2022-2023 Lumen Christi Award Nominees

Doris Royal | Archdiocese of Agana, Guam

Feeding the homeless

Doris Royal’s relentless drive to improve the lives of the most vulnerable began when she returned home after years of travel to her native island of Guam and became program director of the Archdiocese of Agana’s Ministry to the Homeless. Her presence has restored the island’s commitment to helping those in need, providing meals to the hungry and homeless through the program. Additionally, Royal founded a thrift store offering discounted, and even free, household appliances and clothing.

When the pandemic forced her to alter operations, she established outdoor pop-up shops, curbside meal pickups, and clothing drives throughout the diocese. Furthermore, she created a Pay it Forward monetary donation program that distributes funds to people in need, helping them purchase necessities.

For the last decade, Royal has exuded energy, passion and kindness while spearheading initiatives to serve the most vulnerable in her native Guam.

Father Arokia Raj Samala | Diocese of Amarillo, Texas

Pastor helps expand two tiny Texas parishes

Father Arokia Raj Samala, a missionary priest from India, has served the Diocese of Amarillo in Texas since 2010. This diocese has a population of less than 500,000, spread out over 26 counties in the Texas Panhandle. Catholic Extension Society has a long history of supporting the tiny, widely dispersed faith communities of this diocese. Father Samala serves as the parochial administrator of two parishes: Immaculate Heart of Mary in Groom and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clarendon.

Both parishes were in need of new parish halls when he arrived. The pastor set to work fundraising with both communities to make their dreams a reality. Within the past six years, through his guidance and support, both parishes have dedicated their new buildings.

Father Samala has become a part of the community as a whole. He said he appreciates the simplicity of life and honest nature of the people he serves.

Georgina “Sor Vicky” Beaz-Díaz | Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Delivering brighter futures to children in need

Sister Vicky’s service towards children living difficult home lives knows no boundaries. In 1989, after already having been a Catholic Sister for close to 40 years, she founded Centro de Animación Misionera Espiritual (AME) in the Diocese of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, a facility offering a place of human and spiritual growth for youth ages 7 to 16. Sister Vicky has helped AME expand to two locations, where her fellow sisters travel door-to-door looking for kids to join the program and escape from cycles of poverty and crime that are persistent within their neighborhoods.

Three decades later, AME has impacted the lives of more than 1,000 children and more than 500 families. Her ministry has been increasingly essential during the past four years, as Puerto Rico continues to recover from the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Maria, multiple earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has ensured no child would be left alone during these trying times.

Susan Joy Barcik | Diocese of Baker, Oregon

Catechist builds up faith for community rooted in Extension history

Mrs. Susan Joy Barcik proudly serves St. Katherine of Siena Parish, built by Catholic Extension Society in 1955, as its director of religious education. Over the last 15 years, along with being the director of religious education, Barcik has been the vice-chairperson for the parish pastoral council, a member of the parish’s women’s guild, main contact person for the parish’s Pro-Life movement, and a faithful volunteer as a Eucharistic minister.

The diocese provides a catechist certification program, funded by Catholic Extension Society, that helps to expand participants’ personal knowledge of church teachings and theology. Barcik is a past participant in the catechist certification and has now coordinated over 100 faith formation students for the parish in her time serving as a catechist.

The several ministries she takes part in are living expressions of Barcik’s passion for her faith, which everyone in the community appreciates about her. Students, parents and teachers think of her with great gratitude for her leadership and service, specifically in faith formation.

Mike Dodson | Diocese of Beaumont, Texas

“The gift of God”

Mike Dodson’s Catholic faith guides him in his service as director of Matityahu Homeless Ministry, a program providing meals, supplies and spiritual care to the homeless in southeast Texas. Dodson has expanded community outreach to the chronically homeless through this ministry by establishing City Park, a new program that provides backpacks filled with supplies at drop points throughout the park. The ministry’s mission shows love to the marginalized, and Dodson has successfully united community members to serve as volunteers.

In addition to operating Matityahu Homeless Ministry, Dodson is a candidate for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Beaumont.

