The Blessed Kateri Columbian Squires Circle #5177(also known as the St. Leonides circle) continues to expand efforts to support important community programs.  The 2nd Annual Luminary Night provided a “Beacon of Hope” for the homeless of Sussex County.  Proceeds of over $3,400 were recently donated to the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  Squire team captains Ben Insley and Ed Weaver presented a check to Julie Schuldner, Executive Director of the Interfaith Hospitality Network at Blessed Kateri parish in Sparta.  The project is based on the famous Luminary night held each year in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  Chief Squire Joe Whitney would like to thank Ben and Ed for their leadership in  pulling this event together.  Deputy Chief Squire Frank Cutrone noted that the Squires rallied together to support this important project and were joined this year by the newly formed Squire Roses.  Special thanks was also given to the brother and sister team of Squire John Hunter Zoetjes and Squire Rose Cassandra Zoetjes.  They combined their fundraising efforts and sold 50 Luminary kits generating over $500 in donations.  The Squires would also like to thank Greene’s Beans Cafe, Augie’s Bagels, Frank’s Pizza, Center Cleaners, Sparta Stop n Shop, Cafe Pierrot, and Knoll Heights Center for their ongoing support of this important program.

The Squires are the youth branch of the Knights of Columbus for Catholic boys ages 10-18.  The Squire Roses are the youth branch for Catholic girls ages 10-18.  Blessed Kateri is the only parish in New Jersey to sponsor a Knights council, a Squires circle, and a Squire Rose circle. For more information on the Squires or Roses please visit www.blessedkaterinjkofc.org.  For more information on Blessed Kateri parish please visit www.blessedkateri.org. For more information on the New Jersey Knights of Columbus please visit www.njkofc.org. And for more information on the Interfaith Hospitality Network, please visit www.helpnjhomeless.org. 

Top photo:  Blessed Kateri Squires celebrate Luminary success.  Seated from left: John Hunter Zoetjes, team co-captain Ed Weaver, Julie Schuldner Executive Director of Interfaith, team co-captain and NJ State Deputy Chief Squire Ben Insley, and Paterson Federation chaplain Father Patrick Rice, pastor of Blessed Kateri.  Standing from left: Hunter Roggero, Knights District Deputy Charlie Farrie, Squire Rose Cassandra Zoetjes, Daniel Smith, NJ State Squires Sentry Danny Lubertazzi, Raymond Roggero, Michael Dolecki, Matthew Dolecki, and Grand Knight Nick Cutrone

2nd photo:  Squire Luminary team captains present check for $3,400 to Interfaith Executive Director Julie Schuldner.  From left: District Deputy Charles Farrie, Squire Ben Insley, Julie Schuldner, Squire Ed Weaver, and Grand Knight Nick Cutrone

3rd photo:  Squire Rose Cassandra Zoetjes and her brother Squire John Hunter Zoetjes stand proud with Interfaith Executive Director Julie Schuldner in front of a statue of Blessed Kateri.  The sister/brother team generated over $500 in donations to support the project

4th photo:  Squire team co-captain Ben Insley describes the program benefit to a woman outside a local business while Squire Jack Lubertazzi stands ready to help deliver the Luminary kit to her car

Bottom photo:  Blessed Kateri Squires and friends stand ready to put out Luminary candles in front of new entrance to the Sparta parish.  From left: Hunter Roggero, Joey Piccotti, Ashley Markferding, Amanda Markferding, Greg Cooper, Ben Insley, Dominick Bartolomeo, Daniel Smith, Jon Zachok, and Ed Weaver

Blessed Kateri Squires Walk to Help Those Suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease

For the 3^rd year in row, the Blessed Kateri Columbian Squires Circle #5177 walking team from Sparta participated in the 2011 “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” sponsored by the New Jersey Alzheimer’s Association.  Deputy Chief Squire Frank Cutrone led his walking team at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.  The team consisted of Bursar Squire Ben Insley, Squires Michael and Matthew Dolecki, Matthew Brennan, Dominick Bartolomeo, and Jon Zachok.  Grand Knight Nick Cutrone, Knight Mike Dolecki, along with parents Toni Dolecki and Steve Insley joined the team on a frigid and rainy October day.  The walk began with opening ceremonies at the historic Jersey City Rail Terminal and continued along the riverfront.  Through their efforts, the Squire team raised over $1,200 that was donated to support the caregiver respite program of the New Jersey chapter. 

Over 350,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in the state of New Jersey.  NJ Alzheimer’s Vice President Ken Zaentz thanked the Blessed Kateri Squires for their outstanding efforts and to the Knights of Columbus for their ongoing commitment to supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. 

For more information on the Blessed Kateri Knights of Columbus please visit www.blessedkaterinjkofc.org.  For more information on the New Jersey Knights of Columbus please visit www.njkofc.org.  And for more information on the New Jersey Alzheimer’s Association please visit www.alznj.org.