More than a dozen volunteers in youth ministry were honored Oct. 11 during the annual Youth Ministry Celebration Dinner held at St. Margaret Mary Church.
Karl Dolson, the director of the Office of Youth and Young Adults, said the awards give “recognition to those who’ve given of themselves to bring young people closer to Jesus Christ, the sacraments and the church.”
The awards “highlight the work they’ve done and give witness to the importance and value of youth ministry in the parishes and schools,” he said.
Among the honorees were several adults and young people.
The Salt and Light Award is given to adults who are positive Catholic role models and invite youth to grow in their faith and be active in the life and mission of the church.
“The award points to longevity in doing youth ministry,” said Dolson. “This demonstrates an investment in the lives of young people.”
This year’s recipients and their parishes are:
Heather Meyers, St. John Paul II Church; Pam Bates, St. Michael Church; Andy Puffer, Our Lady of Lourdes Church; Bill and Sandy Carlisle, Epiphany Church; Larry Heck, St. Patrick Church; and Jake Savage and Kathy Price, St. Edward Church.
The Joyful and Courageous Witness Award is presented to youth who encourage and model participation in Mass and the sacraments and who assist the youth minister in ministering to their peers.
Dolson added that “giving recognition helps them to see the value of what they do as young people.”
This year’s recipients and their parishes were:
Katelyn Warren, Katy Goens and Jarod Tichy of St. John Paul II Church and Jack Scherdin and Spencer Hoskins of St. Michael Church.
In addition to the award presentations, an adult volunteer was recognized for a milestone. Steve Scherdin, a parishioner of St. Michael Church, received a five-year service award.