Laura Whitehead Anderson | Diocese of Belleville, Illinois

God’s love comes in many forms

Laura Whitehead Anderson and the Guadalupe Project offers God’s love to expectant mothers in many forms. Diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, lotions, washcloths, bibs, bottles, baby food, toys, and books…, these are just the beginning. Whitehead Anderson knew that her ministry was more than just the distribution of baby essentials. Expectant mothers needed support as well.

Guadalupe Project’s ministry expanded to women and families suffering from post-abortion and miscarriage trauma. Educational and recovery programs including counseling, practical resources and most importantly prayer were offered.

Since 2015, Guadalupe Project has served over 375 different families in southern Illinois representing over 700 children. Over 2,500 visits have been made from all the surrounding counties and over 30 local towns. Nearly $10,000 worth of items are donated “in kind” each year both by visitors and by generous communities. Goodness begets more goodness.

Gregory Crapo | Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi

Ending the isolation that deafness brings

Since 2008 Gregory Crapo has been the Director of “De l’Epee Deaf Center in Biloxi MI. Crapo and his staff promote independence and inclusion in community for the deaf, hard of hearing, and disabled. 

Crapo has crafted a wide array of social services including ASL classes (American Sign Language), a food pantry, transportation, and emergency services during weather emergencies like Hurricane Katrina. An on-site clinic provides help for people who are cross eyed or who have cataracts.

The Center’s mission continues to expand. De l’Epee’s outreach is at an all-time high. More and more hearing-impaired people are moving into the area for the Center’s services. Bishop Louis KihnemannI says that “Greg has been challenged with expanding our established ministry to people of all disabilities while understanding the differences in each area of need.”

Sister Marta Tobon | Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama

Meeting the people where they are

At the new Guadalupan Multicultural Services center in Eutaw, Alabama, Sister Marta Tobon, a Guadalupan Missionary Sister of the Holy Spirit for over 40 years, has served more than 10,000 people annually with a staff of just two others. She is committed to combating poverty and helping people improve their living conditions.

Her ability to make connections creates an opportunity to build bridges in the community and reflect the love of Christ to all. In one of the areas she serves, Greene County, children are required to wear uniforms to public school. Sister Marta is well-known for keeping uniforms on-hand to give to those who cannot afford to purchase the uniforms.

Sister Marta exudes one of the great qualities of faith leaders in Extension dioceses across the country: the ability to meet people where they are. She gets to know individuals on a personal level, connects with them, and through her servant lifestyle exemplifies our faith through her works of compassion.

Daughters of Mary Immaculate of Guadalupe | Diocese of Bismarck, North Dakota

Just like Jesus

Jesus sought out followers on pathways, fishing docks, and hillsides.  The everyday places where everyday people went.

Where would He go today? 

Walmart. At least that is where the Daughters of Mary Immaculate of Guadalupe went. It was February 2015 and they spent two full days outside of Walmart passing out flyers. As one person put it, “Having them converse in Spanish seemed like a caress from God. God remembered us when He sent them.”

Pope Francis said in “The Joy of the Gospel”, the “worst discrimination which the poor suffer is a lack of spiritual care.” The Sisters were there to “extend” the Catholic Church’s reach to their Latino brothers and sisters.

All the parishioners from the five parishes they serve agree. The best evangelization tool is the Sisters themselves. And every time they want to meet more Hispanics. They return to the place it all started.  Walmart. Just like Jesus.

St. Vincent de Paul, Southwest Idaho District Council | Diocese of Boise, Idaho

Serving with passion and perseverance

St. Vincent de Paul of Southwest Idaho District Council (SVDPID) is grounded in collective action to serve the poor with passion and perseverance. Since the 1940s, the organization has combatted homelessness by providing people with food, clothing, furniture, and other household essentials.

The strength of SVDPID’s mission became tested when the pandemic descended and increased the need for services by more than 250 percent. SVDPID got creative, reaching nearly 26,000 people by organizing a mobile food pantry program to serve those facing barriers to reliable transportation. To comply with social distancing measures, they transformed one of their major food pantries into a drive-through facility, and also set up Zoom meetings for those facing eviction and utility issues. SVDPID ensured all their other programs remained in place.

