Staff reporter
REHOBOTH BEACH — The Knights of Columbus have made a sizeable contribution to help fund a Stations of the Cross that will be placed around the shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace on the grounds of Holy Spirit Church in New Castle. That was one of the items of business that was discussed at the Knights’ annual state convention, which was held May 11-13 in Rehoboth Beach.
Michelle Lennon, the owner of Angel Crossing in Elsmere who is involved with the shrine, said the stations were delivered in mid-May and will be installed soon. The Stations of the Cross had been part of the shrine’s plan “from day one,” and their installation marks the fifth anniversary of the statue on May 26, 2007, Lennon said.
David Brown, a member of the Brother Vincent Council in Smyrna and the current state deputy, said the Knights also voted to make a contribution to Special Olympics. He said the state organization does not have any big goals for the upcoming year, but they are ready to help out in their parishes and neighborhoods.
“They’re constantly out doing charity work for the community and the church at large,” he said.
Officers elected for 2012-13 include David Haney, state deputy; Gerald Safranski, secretary; Ralph Body, treasurer; Barry Swain, advocate; and John Brenner, Warden.
Louis Anderson, a member of Star of the Sea Council and a parishioner at St. Edmond’s in Rehoboth Beach, was named the Delaware State Knight of the Year at the convention. The award recognizes Anderson’s service to his parish, where he is an usher, as well as his community and the local council. He has been grand knight of the Star of the Sea Council and is currently a district deputy for the state organization.
One of the goals of the Knights is to improve recruiting, Brown said. The organization has done a good job of attracting new members, but “we could do better.
“I still think it’s pretty popular. The more we get the word out of what we do, what we stand for, we get members to join,” he said.
