Pope John Paul I Council 6571 was chartered on June 7th, 1974 by Supreme Council in New Haven, Connecticut. Our first Grand Knight was James (Cataldo) Lupo who got thirty five men together from St. John Vianney Church in Colonia to start the council. Jim Lupo was a knight for twenty five years when he thought it was right for Colonia to have a council and do God’s work in the community.
The men met at St. John’s church until they were given the old Emmayus House on the church property. Many hours were spent in refurnishing the property and making it a proper hall and meeting place. Many brothers donated not only time, but many obtained countless donations, not only from the community but from their own pockets. The council met there for many years and enjoyed many a good time with families and friends. During the formative years the council grew to a very good size and we now have about two hundred members not only in the area but all over the U.S.A.
After having been established, the men filed to form the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus ( the formal and visible part) and received their charter #1847. This was very important step since much of the work the Knights of Columbus does is really not that visible to the general public.
The Knights of Columbus under takes several Major fund raisers each year, and the physically challenged drive every spring ( old tootsie roll drive) is one of the biggest drives that the Knights take on. Also the Alzheimer’s Drive each fall is another major event at 6571. Angelo Befumo was instrumental in starting this drive in the area and has seen over one hundred councils in New Jersey start this project. Also Council 6571 has eyes for the needy which collects eye glasses, lens and frames which are then fitted for veterans and seniors who need reading glasses. The council has collected over four thousand parts to be given out over the years.
Pope John Paul I Council 6571 also is very instrumental in working with the youth of the area, in giving out scholarships to those going on to college as well as running spelling bees and an essay contest for area grade schools. We also have a basketball free throw every February run by Joseph Pampalone who has run this contest for over fifteen years for the council.
We now have a sister church under our wing at St. Helena’s in Edison, and have a good number of men from that parish active within our council. We hope to get enough men from St. Helena’s so that someday soon we May have a new council there. Father Anthony has been VERY help full and instrumental in getting this project started, and it has really blossomed so far. We have mentioned the projects at our council which also are run at ST. John Vianney and at St. Helena’s parishes. We hope that many catholic men will want to join and be a part of a GREAT Catholic organization.
A little history of the Knights of Columbus I think would be in order now—- We were started in1892 by Father Michael McGivney in New Haven, Conn. for the purpose in helping catholic families upon their immigration to the United States. The knights were the only major area many families could turn to if they lost the bread winner in the family. Also it gave the new citizens to the United States a area and group to bind with and unite with.
The Knights of Columbus is one of the largest catholic fraternal organizations in the world with over 1.8 million members, over 65,000 men in the state of New Jersey. They offer major scholarships and help to many students going to a Catholic College. If you are a policeman, fireman or military person and you should happen to pass away while serving in those area’s, the Knights of Columbus will cover your child’s Catholic College education as long as you were a member in good standing. This is what the Knight’s are about, helping families when they need the help the most.
Are you READY, are you willing to help your brothers and the church. We want YOU to join and make your mark with the Knights of Columbus, will YOU!!!!!!