These extraordinary efforts reflect one of St. Vincent’s de Paul most cherished tenets: “Faith without action is empty.”

Robert Noel | Diocese of Crookston, Minnesota

The Church of now

Robert Noel is in charge of youth and emerging adults in the Office of Formation. He is, most importantly, an expert in teenagers. He is surrounded by them in his roles as high school teacher, retreat leader, speaker, service project organizer, summer camp director and a national Catholic youth advocate. 

Noel developed the Padre Aplas’ Leadership Program, named in honor of Blessed Stanley Rother, a priest from Oklahoma who was martyred in Santiago de Atitlan, Guatemala. 

Padre Aplas’ Leadership teens work with an organization in Guatemala called Project Genesis. Genesis supports over 140 underserved children providing nutrition, vocational training and basic hygiene and health. The young people learn that being a Catholic means we must care for the poor and vulnerable.

Sisters Janice Thome & Roserita Weber | Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas

Listen and act

Sisters Janice Thome and Roserita Weber began the Ministry of Presence in Garden City, Kansas, in 1997 to support the region’s growing but underserved Hispanic population. They created a model of ‘listening and acting’ as their basis for providing resources. The sisters even took it upon themselves to learn Spanish, how to drive, and the information necessary to fill out government forms that are often an obstacle for those they serve.

“We are liaisons between those in need and the already existing resources,” Sister Thome explained. “Where there are no available resources, we create them. This linkage gives us a foundation for advocacy on behalf of the marginalized.”

The sisters deliver a voluminous folder of resources ranging from providing transportation to scheduling medical appointments. They provided counsel for teens during the pandemic. These Catholic sisters are truly present in every situation.

Marco Raposo | Diocese of El Paso, Texas

Peace and justice

Marco Raposo’s conviction that all people have a right to a dignified life is exactly why he felt he had the perfect mindset to lead Peace & Justice Ministry in the Diocese of El Paso. For the last 13 years, Raposo has served migrants and the incarcerated throughout the diocese, helping them navigate the traumas of immigration and crime. He has coalesced volunteer resources and transformed the pastoral center into a large, functional area for migrants to find relief in, welcoming them with breakfast and beds.

As an advocate for those affected by crime on both the state and national level, Raposo has worked to promote a Restorative Justice for the diocese, serving hundreds who have been affected by crime or other forms of violence or injustices, as well as the incarcerated as they are converted from a life of wrongdoing. The ministry is a past recipient of Catholic Extension Society’s Holy Family Fund for their Martyrs Hall Migrant Shelter. Raposo’s compassion and work for justice assures the thousands he serves that no social or economic system will deny them.

Deacon Bruce Dahl | Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota

The Men of the Cross

Deacon Bruce Dahl, a true leader within the Diocese of Fargo, has held multiple positions for Nativity Church, organizing parish formation, retreats, Marian Consecration and men’s prayer group meetings. He is also coordinator and creator for Men of the Cross Ministry, which unites men and enriches their faith through prayer, discipleship, and bringing Christ to secular culture.

Deacon Dahl has helped promote Men of the Cross through one-on-one evangelization, and by encouraging the group of men to wear a crucifix. This inspires members of the group to openly discuss the cross with individuals. Sharing their love for Christ has helped Men of the Cross grow to over 7,000 members. Deacon Dahl is an active contributor in the Catholic faith community and has inspired thousands to embrace and spread their love of Jesus.

The Vincentian Family | Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico

A long-term presence of love and care

In the 1990s, members of the Vincentian Family—including priests and brothers of the Congregation of the Mission, the women religious of the Daughters of Charity, and laity of the St. Vincent de Paul Society—came to the Diocese of Gallup to serve the Navajo, as well as the neighboring Hopi Pueblo people. Catholic Extension Society has offered significant support to their ministry since their arrival and continues to work in solidarity with them.

