The Thomas Welch family of Middletown was honored as the Family of the Month at the monthly breakfast and ceremony of the Knights of Columbus Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council recently.
Thomas, Sr., the patriarch of the family is a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Faithful Navigator of the Bishop McFaul 4th Degree Assembly of the Knights as well. His son, Thomas, Jr. who died late last year, was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Faithful Navigator after his father.
Both men have been foundation workers in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St. Agnes parish churches, and in numerous other activities in and around Monmouth County. They are the second and third generations of another Welch, Barney, who started “The Barn” the program that has been feeding the poor in New York and in Monmouth County for decades.
Louise Welch is the matriarch of the family and has been lauded in her own right for her numerous acts of kindness and generosity throughout the Bayshore. She is currently an officer in the Auxiliary to the Vincent Lombardi Council of the Knights of Columbus and active in serving as an aide and assistant in all Knights activities for both councils. She is also a scoutmaster and bowling coach to youngsters with special needs.
Rev. Donnelly Council Grand Knight Kevin McKenna introduced the family and all its accomplishments , achievements and acts of kindness at the Breakfast, and presented them with a certificate commemorating the event.
Knight Michael Burke, who heads the Family Director program for the Knights Council, explained that Knights have always been dedicated to the development of strong , vibrant families. He noted that in support of that mission and to create an even greater awareness of the many outstanding families the Supreme Council instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978. The local council, he continued recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community.
Every 2nd Sunday of each month the Council honors a parish family as Family of the Month with an award certificate and small gift of appreciation presented by Grand Knight McKenna. The event is always an additional highlight of the popular Pancake Plus breakfast the Knights prepare and serve in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym for the community at no cost.
Burke also noted the Welch family’s passionate, selfless and consistent contributions to the Parish and surrounding communities has endured over four generations.
“Many members of the Welch family have given their time and talents since as early as the 1960’s right up to today,” he said, highlighting some of the activities of Barney Welch, before praising some of Thomas, Sr’s numerous activities for the parish including serving as an usher at masses, Thomas. Jr.’ s countless ways and “giving with an open heart and a courage rarely seen in young men today,” and Louise’s ever constant help, including helping with the breakfast at which the family was honored, as well as at all Knights’ Family Breakfasts.
Catholic men over the age of 18 interested in becoming members of the Knights of Columbus are invited to contact McKenna at 732-492-3392. The Council meets the first Thursday of every month at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school building on Miller St., at 7 p.m.
Women interested in joining the Columbiettes Auxiliary are invited to contact Louise Welch at 732-397-5601 or Ann Dimaira at 732-0500-1785. The women meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
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