donations since 1995 to more than $4 million.

 

Seminarian support

The Knights’ assistance in helping finance the education of future priests is vital. The diocese provides college expenses — tuition, room, board, books — for 27 seminarians currently, and formation lasts 7 to 9 years.

In addition to the large sum for seminarian education, the Knights presented “Pennies for Seminarians” — funds raised through tips at pancake breakfasts, fish fries, and other events. The campaign collected $4,200, which the Knights designated for any emergencies or unexpected expenses seminarians may encounter.

St. Francis of Assisi Knight, Francis Polisetty, and his wife, Veronique Polisetty, speak with seminarian Ryan Pecoraro during the 29th Annual Appreciation dinner hosted by the diocese's Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Keller on July 22, 2024. (NTC/Scott Wagner)

Pat Henz, a parishioner at St. Jude in Mansfield and former state warden of the Knights of Columbus, explained that the bonds between Knights and seminarians goes beyond financial support. Knights of Columbus councils are matched with individual seminarians to provide financial and prayerful support and to build rapport through their formation.

Henz said another benefit of the dinner is the opportunity for Knights “to mingle and meet with them and talk with [their seminarian]. It’s always good conversations, and hopefully that helps energize them for a new semester, a new school year,” Henz explained.

 

Deaf Ministry

Deaf ministry regularly interprets several Masses in the diocese each weekend, and it coordinates interpretation for religious education, special liturgies, and other aspects of parish life as needed.

Members of the Deaf Community sign Carole King's song, “You’ve Got a Friend," as a gesture of appreciation to the Knights for their contribution during the 29th annual religious appreciation dinner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on July 22, 2022. (NTC/Scott Wagner)

As a gesture of appreciation to the Knights for their contribution, members of the Deaf Community signed the song, “You’ve Got a Friend.”

Connie Martin, coordinator of Deaf Ministry, said, “The Knights’ continued support and generosity continues to help our Deaf Community prosper with the wonderful donation from the dinner, but also by including us in events, organizing a yearly bowling date, and offering help when needs arise.”

Henz expects the relationship the Knights have with seminarians and Deaf ministry to endure. In fact, the Knights kicked off fundraising for next year’s donation by conducting a live and silent auction at the event.

The diocesan seminarians, led by Vocations Director and Nolan Catholic High School Chaplain, Father Brett Metzler, take the stage to share gratitude for the financial and prayerful assistance in financing the education of future priests. (NTC/Scott Wagner)

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