In 1997, the Daughters of Charity founded—with help from Catholic Extension Society—the Life Sharing Center, also known as the St. Jude Food Bank. The center has been a life-saving resource for many thousands of families over the years.

Father Jay Jung, C.M. ensures that faithful in the community have access to the sacraments, and welcomes all into the church.

The lay leaders of the St. Vincent de Paul Society also work with the community to provide necessities such as gas, electricity, firewood, food and more.

The Vincentian Family continued these ministries as Navajo Nation experienced the highest rates of infection and death per capita in the world in the pandemic. They will stay with the people, committed to follow Jesus and their founder, St. Vincent de Paul, in serving the poor and abandoned.

Mary Parlin | Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska

Publishing the good word

A typesetter-turned-editor, Mary Parlin has been an influential figure in Catholic journalism for the Diocese of Grand Island, helping readers grow in their own faith through her reporting. Since 1980 her work with the Diocese of Grand Island’s newspaper and the West Nebraska Catholic magazine has shared the Good News happening in local faith communities, reaching 16,000 Catholic households.

The dedication and commitment Parlin has put into her stories has been instrumental in keeping people throughout the diocese in touch with the Church. She views these strides and her journalism career more as a ministry than a job, which is shaped by her love of the Church and concern for others, to which she diligently gives light and perspective.

Father Stuart Long | Diocese of Helena, Montana (Posthumous Nomination)

Boxer-turned-priest’s final fight gives unto others

Catholic Extension Society supported the seminarian education of the late Father Stuart Long, a former boxer who became a priest after converting to Catholicism in adulthood. Just before he was ordained, he was diagnosed with a debilitating terminal illness.

After serving at two Catholic Extension Society-supported parishes for a couple years, he moved to an assisted living facility in Helena. From his wheelchair he continued to perform Mass and listen and speak with anyone who visited him. He was known as a good confessor because of his own ups and downs in life. As he neared the end of his days, the line of people waiting to meet him outside his room grew longer.

Since his passing in 2014, stories of his transformative witness have abounded—including marriages healed, personal lives set aright and young people considering vocations. His story is now known nationwide through the film about his life, “Father Stu.”

Very Reverend Simon Peter Engurait and Karen David | Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana

“Comfort my people”

In the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Very Reverend Simon Peter Engurait and Karen David have led spiritual and humanitarian relief efforts that touched thousands of vulnerable families impacted by Hurricane Ida’s devastation. More than anything, they have been a comforting presence for those that have lost everything.

When Father Engurait is asked ‘How is the diocese doing?’ amidst the ongoing recovery, he will quickly answer that a diocese is more than its buildings. The mission of the Church is alive and well, and it is focused on the people of the community. David has also played a key role listening to people, providing for their needs with supplies, and in several cases, personally ‘adopting’ families to ensure they have food on the table and a roof over their head.

In the time since Hurricane Ida made landfall one year ago, Father Engurait and Karen David have spent all their energy and efforts responding to the needs of the underserved, poor and most vulnerable within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, sharing hope and leading with faith. They truly exemplify how the Church always rises to the occasion, especially in times of difficulty.

The Bread of Life Food Program | Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan

Working as one people of faith

Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo created the Bread of Life food program in March 2020 as an immediate response to hunger, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic when many local food pantries closed. Volunteers and community partners helped feed over 23,000 individuals via drive-by distributions and home deliveries, and coordinated with a local food bank to access food. Committed to the poor, Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo always provides food regardless of a family’s income. The unwavering outreach efforts of program staff is a true testament to how a community of faith can inspire hope and make a change in the lives of those most in need.

Sister Mary Lisa Renfer, RSM, DO | Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee

Care can always be given

Sister Mary Lisa Renfer has a sign on the side of a 40 foot long diesel doctor’s office that reads, “Extending the Healing Ministry of Jesus to East Tennessee.”

St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic has 7 practice sites, provides in person service 7 times a month, and will see over 1,500 patients this year alone. Sister Mary Lisa has assembled a network of 100 health care professionals who lend their medical expertise to the mission.

