February 12, 2020

Knights of Columbus sponsor annual Culture of Life Mass in Berkshire County

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

(iObserve photos/courtesy of Knights of Columbus)

PITTSFIELD – The Knights of Columbus Bishop Conaty Assemby 395 and Msgr. Eugene F. Marshal Council 103 sponsored the annual Mass for the Unborn and March for Life Sunday, Jan. 26 at St. Joseph Church in Pittsfield.

Springfield Bishop Emeritus Timothy A. McDonnell celebrated the 11:30 a.m. Mass, assisted by Stigmatine Father Geoffrey Deeker. The state deputy of the Massachusetts State Council of the Knights of Columbus Paul Flanagan attended with his wife, Kathy, as did the state treasurer Thomas Butler and his wife, Kerry.

“The Knights of Columbus believes in supporting all life, born and unborn. We have been involved in the March for Life since the first march occurred in 1974 after Roe v. Wade,” said David King, a member of Knights of Columbus Council 103.

After the Mass, about 70 people took part in a march which stepped off on North Street and wound around the former St. Joseph Central High School, ending at the parish center.

Three other Culture of Life Masses have been held or are scheduled in three of the dioceses across the state, including a Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield, Jan. 19. A Culture of Life Mass is scheduled in the Diocese of Fall River in March.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, fraternal, benefit society founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, a parish priest in New Haven, Conn., in 1882. There are close to 2 million members worldwide helping those in need, building a culture of life, and sharing Christ’s Good News.

“Our council was very active in coordinating the fundraising and purchase of an ultra sound machine for New Directions in North Adams, Mass., a local pregnancy support service, several years ago and we continue to support this organization,” King said.

In addition to supporting unborn babies and their families, Knights of Columbus Councils 395 and 103 host several other events throughout the year to support people in all stages of life.

“Other activities we’re involved in throughout the year include our annual Tootsie Roll Drive to collect donations for intellectually and physically disabled children, and support of the Cops On Top fundraiser conducted by the local police department to raise money for Special Olympics,” King said.

“Our members also deliver Meals on Wheels to seniors in the local community, make visits to shut-ins, and provide donations of food and clothing, along with putting on a summer picnic and ice cream socials for the Soldier On organization here in Pittsfield,” said King.

Council 103 also supports Christian Refugee Relief in the form of sponsoring the rebuilding of the Catholic Church in war-torn Iraq.