Priest Appreciation Dinner Hosted by Knights of Columbus

The 2nd Annual Knights of Columbus Appreciation Banquet for the Priests of the Diocese of Lafayette was held at Cathedral Hall on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.
John Fruge, Diocesan Administrator of the Louisiana State Council of the Knights of Columbus, presented the Diocese with two checks. One check for $7,500 went to Bishop Douglas Deshotel for the Priest Retirement Fund and another check for $5,000, which was raised during the Annual Priests vs. Seminarian Basketball Game, was presented to Father Kevin Bordelon for the Office of Vocations.
Bishop Deshotel expressed his sincere appreciation for the KC's and their efforts and support for the Diocese of Lafayette.
"I had an association with the Knights since I was in the 9th grade. Every semester for the 12 years that I was in the seminary, that's 24 semesters, the KC's paid for my books. I've had that connection with the Knights ever since then and I am very grateful for them," the Bishop said.
The KC's are so much more than the men who do the cooking at local fundraisers. They are the world's largest Catholic Fraternal Organization. From the moment of their founding in 1882, charity has been the first principle of the Knights of Columbus. The KC's are Catholic men of faith and men of charitable action.They are dedicated to providing charitable services, including disaster relief, actively defending Catholicism in various nations, and promoting Catholic education. Charities include the Christian Refugee Relief Fund, Disaster Relief, Ultrasound Initiative, and Coats for Kids. They also partner with international charities including Special Olympics, the Global Wheelchair Mission and Habitat for Humanity.
The Knights are also well known for their insurance program with more than 2 million insurance contracts. Chef Jude Tauzin of Tony Chachere's, who is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, catered the fabulous meal.