She says, “Jesus comes to meet you in each person. Sometimes I can’t fix them, but I have to walk with them. And the more you walk with them, the more you know how to help.”

Her ministry is a Spirit filled activism to which she gives her all. Our Catholic faith comes alive when we stand in solidarity with those who suffer and Sister Mary Lisa shows us the way.

Francis Leblanc | Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana

Giving glory to the Lord in Louisiana

For decades, Francis Leblanc’s music has enriched the lives of thousands in the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana. He is the music minister at his home parish of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, as well as three other parishes in nearby Lafayette. He has also served as a music teacher for 24 years. A frequent performer at weddings, funerals and other major life events in the community, he is present at people’s brightest and darkest moments.

Each year, he performs throughout the diocese’s annual African American Youth Congress. This event, which is supported by Catholic Extension Society, invites young Black Catholics from across the state to celebrate and affirm their faith and culture and the gifts they bring to the Catholic Church.

“His skillfully trained vocal talents brings to his listeners an unforgettable and uplifting spiritual experience that transpires through all generations,” said Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel.

Sister Delnise Silva | Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico

A beacon of light

Sister Delnise Silva’s mission to serve the poor is rooted in education and spirituality. She has immersed herself in transforming lives ever since beginning her missionary work across her native Brazil and later in the United States when she arrived in the Extension-supported Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana at age 40. Her love of learning developed her into a well-rounded leader and prepared her for ministry experiences in the United States. The psychology degree she obtained in Brazil as well as the many languages she has learned has helped her engage poor children and work with their families as they grapple with poverty.

Sister Delnise came to Las Cruces Catholic School in 2014 to teach theology, later becoming a school counselor after seeing increased depression, anxiety and behavioral issues among her students. She is a true spiritual leader for the school, helping students and faculty grow in their faith. By opening hearts through Catholic education, Sr. Denise is a beacon of light for her community and school.

Josh and Ellen Van Cleef | Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky

Practicing the resurrection in crucified places

Joshua and Ellen van Cleef (and their 2-year-old daughter, Joy) have a BIG parish.  Think 500 square miles or roughly ½ the size of Rhode Island. 

The Van Cleefs know that parish has never been defined by longitude and latitude. They knew that Church happens when a community embraces challenges and struggles. Or, in Josh’s words, “We practice the Resurrection in crucified places.”

Great need is met with the bounty of God’s love in action. The Van Cleefs and their community distributed muck boots, warm socks, food, supplies, wool hats, bereavement blankets, Back to School bags, and gently used Bibles.

Holy Cross parishioners felt the devastation in their own homes. The Van Cleefs worked with Catholic Charities to aid in the recovery of homes and families throughout the county and secured and distributed much needed supplies and aid continuing the life-saving work of the Catholic Church.

Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven | Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas

From unsettling to resettling

Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven’s exposure to the plight of undocumented immigrants during college and graduate school would inspire her to become a tireless resettlement worker. She was involved with migrants while interning in Guatemala, developing an immigration law clinic in Chile, and working as a full-time youth minister in the Diocese of Little Rock for two years.

The diocese would go on to name her director for Catholic Immigration and Refugee Services and the Refugee Resettlement Program, where her skillset further expanded to provide post-arrival services, housing arrangements, employment opportunities, and other assistance to migrants. When the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan began in 2021, Jennifer had to quickly help resettle 81 refugees within four months and train volunteer teams to provide pro bono services, free medical services and language interpretation. Jennifer’s Catholic faith kept her working arduously to serve Christ and His people through advocating for refugees.

Sister Mary Lawrence, OP | Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee

Principal carries Catholic grade school through hard times

Sister Mary Lawrence arrived as principal St. Paul Catholic School in 2016 and began tackling the school’s enrollment and fundraising challenges. She helped grow the student population and expanded the school to include 7th and 8th grades. She used the tools she learned as a graduate of the Latino Enrollment Institute, a Catholic Extension Society-supported program at the that provides Catholic schools with strategies to better attract and serve Latino families in their local community. She has also engaged the Memphis community and St. Paul alumni in supporting the school.

