AOL Knights of Columbus receive Triple Star Award
Published 12:25 am Saturday, September 28, 2019
- Pictured from left to right are Calvin Arceneaux, Larry Larousse, Pat Comisky, Frank Sipos, George Becnel, Lionel Ruffin, Mike Abbate and Dudley Stadler.
LAPLACE — The Knights of Columbus Ascension of Our Lord Council #9623 is no stranger to recognition. For eight of the past nine years, the group was celebrated as the top council in the state in recognition of storm relief efforts and other community service ventures in the River Parishes and beyond.
However, the Ascension of Our Lord Council continues to break barriers with expanded service.
The AOL Council became the only council in Louisiana to earn the prestigious Triple Star Award, presented at the September New Orleans Diocesan meeting.
The award goes to the No. 1 new recruiting council in the state, according to Council #9623 public relations manager James J. Poche Jr.
A total of 47 new members have been recruited in the past year, bringing the Council’s membership to above the 200 mark.
AOL Grand Knight Mike Abbate was responsible for bringing in many new members, and he was appropriately recognized at the No. 1 recruiter in the state for the 2018-2019 year.
Abbate was thankful for his award and proud to see the Council receive the Triple Star.
“Not many get that award,” Abbate said. “You have to meet your membership quota for the year. We did triple the amount we were supposed to and triple the amount on our insurance quota. That’s how you get the Triple Star.”
Recognized as the largest Catholic men’s service organization, the Knights of Columbus is a staple in communities around the world.
AOL Knights of Columbus Council # 9623 Grand Knight Mike Abbate receives a prestigious award from Louisiana KOC Supreme Representative David Tebo.
In the past few years, members of the AOL Council in LaPlace have found a passion for helping hurricane victims across the Southern United States. Men from the Council have traveled to Texas and Florida to provide relief after hurricanes Harvey, Michael and Florence.
Now, members are making a game plan to provide hot meals to victims recently impacted by flooding when Tropical Storm Imelda struck Houston.
“We take care of the community,” Abbate said. “It doesn’t have to be the LaPlace community. It’s anywhere we can get to. We’ll bring them a large amount of supplies and bottled water, and we’ll cook. It’s a nice thing to do.”
In addition to recruiting members and overseeing relief operations, the AOL Knights of Columbus have been active in supporting youth athletics.
The Our Lady of Persecuted Christian Display will be on display for the next two weeks in the Ascension of Our Lord Church Adoration Chapel in LaPlace. The icon is traveling around the world.
According to Poche, Council #9623 recently participated in the annual Kenner Freedom Festival, held at the lakefront near The Treasure Chest Casino. While operating a booth at the festival, members had the pleasure of meeting the River Ridge International Little League World Champions.
“These deserving youths will one day have the opportunity to become possible future Knights of Columbus Members!” Poche said.
It wouldn’t be the first time a world champion was part of Council #9623 proceedings. In May, graduating Ascension of Our Lord seventh grader Katherine Bergeron competed in the Council’s Soccer Challenge, and her scores placed first among 13-year-olds internationally.
The next Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge is underway, with the District challenge scheduled of Oct. 5 at St. Joan of Arc in LaPlace. State level competition will be held in November in Baton Rouge.
The AOL Knights of Columbus is also proud to sponsor the Our Lady of Persecuted Christian Display, which will be on display for the next two weeks in the Ascension of Our Lord Church Adoration Chapel in LaPlace.
The icon is traveling around the world, encouraging prayer for persecuted Christians.
