The Vermont Knights of Columbus celebrated their installation of officers at St. Anne’s Shrine, Isle LaMotte on August 25, 2024. Bishop John McDermott was the celebrant of the Mass.

The following state officers will serve during this 2024-2025 Knights of Columbus fraternal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025): State Chaplain Fr. Timothy Naples, State Deputy Christopher Poirier, State Secretary William LaCroix, State Treasurer Valdemar Garibay, State Advocate Elijah LaChance, and State Warden Lawrence Bellew.

The following District Deputies were also installed to lead the various K of C districts throughout Vermont: Gille Thibault (District 1), Bill Rensch (District 4), Joseph Kelly (District 5), Richard Powell (District 6), William Scott (District 7) and Sean Reilly (District 9).

The 4th-Degree Honor Guard, the “visible arm of the Knights,” was led by District Marshal David Ely II (Burlington, Assembly # 1148), District Master David Ely Sr (Burlington, Assembly # 1148), Color Corps Commander Michael Bullock (South Burlington, Assembly # 2106), Peter Lavallee (Milton, Assembly # 2609), Faithful Navigator James McMillan (St. Albans, Assembly #1149), Gilbert Benoit (St. Albans, Assembly # 1149), and William Scott (Middlebury, Assembly # 1743) helped to honor this special occasion.

After the celebration, a family barbeque luncheon was hosted by brother Knights from District 1 which included councils from Fairfax, Milton, Richford, St. Albans, and Swanton.

“We were blessed with a beautiful day for our annual pilgrimage to the St. Anne’s Shrine. I am especially grateful to Bishop McDermott for celebrating Mass; providing an inspiring homily; and helping facilitate our Officer Installation Ceremony where he blessed and congratulated those Knights who will serve in senior leadership positions in the coming year. His sincere support for the K of C further underscores the intimate relationship between the Church and the Knights who are devout Catholic men, bonded together by faith, in service to the clergy, their parishes, and all of God’s people.” Said Vermont State Deputy Chris Poirier.

If you would like to learn more about the Knights of Columbus please contact State Membership Director, Valdemar Garibay at [email protected], and / or visit www.kofc.org.