Hudson Valley
Knights of Columbus

This page will list special events and activities held by local Councils, Assemblies,
Circles, Columbiettes and Auxiliaries and Parishes.

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Photo of New Officers in Council #4478  Callicoon NY

Middletown Knights of Columbus John Paul the Great Council 486 Sponsors Clergy Appreciation Mass and Dinner.

Priests and Deacons from the Orange County Vicariate were honored at the Clergy Appreciation Mass and dinner sponsored by the Middletown Knights of Columbus - John Paul the Great Council 486 on June 10 at St Joseph's Church in Middletown, N.Y. More than 20 priests concelebrated Mass along with Fr. Dennis Nikolic, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and Monsignor George Valastro, co-vicar emeritus of Orange County who was the special honoree. Also participating were 8 Deacons from throughout the county and 18 Altar Servers. In addition to the Knights Color Guard, the officers of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas were part of the procession.  The pews were filled with the faithful including various Religious, Deaconate Candidates and wives as well as the wives/family of the Deacons. A standing ovation was given Monsignor George Valastro following a moving homily delivered by him about his priesthood.

At the dinner Greg Sillen, Grand Knight, recalled the important role Monsignor George Valastro (affectionately called Fr. George) had played in his life and thanked him for starting a Special Ed class that helped Greg's son. Deacon Richard Trapani of St. Joseph's Parish and Chaplain at Orange Regional Medical Center said that Fr. Dennis, who succeeded Fr. George as pastor, reminds him a little of Fr. George and that his comment was a compliment.

Gary Texter, a Knight and Pastoral Assistant at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, expressed thanks to Priests for helping the faithful find their gifts to serve and to the Deacons for being a wonderful example of service and charity.