Squires Circle Reactivated In Newtown

Twenty-five young men have reestablished the Columbian Squires in Newtown. An investiture (induction ceremony) was conducted recently at St Rose Church by Tony DeCaprio, the Connecticut State Squires chairman, and his Squires team.

The reactivation started two years ago when Matthew Rahtelli was in the founding group of the Fairfield Prep Squires Circle. As his father was the youth director at the Knights of Columbus council in Newtown, Matt wanted to bring back the works of the Squires to Newtown.

After several months of preparation, ten youth arrived at the first meeting and then it expanded. Michael Lally was a main contribution immediately, volunteering to organize and record what occurred at the meetings. Miguel Rodriguez and Knute Johnson were key factors in making the voice of Squires known, and encouraging others to encounter the same experience. Patrick Carello stepped up and took a leadership role in recruiting and assisting in the running of the informational meetings.

The group includes ten young men involved in Boy Scouts, almost a dozen being part of the St Rose Senior Youth Group, and more than a dozen being sons of Knights.

As their first activity, the Squires plan to assist the Newtown Knights with their annual Breakfast with Santa and Toy Closet Distribution, both events being planned for Sunday, December 11.

In addition to becoming Newtown’s chief squire (chapter president), Matt Rahtelli has recently been appointed to a state level position for the 2011-12 year as marshal squire.

The organization of the Squires is an international fraternity of approximately 25,000 Catholic young men in more than 1,500 circles worldwide. Local Knights of Columbus councils and assemblies sponsor Squire Circles. The Squires involves young men in programs to benefit the church, the community, as well as in recreational and social activities. The organization offers young Catholic men the opportunity to grow spiritually, culturally, civically, socially, and physically.