KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Virgilius Council 185

  • St. Rose of Lima Parish • 46 Church Hill Rd •

•Newtown, Connecticut 06470  •

• (203) 426-1014 •

 
 

AT OUR GATE

At Our Gate is an IRS section 501(c)3 charitable organization whose membership is comprised of members from the Knights of Columbus. At Our Gate is a standalone corporation that has the capacity to own property, take loans and sign leases. As a separate organization, AOG supports the mission of Virgilius Council #185 of the St. Rose of Lima Knights of Columbus through the following primary activities:

 

Volunteer Servicewww.strosechurch.com

 

We volunteer in a variety of charitable enterprises to serve the people and programs of our community.  Volunteerism informed by Christian concern is the hallmark of the organization and results in outstanding contributions of time and talent to the Catholic Church, our communities, families, young people and brothers in the Knights of Columbus.

During the year ending December 31, 2008, the reported number of volunteer hours for charitable causes was 2,548.5.  The value of the donated time was $50,970 based upon suggested service rates provided by Knights of Columbus Supreme Council.  We provided volunteer support for a wide range of programs, including:

 

  • Collection and delivery of donated clothing and food to the needy in the Greater Bridgeport area

  • The American Cancer Society Relay for Life

  • ·         Special Olympics

  • Home repair, maintenance and yard cleanups for the elderly and needy

  • Color Guard support for funerals and parish events

  • St. Rose Lenten Fish Fry

  • St. Rose Annual Carnival
     

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This volunteer time does not reflect visits made to the sick and bereaved in our parish and the surrounding Newtown area.  Due to this, we believe the total level of volunteerism to be understated.  Without our volunteer support, many of these activities, all of which are open to members of all faiths, would not be able to be held.

Community Involvement

 

Our member’s community involvement takes many forms.  These include sponsorship of community recreation programs, patriotic observances, and cultural activities. During the past year we have organized, funded and voluntarily staffed many family and youth activities, including:

 

  • Fan the Fire

  • Catholic Youth Spiritual Retreats

  • Youth Free-Throw Contest

  • Fun with Santa Breakfast

  • Bridgeport Bluefish Family Outing

  • St. Rose Family Picnic

  • Christmas Toy Drive for the needy

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  • St. Rose Wine Tasting

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  • Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Project (financial and labor support)

 

Additionally, we take pride in our support for the Special Olympics and people with intellectual and physical disabilities.  We provide volunteer support for the annual Special Olympics event in New Haven, and conduct an annual “Tootsie Roll Drive”, the entire proceeds of which go to St. Catherine’s Academy.  Additionally, we have made monetary donations to St. Catherine’s annually.

Church Support

 

Our members are consistently involved in activities in support of the Catholic Church.  Our members donate their time volunteering for activities that support both the Church and vocations to religious life, such as:
  • Special Ministers of the Eucharist Service
  • Color Guard Support for First Holy Communion and Confirmations Masses
  • Color Guard Support for Ordinations
  • Volunteer support for parishioner wakes and funerals
  • Donation and delivery of Lenten Fish Fry meals to elder Nuns and Clergy


Culture of Life

Our members believe that every life is sacred, from the moment of conception till natural death. As such, we are called to defend the dignity of each human being at every stage and work together in building a culture of life and a civilization of love. Our members actively volunteer for pro-life activities, including the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.

 

AOG Officers & Directors - Charlie Nostrand (President), Patrick Burke (Vice President), Kurt Babyak (Secretary), Charlie Hettenbach (Treasurer), (Directors)  Matt Taylor, Tony Baiad, Len Moritz

 

Donation Committee - TBA

 

Property Management Team - Steve Lucas (Chairman), Len Moritz (Chairman Phase 1), Jay Gill, Kurt Babyak, K, Gilbert, Tony Baiad, Tim Reilly, Mon. Weiss, Charlie Nostrand

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