"Assembly Required? Call the Knights!"

NORWALK, Conn. –Malta House, a Norwalk organization that helps pregnant and parenting mothers, has a familiar crew of workers to put furniture together for their new home.

Volunteers from St. Matthew Church Knights of Columbus Council No. 14360 took time on a rainy Saturday morning in February to help get Malta House's new home ready for moving in over the next few months. The council has been assisting Malta House since 2009 with various painting and remodeling projects and financial assistance.

Malta House provides a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children.

“It is an honor and joy for our council to help such a great organization that helps women and children in need,” added George Ribellino, a past grand knight and project chairman.

In the past the council has donated funds for new mattresses, remodeled the nursery, laid tile and painted bedrooms, the common room and the kitchen at their old home on Prowitt Street in Norwalk. The staff at Malta House know who to call when they need assistance. Twelve members of the council along with 3 members of St Francis of Assisi Council 17166 assembled cribs and dining room furniture.

“I am thankful for our Council having such a good opportunity to gather early on a Saturday morning. The mission of Malta House is so dear to the Knights and the embodiment of the culture of life. We are blessed to be called to help, “said Council 14360 Grand Knight Anthony Armentano.

Council 14360 is also sending dinner to the house every Wednesday during Lent and capping it off with Easter Sunday dinner from Dave's Planet Pizza in Norwalk. The Council along with Knights of Columbus Bishop Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100 is donating funds for additional cribs.

“The Knights of Columbus Council 14360 have been our beloved “big brothers” for many years, and never fail to put their faith into action in hands-on, meaningful ways that make our moms and babies know they are special and loved. Coming out on a Saturday morning to put cribs, beds and chairs together for our new home, bringing weekly dinners to our moms during Lent, and treating our house to a special Easter dinner are all such special acts of caring, and we are so grateful and blessed,” said Malta House Executive Director Carey Dougherty.

"The Knights of Columbus loves both mother and child before and after birth. We love to help a great organization like Malta House that help women during pregnancy and following the birth of their newborn children," said Ribellino

As the Church prepares to commemorate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, the Brother Knights of council 14360 are taking up their cross in various ways. In addition to their work with Malta House and upcoming food drives, the council gathered for a special Lenten Family Mass and led Stations of the Cross with the parish family 3/12 and will lead the Good Friday outside Stations on Mt St Matthew on the church property. Lastly they will roll up their sleeves and help clean the church during the Triduum as the parish prepares to welcome all to celebrate our faith.

The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council at Saint Matthew Church in Norwalk are to perform acts of charity. Providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges. Council members work together to foster the founding principles of our order: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Our goal as a council is to continue to identify specific needs in our community and muster support and help to alleviate these challenges and hardships to the best of our abilities and resources.

(For more information, please go to kofc14360.net. If you are Catholic man interested in putting your faith in action, join the Knights of Columbus online for free at kofc.org/joinus and use promo code MCGIVNEY2020.)

Malta House promotes the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children.

Mothers at Malta House receive on-site counseling, financial education, and parental development followed by transitional and post-residential support. For more info, please go to Maltahouse.org.

About the Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is one of the world's leading fraternal and service organizations with 2 million members in more than 16,000 parish-based councils. During the past year, Knights around the world donated more than 77 million service hours and $187 million for worthy causes in their communities. The organization also provides financial services to groups and individuals, resulting in more than $112 billion of life insurance in force, and through its money management firm, Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors, it invests in accord with Catholic social teachings. From helping children in need, to providing wheelchairs for the disabled, to helping stock food banks, to offering top-rated and affordable insurance products to its members, the Knights of Columbus has supported families and communities for more than 138 years.