Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich, Inc. received the Blessed Michael at the annual banquet of the Connecticut State Council of the Knights of Columbus March 24, 2024, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT.

In presenting the Award, State Deputy Joseph C. Rahtelli stated, “The Blessed McGivney Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant humanitarian, civic and social contributions to their state, church and country.”

Accepting the Award was Jack Babbitt, Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich. Mr. Babbitt stated: “We are deeply honored to receive this Award. Catholic Charities shares the core values with which the Knights and we are both dedicated. Together we work to provide help and create hope for all our sisters and brothers in need throughout the four counties of eastern Connecticut. Catholic Charities four service centers located in New London, Norwich, Middletown and Willimantic, support the case management and emergency basic needs of individuals and families.”

The Connecticut State Council of the Knights of Columbus also honored Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.

The Award was established by the Council in 1975 to honor the ideals of the order’s founder Father Michael McGivney, a Waterbury native who was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Hartford in 1877. In 1882, while serving as an assistant pastor at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, he founded the Knights of Columbus as a mutual aid society to help needy families. Today it is one of the largest Catholic fraternal service organizations in the world.

Blessed Michael McGivney was beatified and declared Blessed by Our Holy Father Pope Francis in 2020.

By Jacqui Keller

Pictured in photo: 

State Deputy Knights of Columbus - John Rahtelli

Honorary State Chaplain Knights of Columbus - Archbishop Leonard Blair  

Chief Operating Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich – Jack Babbitt