It was a glorious celebration at the cathedral on Saturday as we honored 139 lay volunteers for their service to the Church. Most of the awardees had been nominated by their pastors but some were recognized for their work with diocesan agencies.
The occasion was the second annual Mass and reception for the presentation of the Bishop’s Awards for Service to the Church. It was a real family affair. I particularly enjoyed visiting with award recipients and their families at the reception-brunch that followed the Mass.
Our lay volunteers are the backbone of our parishes as they serve as catechists, Eucharistic ministers, readers, finance and parish council members, ushers, choir members, hospitality ministers and visitors of the sick. They accomplish things that the pastor could never do alone.
They do not work for reward or recognition but for the love of Christ and His Church. Each award I presented on Saturday recognizes not only the contribution of that person, but the contributions of all faithful lay volunteers in our parishes and agencies.
Theirs is the greatest gift…the gift of self. What a true and tremendous blessing they are!
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