St. Paul also experienced a drastic drop in enrollment during the pandemic, but through Sister Mary Lawrence’s efforts, the school bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.

She serves the children of St. Paul Catholic School and helps each of them to recognize their gifts and their dignity as a child of God.

Vera Maalouf | Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Missouri

Delivering brighter futures to children in need

Vera Maalouf is tireless and resourceful when it comes to her Maronite Catholic faith. Maalouf and her family immigrated to the United States in 1976 as Lebanon’s Civil War raged. Wherever the family moved throughout the country, they found and were actively involved in the Maronite Church, until they moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where the closest Maronite Church was over an hour away.

To address this proximity dilemma, Maalouf spearheaded the founding of a Mission church, Saint Sharbel Maronite Mission in Milwaukee, established in 2013. The Mission delivers brighter futures for children in need and has over 20 families currently committed.

Maalouf has dedicated her life to growing the Christian faith within the Maronite community in countless ways. She sits on the Board of Directors for the National Apostolate of Maronites and Telelumiere/Noursat, a television station airing Gospel programming in places where people don’t have churches in which to gather. Throughout her work Maalouf ensures no Maronite Catholic walks alone by bringing God’s message of love, faith and salvation.

Father Richard Shackil | Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg

A married priest from New Jersey

Father Richard Shackil, a married former lawyer and lifelong member of Sacred Heart Armenian Catholic Church in Little Falls, New Jersey, pursued his calling to priesthood later in life to serve youth, families, the elderly and sick for the Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he refused to work from an office and insisted on continuing to visit patients at hospitals, providing comfort to the sick as many lost their battle with the virus.

Additionally, Father Shackil engages young Catholics in faith formation through parish and regional groups including youth and young adult ministries, catechesis, and bible study. He also works to keep the Armenian Catholic traditions and culture alive in the Church, inspiring the next generation to incorporate both faith and heritage. Father Richard has earned confidence among parishioners of all ages and treasures being a priest every day.

Estelle Beauchesne | Diocese of Portland, Maine

Her students learn what it means to be Catholic

Ever since she was a child, Estelle Beauchesne knew she wanted to be a teacher. She attended St. André School in Biddeford, Maine, through the 11^th grade, and aside from 12^th grade and college, has now spent her entire life in a Catholic school. She just wrapped up her 48^th year as a third grade Catholic schoolteacher, spending nearly half a century bringing God’s love and joy to more than 1,200 students.

Her current principal at St. James School, Nancy Naimey, said of Beauchesne, “Her students learn what it means to be Catholic- to be caring, to serve. They learn by her teaching and her example.”

Beauchesne has been a shining example of energy in Catholic education and why it makes such a difference in children’s lives. Another former principal said of Beauchesne, “She brings the education world and the faith world together so that a child grows up to be a whole, nurtured and inspired individual.”

Dr. Seth Wright | Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado

A guide to missionary discipleship

Dr. Seth Wright’s ministry revitalization efforts within the Diocese of Pueblo have been integral to the sustainability of its parishes. Specifically, he became director of the Missionary Discipleship program, a relatively new ministry in the diocese aimed to address the declining number of families attending Mass and participating in faith-based activities. Dr. Wright has drawn upon his experiences addressing the needs of the diocese and individual parish communities in Texas to focus his ministry on formation and discipleship using personal, hierarchical and group initiatives. These include parish visits to guide church leaders, spiritual gatherings and retreats for families, and personal mentorships for individuals.

Catholic Extension Society currently funds the Missionary Discipleship program in the Diocese of Pueblo as its initiatives continue to reach and transform its faith communities through Dr. Wright’s leadership.

Deacon Casey Walker | Diocese of Sacramento, California

Talk it out

Deacon Walker was active in parish ministry at St. Basil’s parish in Vallejo CA. He was a choir member, lector, catechist, and Bible study leader. In 2018, Walker was ordained a deacon.

That same year, after the shooting of Stephon Clark, Deacon Walker decided that his life experiences as a black man and his willingness to engage anyone in conversation was his path forward in ministry.

