2024-2025 Lumen Christi Award nominees (2024)

Read more

• Beyond basic care, the San Rafael Geriatric Center offers its residents a Catholic presence and the opportunity for spiritual growth. The sisters lead daily prayers and offer the Eucharist. They also provide spiritual accompaniment up until the residents’ last moments. Families in Arecibo choose to take their loved ones to San Rafael because it’s a comforting, faith-centered environment.

  With a history of serving hundreds of high-risk elderly individuals and influencing thousands of volunteers, the San Rafael Geriatric Center is highly regarded for its affectionate care. It has been recognized for excellence by the Social Services Department in Puerto Rico and the Rotary Club of Arecibo. Bishop Alberto Figueroa Morales has said he is grateful for the center’s dedication to “inspiring hope and igniting change in the residents where their joy of life is preserved while increasing their desire for eternity.”

  At the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis said, “The entire Church is with you … cares about you, loves you and does not want to leave you alone!” San Rafael Geriatric Center, with Catholic sisters leading the way, truly embodies this teaching. It is a place that sets a wonderful example for the entire community of how to treat the elderly poor with dignity and love in their final chapters of life.

Read more

• During his time as judge from 1990 to 2008, Thompson sponsored drug-prevention legislation and rehabilitation programs with strong community support. His advocacy efforts paved the way for approaching the criminal justice system with empathy—such as pioneering “drug courts.” These treatment programs were implemented nationwide during the 1990s as effective alternatives to incarceration for first-time offenders. By connecting them to treatment and services crucial for recovery, drug courts have proven to help people get their lives back on track. Thompson drafted proposals to bring drug court programs into the state, with active programs thriving in nine counties today.

  This came well before the state’s recent drug-reform laws that have exacerbated the drug crisis in Oregon. The merciful initiative of drug courts was ignited by Thompson’s compassionate leadership. One long-time friend regards Thompson as always “counseling wisely and with a passion for his faith.”

Read more

• “It’s a truly dark place. But I guess in a darker place, it’s easier to see the light of Christ,” said Deacon Sellers.

  Over the last 10 years, Catholic Extension Society has supported prison ministries in 56 dioceses across the United States. Although often hidden to the outside world, these ministries are helping inmates make important internal transformations.

  Prison ministry is helpful to societal well-being as it has been shown to be an effective tool in reducing recidivism. These are intervention programs put in place by the criminal justice system that aim to lessen the likelihood of convicted criminals re-offending. According to a study published by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 2022, recidivism rates for the Texas inmate population continue to be among the lowest in the country, with rates of repeated criminal activity coming in at only 20.3 percent.

  Faith-based programs in our prisons have been transforming lives for the better, especially in East Texas. Deacon Sellers has put around 105,000 miles on his truck driving to serve the inmates at the Polunsky and Stiles prisons in East Texas. He brings them the Sacraments, teaches OCIA classes, and preaches to and counsels any willing to listen. He especially appreciates their curiosity.

  “When they’re able to talk to someone, they’ll ask you 10,000 questions,” Deacon Sellers said. “One thing I’ve learned about being Catholic is that when you try to teach it, you learn a whole lot more.”

  And Deacon Sellers has made it his mission to let each of these prisoners know that despite their past sins and mistakes, God is loving and forgiving. They need to start asking for forgiveness. But first they must forgive from within.

  “Sometimes it’s about forgiving ourselves,” Deacon Sellers said. “And I’m not trying to, especially in the prison, give them a, so to speak, get-out-of-jail-free card. Certain things caused what we are and what we’ve done. If God forgives us, then we need to forgive ourselves and start somewhere.”

  Through his unconditional love, Deacon Sellers shines a light for these men in the direction of newfound hope.

Read more

• In his years of working in this ministry, he recognized the challenges facing ex-prisoners after their release. Many were hesitant and unsure about how they would transition back into society after several years in jail. To address this, Slapshak co-founded Our Brothers’ Keepers of Southern Illinois (OBK) in 2018, which offers holistic reentry services including housing, counseling, life skills training and employment support.

  The profound compassion Slapshak exudes at OBK has fostered feelings of belonging and growth among those reentering society in the greater East St. Louis metro area. He drives clients to appointments and to secure essential items, offers emotional support and prays with them. Despite the high crime rates and poverty in the area, OBK successfully serviced 230 clients in the past three years with a recidivism rate of only 3%. Several prisoners have noted that without the reentry program launched by Slapshak, they’d likely be back in jail.

  Slapshak also ensures the continuity of OBK by emphasizing the power of faith in transforming lives. OBK board member Richard Crosby shared that during an internal review of OBK’s program services, Slapshak noted that its documentation forms for client interactions didn’t acknowledge the spiritual support component of OBK’s work. He went on to further stress the importance of this support as part of the ministry’s mission. This is a small but powerful instance that showcases Slapshak’s unwavering commitment to “centering all of us on a faith-based approach.”

  Slapshak’s faith has transformed OBK and its members. While OBK serves individuals of all faiths, it introduces many to the tenets of the Catholic faith and encourages a deeper exploration of their spiritual beliefs. OBK brings the word of God to the incarcerated, often for the first time in many years.

  Bishop Michael McGovern praises Slapshak’s lifetime of volunteer service: “Then, and today, Lou has been a driving force in answering the Gospel call to serve those imprisoned, and we are blessed by his ministry. … He truly cares and brings the love and compassion of Jesus into their lives.”

Read more

• The pantry’s building houses a new cooler, an assembly line for food storage and an active clothing and material supply area. Holy Rosary Food Pantry remarkably served nearly 2,000 people last December alone.

  The volunteers discover joy through service, motivating them to give of their time each day. One volunteer, Cassandra Palmer, said the food pantry is a rewarding experience for her, knowing she is impacting lives. “As a retired teacher, volunteering gives me an opportunity to remain active, to give of my time, talent and my treasure. I know I can’t help everybody, but it gives me joy to be able to help somebody. I feel that God uses us to reveal His ability to provide for His creation.”

