St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 3024 S. Ruch St., Whitehall, was the host site for a March 13 fish or pierogi dinner. The event, operated by Knights of Columbus Council 4050, was well organized and attended.

Knights of Columbus Council 4050 draws members from six Roman Catholic parishes in Whitehall Township and Coplay, Northampton and North Catasauqua boroughs.

The volunteer group operating the dinner reportedly included 14 Fourth Degree Knights. A Fourth Degree Knight is a Third Degree Knight in good standing, a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See and a citizen of their country. The primary purpose is to foster a spirit of patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and the love of and loyalty to the Knights’ respective countries through active membership in local Fourth Degree groups called Assemblies.

North Whitehall Township resident and Fourth Degree Knight Mark Woods and Fourth Degree Knight Marc Grammes, of Slatedale, along with other Knights of Columbus volunteers, sold tickets at the door. Woods, a leader at the dinner, said he was impressed and grateful with the organization and efficiency of the volunteers running the event.

The kitchen was staffed by about a dozen or more Knights as they labored to cook, assemble and deliver dinners in a busy environment. Male collegiality and friendly humorous jousting were evident as the Knights discharged their culinary and delivery duties.

The fish meal also included potatoes, corn, a roll and homemade cupcakes for dessert. The pierogi dinner included four pierogies, corn, coleslaw, applesauce, dessert and a beverage. The dinners were for sit-down style, or one could purchase them for takeout.

Patrons enjoyed the dinner and fellowship throughout the two-hour event. The fish dinners nearly sold out by the event’s end. The event had a reconnecting flair as folks attending socialized freely with other attendees. The social hall had a warm, inviting ambience.

Knight volunteer Mike Hoffman, a decorated combat veteran, was in charge of the wine cart that provided diners with their choice of a red or white glass of wine with dinner.

Knights John Halko and Pat Klement, both of Whitehall, and John Baker staffed the raffle ticket table that provided cash prizes.

Smiles from volunteers and attendees were abundant throughout the dinner, as all followed the church requirement to refrain from eating meat Fridays during Lent.

Arnold “Nick” Nicklas, of Northampton, and his friend Lisa Queen, of North Whitehall Township, joined her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and May Queen, to share a meal together.

The large volunteer staff was nearly all Knights, men who wore their deep blue with gold-embroidered golf-style shirts, but there were also two female volunteers — both students at Allentown Central Catholic High School. Senior Audrey Kovach plans to attend college at Moravian University to study psychology. Junior Nini Marina said she has not yet decided what to do after high school. They served soft drinks and helped hand out takeout dinners. They completed their tasks cheerfully as they assisted attendees.

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by the Rev. Michael J. McGivney in 1882 in Connecticut. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. The Knights international leader is referred to as the Supreme Knight. The Knights promote Catholic education, local parishes, serve individuals in need and political causes. In 2019, it was estimated there are about 2 million Knights members around the world.

Women may participate in the Knights activities through the Columbiettes program. Young boys can join via a group called Columbian Squires.

For more information about the local Knights sponsoring the dinner, visit kofc4050.org.

Council 4050 will hold one more dinner for the 2026 Lenten season — 5-7 p.m. March 20 at St. John the Baptist.