Deacon Walker led over a dozen listening meetings in parishes school, and ecclesial leadership groups.  He led multiple training sessions for priests, deacons and lay leaders.

Deacon Walker pushes on because silence is not an option. As he says, “All I can do is go out and serve in the community and bring the hope, needs, and prayers of those I encounter back to the altar and ask for the graces of God and the strength of the Holy Spirit so I may be a useful instrument of the Lord.”

Kim Long | Diocese of Shreveport, Louisiana

Converts in costume

Creative and passionate, Kim Long has been invaluable to the Diocese of Shreveport serving as Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines parish. She has used engaging and less traditional teaching methods to help youth in their Catholic faith formation. She educates children on how Catholicism is practiced in other cultures, including specific knowledge on Celtic practices and the history of Catholicism in Ireland and Scotland.

Long also reaches youth as a contributor for the monthly diocesan news magazine, The Catholic Connection. Long has brought an energetic spirit to her young audience by organizing celebrations on the lives of saints and additional banquet feasts. Long has impacted 200 parish families, and has immense knowledge of what resonates with youth and how they can be guided towards a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

Father Douglas Lorance | Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio

A priest of good cheer

Father Douglas Lorance has been pastor for 25 years at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lyndora, Pennsylvania. He is almost 74 years old and is eligible to retire, but the Houston, Texas native is full of energy and wants to continue to serve the Ukrainian Catholic Church that drew him in 37 years ago.

Father Lorance, a non-Ukrainian, originally intended to become a Latin-rite Catholic priest, with the plan of attending St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston. However, his vocation changed when he visited a nearby Ukrainian Catholic Church and fell in love. He became the first non-Ukrainian to be ordained as a Ukrainian Catholic priest in his eparchy, the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio.

His consistent presence at St. Michael’s is comforting as he radiates his joy in Christ. His motto to parishioners is a simple one and it reflects his compassionate spirit: “Be of good cheer and the Lord is near.”

Ronda Risha | Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, New York

The power of one week

Ronda Risha’s passion for service is illustrated in the programs she has created for families and children at St. George Maronite Church. Serving as director of religious education, youth director, and as a catechist for the church, her involvement in its activities establishes an inviting culture that has helped enliven this faith community.

Risha is best known for organizing the parish’s Vacation Bible School in 1992, a week-long summer event where children “laugh, sing and learn about Jesus’ love for us.” The camp combines religious education, Masses, and learning about Maronite heritage. She also oversees a pre-school component to this program for younger children and their families. Ronda’s devotion has contributed to a developing network of volunteers, many of whom participated in this program as children and want to see that it continues to inspire today’s children.

Father Michael W. Gossett | Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio

From graduate to chaplain

In 2016, Father Michael Gossett was called to serve his hometown as the chaplain at his alma mater, Catholic Central High School (CCHS), where his presence has inspired students to grow closer to their Catholic faith. Father Gossett is incredibly active, organizing events within the campus ministry program that build community among students. Events include yearly retreats, weekly morning masses and evening Adoration services, where attendance has grown to nearly one third of the student body.

Additionally, Father Gossett hosts a weekly podcast that is directed towards today’s youth called “Know His Love,” which reaches over 10,000 listeners and discusses topics pertaining to the challenges young adults face in pursuing their faith. Father Gossett’s ministry at CCHS, the only Catholic high school in the diocese, is crucial as young and growing minds continue to fully embrace their faith.

Father Cesar Martinez | Diocese of Stockton, California

Finding a way on priest street

Father Martinez’ journey to hear God’s calling had uniquely prepared him to be the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Stockton CA, overseeing all Vocations programs, including the Seminarian Education Program and the St. John Vianney House of Formation. 

Jesus lamented that “The harvest is rich, but the laborers are few.”  This is not the case in Stockton. Through Father Martinez efforts, there are currently seven seminarians enrolled at St. Patrick’s Seminary with two potential candidates in discernment.

Father Martinez says, “It’s an honor for me to walk with these men…, because I was there. I know how difficult it was for me; two years of discernment is not easy, but it was all worth it.  I’m glad I listened to the voice of God.”