  Coach Allen Murphy, a full-time pantry employee, formerly led youth programs ranging from sports to reading and tutoring sessions. Youth today have opportunities through the pantry organization to participate in a soccer league program at Holy Rosary and hear advice from role models like Coach Murphy. What has kept Coach Murphy going? Providing a safe environment for youth to develop positive behaviors and skills to keep them away from joining gang violence surrounding them.

  “I tried to instill something in them: to be positive in life,” Coach Murphy said.

  Many Gate City kids that grew up attending Holy Rosary have gone into fulfilling jobs. One woman works for the health department in Birmingham. Another woman, who participated in the parish’s soccer program, now works as a manager for NorthStar Soccer Ministries. This organization uses soccer as a ministry tool to instill self-confidence and social skills among urban youth in Birmingham who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in a sports program.

  Holy Rosary Food Pantry goes beyond providing physical nourishment—it embodies the essence of Catholic social teaching, promoting the common good and fostering a community where all are welcome and cared for. Dedicated volunteers serve each day with genuine love for their neighbor. Volunteer Tracy Bragg sums it up perfectly: “The food pantry has been the greatest gift from God. This community, both volunteers and clients, is often a glimpse of God’s kingdom, and you can see the sincerity and goodness of each person.”

Read more

• The mission of the radio network is “to evangelize and teach, through multi-media communications, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with the fullness of Truth of the Catholic Church. We strive to be Salt & Light (Mt 5:13-16) to all: to promote and build up Christ’s body, the Church.”

  This important ministry reaches homebound seniors, rural isolated communities and even prisoners. It helps people feel engaged with Pope Francis and the larger Church. The radio program has received many letters and calls from listeners telling them it brought them back to the faith or helped them discover their faith. One person wrote, “After listening to Salt & Light, I have a better understanding of my Catholic faith. Now when I receive the Holy Eucharist, I truly feel the presence of Christ.” Another said, “You guys are so wonderful! Thank you, thank you, for my conversion to the faith!”

  Salt & Light Radio also offers several locally produced programs, featuring clergy and faith leaders from across the diocese. Salt & Light covers diocesan events, such as special Masses and local high school games. It sponsors family-oriented conferences. It also sponsors a literacy and family day for the Hispanic community, an event expected to draw over 1,000 attendees this year.

  “Led by Keith Pettyjohn, Salt & Light Radio has had a tremendous impact on Catholics and non-Catholics alike in the Idaho community,” said Bishop Christensen.

Read more

• The Tekakwitha Center consistently impacts over 100 children and youth from 45 families annually. Lhotka staffs information tables at school open houses and engages with families to encourage them to send their children to grow in knowledge and faith at Tekakwitha Center. She also recruits and trains catechists, currently guiding 15 volunteers, and teaches various grade levels, filling in whenever necessary.

  Father John Cox, OMI, pastor of St. Ann, commends Lhotka’s sacrifices for the Tekakwitha Center. The Native American communities she serves in the area are no stranger to struggle, facing high unemployment and addiction rates. Often, grandparents are the primary caregivers of grandchildren.

  Through her organization of Vacation Bible School in the village of Naytahwaush, Lhotka supports several grandmothers on the reservation who raise their grandchildren. In recent years, Lhotka adapted the program to at-home learning and posted supplemental content online to facilitate family conversations. Father Cox said her creativity “exemplifies how deep her faith is and her commitment to share it with others.”

  Beyond religious education, Lhotka lends herself to leading several roles in parish events and liturgical ministries, as well as serving on the parish/finance council.

  While many have benefited from Lhotka’s leadership, she feels she learns a great deal from those she serves: “Many people passed on to me the Catholic faith. Helping others, sharing with them in their everyday lives, is the most meaningful and rewarding way I can share my faith.”

  Father Cox said, “I don’t know anyone who does as much for as many people as Janet Lhotka, freely and from her heart. Her reward will be great in heaven. It’s the only one she seeks.”

Read more

• The office currently employs two United States Department of Justice accredited immigration counselors, Gricelda Garnica and Karina Garnica, who have been in their positions for over 25 and 20 years respectively. They both began as administrative assistants and then in turn completed training to become Department of Justice approved counselors. The counselors have provided continuity of care, which is critical when the entire process from initial petition to attaining citizenship may take 15 to 20 years. Kent Ferris, director of social action, is the administrator, Glenn Leach has been a volunteer for decades and Vanessa Torres is an administrative assistant.

  “Most immigrants are coming here for a reason; they come escaping crime, looking for a better life and safety for their family and their kids,” said Gricelda Garnica. “My job is to help them obtain the American dream.”

  One family served by the office had their home bombed in Myanmar—a casualty of the civil war that has been raging in the country for over seven decades. The mother and father each took a small child and ran together. The grandmother took the infant child and fled in a different direction, and the family was tragically separated. The parents came to the United States as refugees, not knowing if the grandmother and their baby had survived. They began to work with the Immigration Office to obtain legal status. After 16 years the parents found, at last, the lost grandparent and child, and once again they came to the Immigration Office so the entire family could become legal, permanent residents.

  The Immigration Office presents “Know Your Rights” workshops, serves as panelists at parish and university presentations, is active in social action and advocacy for immigration and refugees, and hosts foreign consulates so clients can have easier access to vital offices. One retired priest, upon seeing the multitude of families patiently waiting under shade trees at the chancery for their turn to meet with visiting consulate staff, remarked that it looked like what he imagined to be the multitude gathering to hear and be fed by Our Lord.

  Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, former bishop of Davenport and current archbishop of neighboring Dubuque, said, “Providing legal immigration services not only provides essential services to those in great need, but also models our Church’s commitment to welcoming the stranger, which is so important in these times.”

Read more

• Sister Petra has identified host families in each of the five communities she serves. It is in these homes where she meets with families and engages with them on what they want for the Church. She listens to them and finds out how the Church can best serve them. It is in this way that Sister Petra is building the Church. She does not wait comfortably for people to come to her. By finding the people and taking the time to visit and check in, Sister Petra is truly going out and extending the embrace of the Church to those that are longing to be recognized.

  Since starting these visits, Sister Petra has begun to help the families she serves grow in their faith. Whether its programming Bible studies, reflecting on the sacraments or simply teaching people how to pray, Sister Petra is inviting all to encounter God each day.

  But again, the people have simply grown to love her presence. They see her walking around town and are excited when she comes to visit. Even the parishioners who do not speak Spanish have commented that having a religious sister in the community is a great witness to the faith. Sister Petra’s work will touch thousands as she continues on during her time in Kansas. She wants to fill them with faith and love, and she sets that example beautifully.

  “Faith, hope and love, when shared, leave a faithful, grateful and fruitful heart in the life of every Catholic,” Sister Petra said.

Read more

• She coaches young men far beyond the tactics of football; she guides them in their personal and spiritual lives, helping them understand that faith is not something that remains inside the walls of a church. She holds a prayer service for the players before every game.

  “Over the past nine years, she has attended daily practices and is on the sidelines at every game, home or away,” said Barbara McDonald, president of the College of St. Scholastica. “Many of the players consider Sister Lisa their prayer partner and spiritual advisor, and she makes it a habit of checking in with the young men, particularly those who may be struggling with personal issues.”

  She has found that young people feel comfortable speaking to her because of her role as a coach. It opens pathways for discussions on the struggles of real life.

  “I think as a coach, because it’s not real life and it’s not life or death, but it’s real-life application of how we live as people. I always think through sports you can speak in a more real way to kids about things because it’s putting things into action. … You can call them to task much easier, or you can give an example much easier. And so to me, sports and religion really go well together. They use examples of athletes quite frequently in the Bible.”

  Sister Lisa doesn’t just serve the football team; she is committed to each student-athlete across the college’s 22 athletic programs. Every year she provides a special prayer service to each team at the beginning of their season that includes the blessing and distribution of religious medals of St. Benedict.

  One of the key messages she shares with student is what she calls the “four plays for a good life.” They are hospitality, stewardship, respect and justice.

  “Those four plays you can run all day, every day of your life. At work, at school, at home, if we’re intentional about living those things, they can help us tackle whatever comes our way with joy. I believe that if you live your life in values, that’s a joyful life,” she said.

Read more

• Father Constantine comes to this naturally. To say that he is well-traveled would be an understatement. He was born in Lebanon and raised in Nigeria. He went to high school in England and college in the United States, and he is an economist by training.

  This rich background has prepared him for his numerous and demanding job responsibilities. He serves as the chancellor, tribunal coordinator, tribunal assessor, member of the priests’ retirement fund board, and spiritual advisor of the National Apostolate of Maronites.

  Such a portfolio demands world-class organizational skills, a lively intelligence, patient endurance, attention to detail and a singular focus that always keeps the big picture in mind. Father Constantine has all this and more.

  But what makes him such a great gift is that he knows he is blessed. He comes from a humble background where piety, hard work and service to others were expected and encouraged.

  Father Constantine explained: “From a young age, my siblings and I were taught that we were blessed beyond measure, and we were expected to do all we can to help others by being of service to them—regardless of our limited abilities. Serving the Church, in my very limited way, is the honor of a lifetime, and I will never be able to do enough to repay God for the extraordinary gift of the priesthood.”

  Bishop Zaidan knows what a gift Father Constantine is. He said, “Father Albert’s humble and steadfast dedication to working behind the scenes of our Eparchy is an important example to the Church. He is so compassionate towards the clergy and laity alike. Actually, he goes out of his way to assist others.”

  Working behind the scenes doesn’t sound glamorous, but coaches, sacristans, moms and bishops know that it is those who are behind the scenes who make things happen.

  Father Constantine’s quiet contributions to the smooth administration of the Eparchy allow the frontline missionaries and priests to bring the gospel message to others.

  And that is what really matters.

Read more

• At the heart of his mission also lies the commitment to preserving Armenian spirituality and cultural heritage. An accomplished singer, Father Bedrossian has used music to his advantage in engaging his parishioners. He has sung before Pope Benedict XVI and continues to take vocal lessons, earning him praise from the Armenian community. That he excels in every aspect of his life is an understatement—he also speaks five languages.

  Father Bedrossian is sowing the seeds to build a vibrant parish in the eparchy. He has integrated many ways to promote the spiritual growth of his parish, embodying St. Mother Theresa’s philosophy in his substantial actions. He is a priest filled with love and great hope for the future of the Church.

Read more

• Korendii teaches catechism at her local parish in Parma, Ohio. She leads young people in the Rosary, Taizé prayer, pilgrimages and walking tours of the community.

  Her parish is named Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church—”pokrova” means “protection of the Mother of God,” something Korendii experienced firsthand. She said that participating in the Pokrova faith community was like going home to Ukraine.

  She began organizing summer Bible camps, in which children from different parishes participated. Later, she joined the Eparchial Youth Committee. She participated in all youth events, during which she always leads the singing of “Slava Ukraini,” which is a patriotic phrase in Ukrainian that means “Glory to Ukraine.” (It’s similar to the United Kingdom’s “God save the King.”) Ukrainians have used the phrase for generations to rally support. Korendii will never let the young people she leads forget where they came from.

  For the last two years, she has been the chairwoman of the committee of the All-American Youth Pilgrimage, which unites hundreds of Ukrainian Catholics from all over the United States. The last event drew over 500 youth and adults.

