Joe "Taco" Kopler

 Council #55 has lost one of it's most talented and fun members.

Joseph "Taco" Kopler passed away Sunday October 13th, 2024

Besides being our resident artist, Joe was a fount of ideas for projects and fundraising.  

He got us going with our community Tag Sale

He did a print of the Academy to raise money and his "Drop in the Bucket" sculpture 

can still be seen at St Peter and St Francis Churches.  Tim Flynn arraigned the following so he could "give" out bulletins on more time.

We know Joe is at peace with our Lord and probably working on adding his artistic touches to Heaven.

Funeral and Visitation Information

Congratulations to Father Carlos

 Congratulations to Father Carlos

On becoming a 4th Degree Knight

Ministry Expo

 St John Paul the Great is having a Ministry Expo on October 27th at St Francis Church

The Expo will go from 8am to 2 pm and all Ministries will be displayed.

If you want to know what is going on in our parish and meet and hopefully join the people who make it happen - please join us.

Luminaria 2024

Our annual Luminaria event is coming up soon. 

We will be selling bags to be decorated after Mass starting the weekend of October 18-19 

• The price will be the same as last year - $2 for one bag - $5 for 3 
• You can put as many names on a bag as you would like  
• You can specify which of the 2 Churches to be displayed at 
•  You can take the bags home to fill out and return with payment. 

 Display will be All Souls Day, Saturday November 2.

August Meeting and Picnic

Our annual Meeting and Picnic is scheduled for Wednesday August 14, at St Peter Hall - rain or shine.

Note Time - starting at 6:30 pm

 Hamburgers and Hotdogs are on the menu.  If you have a favorite dish you would like to bring, feel free.

Because during the Summer, so many are on vacation, I am asking everyone to RSVP if you think you will be attending, especially if you know you are not.  We will have some guests and if you know someone who is eligible and interested in joining us, bring them along, just RSVP so we know how much food to have.  

Email: kocsolidarity55@gmail.com or call/text 860-3075204

Art Coffill

 Art was a local District Deputy who helped us get Council #55 up and running in 2010.

He passed away June 7th after a long illness.  Here is the information on his services:

https://www.thurstonrowefuneralhome.com/memorials/joseph-art-coffill/5442695/index.php

His energy, dedication and laugh will be missed.

Thank you Art and rest in peace.

 

Kenneth Galitello

It is with great sadness that I report the passing of another member. Ken Galitello was one of the original charter members of Council #55 and has served despite the illness he fought for so long. The funeral is this Saturday at 11am. More information can be found at: https://www.cookfuneralhomect.com/obituaries/kenneth-galitello-jr May he rest in peace.

Sad News for Council #55 - Robert Capitanio

I just found out that Robert Capitanio has passed away. Bob was one of the charter members of Solidarity Council 55 and a active member for many years. He was a family man always attending all of his grandkids sports - and very proud of them! When he moved to Keystone and no longer able to assist the Knights, we voted to cover his dues as a sign of thanks. Visitation is Sunday night from 4 - 7 and the funeral will be Monday at 11pm More details here. https://www.cookfuneralhomect.com/obituaries/robert-capitanio Please keep Bob and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Fraternally, Chris Zarzycki Solidarity Council #55

St Jude Telethon

 This year the Council put in $100. and encouraged individuals to donate in the name of the Knights of Columbus Council #55.  We donated in total over $250 in 2024.

Thanks to

Matt Mastrogiovanni

Bob Severi

Greg Nypert

Mark Sirois

Chris Zarzycki

For their donations.

For 2025 let's see if we can get that up - every dollar helps!

Raymond Birden

I just found out about the passing of one of our members, Raymond Birden.

Ray had not been active recently, but he was in our thoughts and prayers.

https://www.phalenfuneral.com/obituary/Raymond-Birden

Palm Sunday Breakfast Success

 Here are some of the pictures from our pancake Breakfast:

Tables all set up and ready to go

Andy keeping Pete Company - Thanks to Pete for handling the ticket sales - but he must have been camera shy!

Mark organizing the kitchen crew

Bryan making the batter

Kevin flipping pancakes while Don and Tom serve.

Bryan letting us know how Keving is doing.

Thanks to everyone who helped out.  In addition to the Knights, we had help from members of the Holy Name, the Confirmation Students and also some of the students from St John Paul the Great Academy stepped up to help.  We served around 150 meals and raised money for the Academy and also our sponsored Seminarian Nick Chapman.

Father Carlos Life Member

 Rev. Carlos Zapata has achieved Life Membership in the Knights of Columbus.

Here is is presented with his Honorary Life Membership card but the current Grand Knight, Chris Zarzycki.

Knights News 3/21/2024

First and foremost  - please keep in your prayers our Brother Ken Galitello who is in the hospital.    Remember him as   fights this tough and courageous battle.  

Our pancake breakfast is this Sunday at St John Paul the Great Academy.  This is the first time back since 2015.  The last time three was a snowstorm but we weathered (pun intended) the storm to have a successful breakfast.

We will have a initial setup at 10 am on Saturday probably lasting about a hour to get the basic layout going.

On Sunday we will open the kitchen around 6 am and the breakfast starts at 8.    Clean up will be around 12:30 so we need your support even if just for part of the morning.

Remember - wives, children and potential Knights are welcome to help out  - we will have a Knights recruitment and Ministry table set up.

Also - The Parish is looking for volunteers for the foot washing on Holy Thursday.  If you are interested, please reply to this email and I will get you in contact with the proper person.

Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast

 Knights of Columbus Council #55 is having a Pancake Breakfast on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024,  at Saint John Paul The Great Academy, 360 Prospect St, Torrington.  The hours are from 8 am until 12:30 pm. The donation requested is $9.00 for adults, $5 for a children's meal. Takeout is available.   Tickets are for sale after weekend Masses at Saint John Paul the Great Parish or at the door

Council #55 of the Knights of Columbus was chartered to help the Parish in Torrington and the local community. Proceeds from this event support the Academy and our Seminarians

Meeting Date Moved for February

 Because our meeting would have fallen on Ash Wednesday, we have moved the date back to February 21.

Please make on a note on your calendars.

Advent Breakfast

 We had a great team cooking for the Advent retreat on December 16th.

Thanks to Bob Severi and the gang for a great breakfast.  Thanks to Greg Nypert and Jim Cavanaugh who helped with setup and takedown along with serving .  We worked with the Holy Name, so thanks to Mike and Mark and any other members who stopped by to help.  Of course a big thanks to Don Rossi who always helps with the cooking.

We had a good turnout of Youth and this is good training for them to help with our Pancake Breakfast.

Someone remind me to take pictures next time!