Bluette Puchner | Diocese of Superior, Wisconsin

A guardian angel for troubled children

Few people are as busy serving their community and their church as “retired” Bluette Puchner, a tenacious lay leader in the Diocese of Superior whose compassion can only be matched by her drive.

As guardian ad litem in the tribal courts of the St. Croix Band of Ojibwe, she advocated for children and made home visits to ensure each child’s best interest was at the heart of court proceedings. Catholic Extension Society supports ministry outreach to the Ojibwe.

At one point, Puchner absorbed the council’s entire caseload—43 families, some with multiple children. Although her role with the tribal courts recently ended, she continues to communicate with members of the struggling tribe. Parents and children often call her for advice and help.

She also the diocese’s lay ministry enrichment coordinator, has helped many struggling teens graduate high school as a mentor, and was a foster parent to 23 children.

Jean Fedigan | Diocese of Tucson, Arizona

“You made me feel human today”

God has called Jean Fedigan to serve at Sister José Women’s Center in the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona. The center, which Fedigan founded in 2009 while still serving as Chief Nursing Officer at University of Arizona Healthcare Hospital, is dedicated to the care of homeless and trafficked women living on the streets of Tucson.

More than just providing shelter from the desert sun, or giving access to showers, laundry, meals, and clothing, the center has a deeper mission on behalf of these vulnerable women. The center seeks to ensure that these women feel loved, respected, and assured of their human dignity.

Fedigan serves people of all religions, cultures, and walks of life. Her compassion is freely offered to all without judgement, because she sees the face of Christ in all whom she meets. Many of guests have simply told her, ‘You made me feel human today.’

Father Chi Peter Phung | Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma

Preserving rural Catholic communities

Father Chi Peter Phung has passionately served two underserved parishes in the Diocese of Tulsa—St. Michael’s in Henryetta, OK and St. Teresa’s in Okemah, OK— amid difficult times. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck further blows to each rural town’s ongoing economic decline, Father Phung provided round-the-clock care and comfort for both parishes as their pastor and sole full-time staff member. He has visited sick parishioners and kept church doors open to celebrate Mass. Admirably, he used his diocesan priest stipend to help cover parish bills and buy food for those in need at both parishes.

In witnessing Father Phung’s sacrifices for two Catholic faith communities on the margins, parishioners know they are cared for and will always be valued by God.

Mike Ferrigno | Diocese of Tyler, Texas

A humble passion

A 2010 near-fatal motorcycle accident did not stop Mike Ferrigno from running to answer God’s call to serve Catholics at St. Patrick’s Church in Lufkin, Texas. Throughout the last 12 years Ferrigno has served as instructor for the church’s RCIA program, preparing more than 200 candidates as they join the Catholic faith. His passion for service within the parish can also be felt through his involvement with music ministry and the English and bilingual choirs. Additionally, he leads a prayer chain that gathers parishioners from two Lufkin parishes.

Thinking ahead to leaving a lasting impact on the parish, Ferrigno and his wife have deeded their homes to the Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Lufkin to give back to the Catholic community. Mike’s efforts are a living testament to Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God…”.

Michael & Ann Concienne | Diocese of Yakima, Washington

Confirming the faithful

Mike and Anne Concienne’s ministry focus on confirmation instruction at Blessed Sacrament Parish has been transformative in the developing faith of adolescents. The married couple answered the Church’s call to become confirmation instructors in 1983, and have now spent nearly 40 years offering classes to generations of youth. Many of their former students, now adults, continue to serve in youth ministry themselves or in some capacity for the parish.

Ever since starting the program, enrollment has quadrupled and close to 2,000 youths have been instructed. Their impact is especially prevalent in schools, many of which have implemented the confirmation program for their own students.

Also lectors and Eucharists ministers at the parish, the Concienne’s have additionally established programs that help those in need during Christmas. The length of their service in the diocese is calculated beyond the thousands of youths they have served— and they have also become an essential resource for those in need throughout the diocese.