  Korendii tells this story about the impact working with young people has had on her own faith:

  “One of the last stories that confirmed me in my ministry was a conversation with teenage girls who shared that they never tell all their sins in confession. After our conversation, they went to confession and came out with tears in their eyes and said that it was the first sincere confession in their lives. I am grateful to God that because of our conversation with those three girls during the retreat, something has changed in their spiritual lives.”

  Olena Korendii has an old soul. She is a faith-filled Ukrainian Catholic young woman who has a meaningful impact on the lives of many children and youth. She knows where she has come from and has the vision to see where she and her people will go.

  Slava Ukraini!

Read more

• Part of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, the center, which was renamed in honor of St. Sharbel in 2023, showcases Catholic teachings from both the Eastern and Western rites. Catholic Extension Society has actively supported the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn throughout the last decade. This includes Catholic missions named after St. Sharbel scattered across the country, from Milwaukee down to Tennessee and El Paso, and out west to Las Vegas.

  Mass is celebrated at the center Monday through Friday by a rotation of priests from traditions that include Maronite, Byzantine and Latin Catholic. In addition to the variety of Masses, the center contains more than 10,000 books on spirituality to further advance evangelization.

  A healing Mass in honor of St. Sharbel is held on the 22nd of each month. These services include special prayers to God and St. Sharbel.

  The evangelization potential at the Saint Sharbel Spiritual Life Center is monumental, and the center serves as a place where everyone can grow in knowledge and faith.

  “The Saint Sharbel Spiritual Life Center will continue spiritual formation with a distinct Maronite Catholic flavor, combining the best of Eastern and Western Catholic traditions on the interior life,” said Bishop Gregory John Mansour.

Read more

• In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the Hunts became the first Indigenous co-directors of the NMTP. Just a year after signing on to lead NMTP, Dom was ordained a permanent deacon.

  The Hunts provide comprehensive training to parish staff and volunteers, including liturgical and pastoral training. Rural parishes always struggled to maintain catechists due to Alaska Natives’ respect for elder wisdom, which limits those the community will recommend for leadership positions. The Hunts have addressed this issue creatively, by shifting catechesis from the parish to parents and guardians and developing culturally affirming catechetical materials.

  “Yup’ik people are very humble, and they often insist they wouldn’t do a good job teaching the faith,” Lala said. “By having them teach their own kids, it opens up the possibility that they would be willing to teach the faith to others too.” 

  The Hunts have been instrumental in helping the diocese’s other faith leaders—who are not Indigenous—make significant advances in enculturation. As members of the Intercultural Dialogue Group and directors of NMTP, they have worked to ensure the diocese’s programs, materials and even liturgies reflect Indigenous values and traditions. For example, they have drafted rosary reflections rooted in traditional subsistence (i.e., hunting and gathering)—activities that would be familiar to Yup’ik families.

  “Our work is meaningful because we know we are helping our people to reclaim their sense of the sacred. We are so proud to be Yup’ik Catholics, and we want them to be proud too. Embrace who you are! Our people have an innate spiritual connection to Creation,” said Dom and Lala.

Read more

• Deacon Copeland’s duties as chancellor include personnel and property management. This is no small task. There are 53 parishes and over 50 priests in his portfolio. Deacon Copeland also coordinates mission outreach for solicitation of funds and coordination of special projects as directed by Bishop James Wall.

  Deacon Copeland may also be called upon to help with more mundane matters like fixing a roof that caved in on a parish church due to monsoons. Or fixing a leak in Bishop Wall’s office! Or something as simple as a trip to the grocery store to purchase food for a person in need. Deacon Copeland’s job description is never ending.

  And how does Deacon Copeland manage so many things so well? The answer can be found in a quote from St. Therese of Lisieux he has pinned to his office wall. “Let us humbly take our place with the imperfect.” He is lifted up and energized by God who always stands with those who have been counted out.

  When he retired in 2001, he and his wife moved to Gallup to work in the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Gallup Indian Medical Center, which is dedicated to the service of Native American peoples of that region with a special focus on children.

  It is the children who are Deacon Copeland’s North Star. He and his wife are deeply involved in local pro-life efforts to support young families and mothers in crisis pregnancies.

  Those who know him best say that Deacon Copeland always helps individuals in need. He does this as a matter of habit. The bishop himself says that this “is most inspiring and very true. In Deacon’s life he does much that is seen but also unseen.”

  The truth is that Deacon Copeland serves the distressed, no matter who they are and in whatever capacity they need.

  And that, perhaps, is the best job description of a deacon—“he serves the distressed, no matter who they are, and in whatever capacity they need.” You don’t need 100 hats to do that. Just the spirit of God who always stands with those who have been counted out.

Read more

• Cortes-Lopez’s responsibilities include teaching religious education; planning annual events and outreach visits primarily in the heavily migrant-populated counties; and implementing special programs for migrants during harvest season.

  Cortes-Lopez said, “The community is my great family where I find support and great challenges leading me to greater commitment and desire to prepare myself to give better service. The catechesis and prayer of the Holy Rosary in different homes contributes to the family feel, and Spanish Masses gather us as one great family of God, in which there is no distinction of race, language or culture, all united in one faith.”

  Her contact with the children and families through sacramental preparation and other outreach is intimate. She absolutely loves to do home visits. While these often include some aspect of catechesis, the real purpose is to build and nurture friendships with the families. She often helps with babysitting or short-term childcare when the need arises. Catechesis comes in many forms.

  Cortes-Lopez focuses on building friendships and, as a result, is trusted by many. People often seek her counsel when experiencing personal problems, family difficulties and the heartache which comes with being far from home.

  “I have seen the spiritual need of these people,” she said. “I have the deep desire that they have a personal encounter with God that would change their lives. I find great joy and feel this is my mission.”

  Cortes-Lopez plays a pivotal role in building faith, inspiring hope and igniting positive change. Her leadership strengthens the bonds within the Hispanic community and creates a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

  Although most of us have no idea about the sweat and toil that brings food to our tables, Cortes-Lopez does. She knows that behind every bag of apples and every box of cherries there is a migrant worker, thousands of miles from home, doing this hard labor for the benefit of their family. And these workers deserve the best care and support our church has to give. After all, they are part of the great Catholic community of faith, and Sylvia Cortes-Lopez is their pastor.

Read more

• In Kube’s words, “Life is the preeminent issue of today.” And Kube gives his all to this effort.

  Kube has built up the pro-life “infrastructure” in Grand Island. He has put together pro-life networks, organizations and pregnancy-help groups. And he has promoted pro-life advocacy on legislative issues by hosting an annual pro-life coffee meeting with Nebraska senators.

  Most impressive is his work with young people. Kube brought speakers into local high schools annually to speak on and promote a pro-life culture. He facilitated the organization of Students for Life groups within high schools and co-sponsored high school students to attend the national March for Life each year in Washington, D.C.

  As a result of these efforts, two high school students started a pro-life group after attending one of the pro-life coffee meetings, and they have continued pro-life advocacy in college.

  Additionally, Kube organizes and assists with processions, Masses and eucharistic adoration for the pro-life cause because he believes that this work is guided by God’s Spirit, the first and foremost engineer.

  Kathleen Hahn, retired chancellor of Grand Island, said, “Mike Kube is an outstanding mentor and leader in the diocesan pro-life movement. He actively finds ways to incorporate all parishes in life-giving and affirming manners. Whether it’s Walking with Moms in Need, Pro-life Art Contests, speaking opportunities, workshops, lobbying in the legislature or hosting our diocesan-area legislators and governor for an annual coffee morning, Mike gives his all. He is a powerhouse in the movement.”

  When it comes to Kube’s work for the pro-life movement, there are no half measures. There is much parched land in need of God’s life-giving grace, and like Isaiah, Kube will not rest until the land will be glad and the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

  Because, as he says, “Life is the preeminent issue of today.”

Read more

• Located in the thrift store and in collaboration with over 20 local organizations, 25 churches and a base of faithful donors, the assistance ministry meets a broad swath of critical needs for clients. Relief comes in the form of necessities found in the thrift store and in more comprehensive support such as medical assistance, food, housing, transportation, mental health services, tax relief and assistance with utilities.

  But there was still more to do. Ortega then became involved with Our Place drop-in center in downtown Helena. In 2020, due to Ortega’s compassion and commitment to serving the most vulnerable, Our Place temporarily became an outreach of Good Samaritan Ministries, the thrift store she operates. Now officially a permanent program under Good Samaritan, Our Place provides a safe, inclusive and nonjudgmental environment for individuals experiencing homelessness or seeking support with sobriety and mental health challenges.

  Ortega actively engages with clients at Our Place, offering assistance in obtaining essential documents such as Social Security cards or birth certificates. She also assists them in securing housing and connecting them with addiction or other necessary services in the area.

  One of Ortega’s volunteers said this about her ministry: “The depth of Theresa’s impact on our community is profound, literally changing and even saving lives. While she could have simply operated a thrift store and turned a blind eye to the myriad needs around her, she instead chose to confront the indifference and neglect facing the less fortunate head-on. Her steadfast determination has left an indelible mark on our community. Because of her efforts, Christ is more present and moving in our lives.”

  So, a thrift store is not a thrift store when Theresa Ortega is managing it. It is a launching pad, the setting for goodness giving itself away in ever-widening arcs.

  But don’t tell Ortega that. You won’t find her. She’s out finding still more to do.

Read more

• The order sent Sister Mary Lisa to Michigan State University, where she completed her doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine. This unique fusion of a medical degree and a religious vocation prepared Sister Mary Lisa to become the medical director of St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic (SMLC).

  The first indication that one is beholding something special in Sister Mary Lisa’s ministry is her clinic’s sign, which reads: “Extending the Healing Ministry of Jesus to East Tennessee.”

  The sign is on the side of a 40-foot-long, three-axle, 10-wheel, custom-made, diesel-run doctor’s office, complete with on-board computers, a treatment room, a health assessment station and a lab.

  Her patients come from the peripheries to the mobile clinic. Seventy-two percent of them live in extreme poverty, and they suffer the afflictions of the poor—diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, opioid addiction and lung disease.

  The vast majority of the patients are not Catholic. In fact, often, their first exposure to the Catholic Church is Sister Mary Lisa, her staff of two and her team of 100 volunteers. There could be no better introduction to the Church.

  The clinic covers a lot of ground. SMLC has nine practice sites (soon to be 10) and will see over 1,500 patients this year alone. The mobile clinic traveled over 11,000 miles last year. And, as always, it is the people who matter.

  Pope Francis said, “Even when healing is not possible, care can always be given.” Sister Mary Lisa exemplifies this by walking with each patient through each of their unique circ*mstances. She never separates the healing of the body from the ministry to the soul. She said, “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.”

  Sister Mary Lisa Renfer sees the face of Our Lord in the poor. It is her habit. 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.

Read more

• Every week after Sunday’s Mass, one family from each of the parishes in the Diocese of Laredo is assigned a missionary retablo to take home. A retablo is a small shrine bearing an image of Our Lady. Each family then commits to daily prayer and meditation for Pope Francis and the Church as a whole, for families, for the governments of each nation and for peace in the world.

  Approximately 300 missionary retablos have been distributed. Aguirre came to understand that her mission was to “wrap the entire diocese with the veil of Our Lady.”

  Additionally, Apóstoles de Fátima is in the process of establishing two more initiatives. Firm Rock is a three-year program to help newlyweds establish their marriage on the “Rock” who is Christ. The second initiative, The Armor of God, is a club for children that meets monthly with the goal of encouraging youth to continue growing in their faith after receiving their first holy Communion and prior to being confirmed. The club also prioritizes having a missionary spirit and imitating Jesus in love and humility through the practice of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

  Aguirre said, “The fruits that have been borne from Apóstoles de Fátima have been abundant.” She humbly recognizes that our Blessed Mother placed every inspiration in her heart, and that it is through the grace of the Holy Spirit that so many hearts have been moved to prayer and worship and have seen lives transformed by God’s mercy.

  Led by our Blessed Mother, Aguirre plans to share the work of Apóstoles de Fátima with other dioceses in hopes that they too may be open to new ways of building the Kingdom of our Lord.

  After all, there are so many people who experience restlessness in their faith life. Aguirre and the Apóstoles de Fátima will help them see that their discontentment can be the first step toward the Blessed Mother placing inspiration in their hearts.

Read more

• God thirsts to love the poor, the imprisoned, the hungry, the heartbroken and the abandoned. In Mexicali, Gloria Gutierrez discovered her vocation, a way to slake the thirst of her soul, a way to make God’s thirst her own.

  Gloria joined the Dominican Sisters of the Christian Doctrine in July 2014, and ever since she has served as an instrument of God’s love.

  She spent two years in Ciudad Juárez helping with day care, preschool and religious education, followed by four years serving the poor in three separate locations driving a weekly circuit of 146 miles.

  She was then asked to come to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral Parish (IHMC) in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to reach out to youth and young adults. Her weekly round trip was a measly 80 miles, leaving more time to expand her outreach.

  She was then asked by the mother superior of the Dominicans and Las Cruces Bishop Peter Baldacchino to work with the migrants in the Otero County Processing Center (OCPC). There she discovered that the fundamental human principle of family unity, long a hallmark of U.S. immigration policy, was under attack.

  Children were separated from their parents, husbands and wives from each other. Sister Gloria was there for them, a comforting presence, a source of solace and prayer, a teacher of the faith and bearer of the Eucharist.

  Today, Sister Gloria directs the IHMC sacramental preparation program for Communion and confirmation. Sacramental preparation has grown to 132 students, as well as nine adults participating in the RCIA program. She continues to minister to 50 migrants at the OCPC.

  And through it all, no matter how diverse Sister Gloria’s ministry is and will be, one thing remains the same—God’s thirst is her thirst.

Read more

• Things are tough in eastern Kentucky. The area has recently seen a decline in population. Over 20% of its population is below the poverty line, and almost 17% has not yet graduated from high school.

  Michael knows this area well. He served as a football coach, teacher and superintendent for Lawrence County before retiring in 2003. Coaching runs in Michael’s blood. Both his son and son-in-law coached in the NFL. This explains why Michael is such a great coach to FBAMC clients looking to improve their homes.

  There is little that Michael and the FBAMC volunteers do not do. As executive director, Michael leads an average of 200 home visits each year. A home visit assesses the social service needs of the family as well as the condition of their home. The Home Repair Program offered by FBAMC completes an average of 50 home repair projects annually, with projects ranging from handicap-accessible ramp installments to roofing repairs.

  Michael’s clients have many other needs besides home repair. Some FBAMC efforts have included providing transportation to homeless shelters, buying a tank of gasoline to assist a family who must drive every day for cancer treatments, or helping a senior citizen complete the application paperwork to become a resident in low-income housing when their home is beyond repair.

  One woman’s life was transformed by her encounter with FBAMC. She was a single mother who needed a handicap ramp installed on her trailer. Michael and some volunteers spent five days getting to know her while the installation and repairs were being completed. She said her goal was to attend phlebotomy school but didn’t know if it was possible or where to start. Michael helped her explore potential options for the remainder of the week.

  A few months later Michael went to do a follow-up visit. When he arrived, he noticed that the ramp had been painted and decorated. The woman said that the ramp was such a gift that she wanted to take care of it as best as she could. She also told Michael that she had enrolled in phlebotomy school and was working to make a better life for her child.

  More than nails, drywall and bricks, it is hope that is the one essential material for building a life. St. Joseph knew this. Michael knows this too. That is why he is a Lumen Christi Award nominee.

Read more

• At the beginning Rollins thought HOPE’s Kitchen would just serve meals, but since goodness always tends to spread, the mission grew. Those coming for meals asked Rollins and her volunteers for their prayers. What started as nutrition for the body became food for the soul—for both the volunteers and the patrons.

  Rollins quickly realized that many people could not make the trip to St Mary’s. So HOPE’s Kitchen had to go to them. Volunteers were soon delivering meals to friends and neighbors who were homebound or elderly. Goodness spread.

  Several donors came forward to update the parish kitchen. High school and college students volunteered, finding HOPE’s Kitchen a perfect way for them to connect to church and find a place in the Gospel’s age-old mandate to feed the hungry.

  One impact was not foreseen at the start of the ministry but has become a vital part of the service—the provision of basic needs. At each meal service, patrons are provided with requested services in the areas of food, clothing, persona-care items and referrals to community resources. The whole Siloam Springs community pitches in and finds what is needed.

  Rollins came to understand HOPE’s Kitchen’s work as creating a space for the Holy Spirit to move. She believes the Holy Spirit inspires volunteers to make meals and inspires patrons to seek out those meals, plus the love and care that come with that. Goodness spreads. In fact, the work of the Holy Spirit can be thought of as spreading goodness.

  Rollins stated simply that HOPE’s Kitchen’s work is reflective of Mother Teresa’s quote, “Do something beautiful for God.” So on the third Thursday of the month, volunteers come together to prepare for the next day’s meal. And they return on Friday to serve those meals to the homeless, to veterans suffering from PTSD, to the elderly, the disabled, the poor, those down on their luck and those who are counted out. It is beautiful.

  Or, as St. Thomas would say, “Bonum Diffusivum Sui Est.”

Read more

• Klein came to this ministry in 2021 after many previous directors had come and gone. She started from scratch. While most people would struggle, Klein saw this “blank slate” as a chance to propel Lubbock’s Bishop Robert Coerver’s vision for the youth laid out in his pastoral letter.

  As pandemic restrictions lifted, she set out to meet with every pastor, youth minster, teacher, student and young adult in every parish who would receive her to listen to their needs, inspire them to develop dynamic youth programs at the parish level and invite them to participate in diocesan events.

  It turns out that the secret to engaging youth is to listen to them. She created programs to help young people encounter Christ through service, education, mentorship and spiritual direction.

  She has taken groups of students to the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) to experience the Universal Church through prayer, community, evangelization, and catechesis. In 2022, only eight teens signed up, but by 2023 word had spread about the NCYC, and more than 50 youth and 10 adult sponsors participated.

  Klein has created a Local World Youth Day (LWYD), a much-loved annual gathering of youth on the Feast of Christ the King.

  Klein’s first LWYD held in Lubbock in 2021 had a small turnout of sixty children. In 2023 an estimated 500 people joined the Local World Youth Day celebration.

  When Bishop Coerver was asked how he felt to see a sea of 500 people, mainly youths, attend, he said, “It was amazing to be leading that procession with the Eucharist and hearing the praying and the singing that accompanied the procession. The spirit of the youth was palpable.”

  At a time when local parishes struggle to involve young people, youth ministry in Lubbock is flourishing. And the creative, engaging and effervescent mind of Peggy Klein and her young people are leading the way.

  As for the opening pop quiz, the answer is, iv) All of the above.

Read more

• Alley had always been deeply involved with her parish, Holy Angels Catholic Church in Dyersburg, Tennessee. She read at Mass, served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, and served as director of Religious Education for five years.

  But ALS took all that away. She was confused, angry and becoming bitter.

  A friend encouraged her to “have it out with God.” Alley went home, got in her closet and yelled at God for all the unfairness. She asked, “What is happening to me?”

  Alley said that God answered her back right away. He said, “Sara, you are much more than your body.”

  And that is when Alley discovered her special ability, an ability forged by embracing her adversity and grounded in the enabling Spirit of God. Currently she is unable to use her hands to type due to her illness, but she uses her eyes to create the words to blog about her experience with ALS and her journey to spread God’s love to others.

  She began blogging about her experience with ALS and living out her Catholic faith. The Dyersburg State Gazette was so inspired by her blog that the newspaper began publishing it on its news website and still does to this day.

  In 2016, she became race director for “Autumn Walk for ALS,” an annual walk/5k/10k run for education and ALS research. Alley also works with Matthew 25:40, a local outreach ministry that assists in feeding 700 people per month. She also runs three separate weekly Bible studies with people from different Christian denominations.

  Alley says “I want to spread so much love and light. I can be a saint because the more you give God’s love, the more He gives you.”

  Currently, she is writing a book titled My Life Has Been Resurrected, which is about ALS and her faith journey. “As long as I’m living,” she says, “I will use my brain to help others in need. I want God to use me until there is nothing left.”

  Disability? Hardly. One would be hard-pressed to find a more abled person. But that is what happens when we give our lives over to God and use all we have until there is nothing left.

  And Sara Alley is our example, our Patron Saint of Ability. A true Lumen Christi.

Read more

• He has served as a member of the Catholic Social Services Board of Directors and as pastoral administrator for the Permanent Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Mobile. He was appointed by Archbishop Thomas Rodi as chancellor, wherein he served in a dual role as chancellor and director of the Permanent Diaconate.

  During his 10 years as director, 27 men were ordained to the Permanent Diaconate. In August of 2023, Deacon Hathorne took on development, oversight and direct supervision of the Archdiocese of Mobile’s first Hispanic Formation Program.

  So, if you are keeping score, Deacon Hathorne is successfully managing and overseeing both a Hispanic and an English-speaking Formation Program, directing the Permanent Diaconate, and carrying out his parish assignment at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

  As the old saying goes, if you want to get something done, ask a busy person.

  Deacon Hathorne’s ministry is not just an impressive listing of job responsibilities. It is a reflection of his heart. He burns with the Light of Christ and inspires all he encounters to allow that same Light of Christ to burn within their hearts, allowing them to display God’s love to His people in unique and essential ways.

  So yes, Deacon Hathorne is a busy man. (His list of job responsibilities is 19 items long!) But more fundamentally, he is in love with the people of God in the Archdiocese of Mobile and thanks God every day for the opportunity to serve them.

  And if St. Paul ever wants to start up another round of deacons, he will not need seven candidates. He will need only one—Deacon Ronnie Hathorne.

Read more

• He and his good friend, Dick Embacher, began collecting used, good-quality furniture and beds. Some furniture was donated, and other furniture was purchased at garage sales.

  Local furniture stores chipped in with donations. As word got out, referrals began coming from Brown County Human Services and other local organizations. As the demand increased, Gehrke and Embacher outgrew the garage they were using. They rented a larger storage facility and formed Heart to Home Furnishings.

  Heart to Home Furnishing has been operating for over 10 years and currently has more than 40 volunteers who schedule pickups and deliveries. Volunteers also clean and recycle pillows and bedding for mattresses. They currently receive referrals from many local agencies including Brown County Human Services, First Choice Pregnancy Services, NOVA House (a halfway house for the mentally ill), NUMAS Haus (a homeless shelter for women and children), Veterans Services, Red Cross and Minnesota Valley Action Council, as well as local churches.

  From the very beginning Gehrke has used his truck and trailer to pick up and deliver items. He did this with no intention of ever requesting or accepting reimbursem*nt for expenses, or maintenance for fuel. Gehrke has logged roughly 15,000 miles in his faithful truck, and even today, he will not accept reimbursem*nt for purchases he makes for Heart to Home.

  As if Heart to Home weren’t enough, Gehrke also maintains New Ulm’s beautiful outdoor Stations of the Cross. Additionally, Gehrke has personally cut, sanded and finished over 2,000 individual crosses so each person who visits the historic Way of the Cross can leave with a cross as a reminder of their visit and spiritual experience.

  Dick Embacher said, “When watching Steve in action, interacting with and serving others, I often think of the song ‘They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love’ or the quote ‘See how those Christians love one another.’ It would surprise me if there is anyone whose life and work reflect Christ’s Light in the world any more brightly than Steve’s.”

  Father Mulcahy would agree. God has certainly put Gehrke here so that “He could be here himself, through the people He created in His image.”

  The simple truth of the matter is that Christ plays on ten thousand stages, and one of them is Steve Gehkre’s heart.

Read more

• The Collection Center received and channeled the aid sent from the diocese, churches and private citizens outside of Puerto Rico. Guayama and the neighboring towns of Salinas, Arroyo, and Patillas were the immediate recipients of the emergency aid.

  Hundreds of families came to the Collection Center looking for food, water, clothing and basic necessities. Most of the families had lost everything. Sokie and her volunteers worked 12 hours a day to keep up with the endless requests for help.

  Sokie and the people of St. Anthony made it their mission to continue to provide immediate help without the endless protocols that so often slow down the distribution of aid. The Collection Center was renamed to The Mercy of Jesus because the community thought that Jesus was and would always be at the heart of their ministry.

  Inspired by the Social Doctrine of the Church, Sokie prioritized the organization’s efforts to give aid to the most vulnerable. This was their singular evangelization strategy. The Mercy of Jesus lived up to its name. They wanted people to pay attention to what they did and not just to what they said.

  The passage of time has yielded further refinements. Sokie has added a kitchen for hot meal service to the elderly and sick and their caregivers. She has added a washing machine and dryer to improve the quality of life for the homeless and for those who need clean clothing and bedding during their illnesses.

  And Sokie has helped other communities that have faced disasters of their own. She has organized missions of help and support to the Bahamas after Hurricane Fiona, to western Puerto Rico after a 6.4 earthquake in 2020, and to all both near and far during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  Sokie and the Puerto Rican people have dealt with hurricanes, earthquakes and other disasters. But they will not be defeated. They know who they are. The know that with and through the Mercy of Jesus, they can rise from anything.

Read more

• Garcia has been involved in the Knight of Columbus for nearly 30 years, including as Grand Knight from 2022-2023. He’s helped lead initiatives such as an annual turkey dinner to feed 800 people. In addition to this, he also routinely stops and assists the homeless on the streets by simply buying them a meal. He’s also helped run the Rapid City Knights’ Coats for Kids project, where as many as 300 winter coats are purchased and distributed to keep children in need warm.

  In 2019 five Nigerian families came to Rapid City. Garcia was there to welcome them to the community and has walked with them on their American journey ever since. He’s helped them purchase necessities such as winter clothing. He’s even invited them into his and his wife’s home when their water pipes have frozen in the frigid South Dakota Winters. Just as he did in Vietnam, Garcia shows complete kindness to the stranger.

  “Ernie shows us just how easy it is to be kind to our fellowman and to lend a helping hand when needed,” said James Schaefers, Director of Facilities for the Diocese of Rapid City. “His strong faith in our Church is an inspiration to all who know him and meet him each day.”

  Beyond these ministries, Garcia is very passionate about helping those with disabilities. He and his wife currently host their 29-year-old goddaughter, who has Down Syndrome, so that she can have access to the services provided in Rapid City that aren’t available where her biological family lives. Each day, Garcia takes his goddaughter to Black Hills Works, a center that provides disabled people with social connections and activities that support their health and wellness.

  Garcia is inspired by their unbelievable joy despite their circ*mstances. This is similar to the inspiration he drew working with the lepers in Vietnam. And this lifetime of experiences is why, each day, Garcia strives to and succeeds in treating everyone he encounters with compassion and dignity.

Read more

• Father Henley resides at the St. Joseph Soboba Indian Reservation and reaches out to other communities monthly. He does everything a busy priest would do. He leads the Eucharist and conducts baptisms, first reconciliations, first Communions, funerals and one-year anniversaries of those funerals.

  He serves by offering a Catholic presence and encouraging the Native Americans to have dreams and continue to journey. Faith enables us to love tenderly, to believe and hope continuously. Faith is an adventure in trusting Him.

  Father Henley is dedicated to helping the Native Americans to not feel invisible.

  Nowhere is that dedication more present than in Father Henley’s work with those considering suicide and with families who have lost loved ones to suicide.

  For Native communities, limited access to health care, chronic unemployment, poverty and historical trauma make suicide all too frequent. Father Henley said, “I would have given up years ago. You have to remember the Native American history. They went through a lot of turmoil in American history; their lands were taken away from them. They were told to cut their hair, not speak their language and learn English. When you lose your language, you lose your Spirituality.”

  So, Father Henley is not thinking about a tee time. He is too busy walking with his people in faith, helping them speak the language of hope. He is 81 years young, and it’s as if his missionary work has just begun.

Read more

• CSC successfully operates out of a vision to build a healthy community by empowering those in need to become self-sufficient. Volunteer and former chairman of CSC’s Advisory Committee, Paul Travitsky, shared his full-circle experience of how he began giving back after receiving aid himself at CSC: “I’ve done all this out of gratitude for the help I received at the CSC. I figured if I needed help during a low time in my life, then there must be hundreds more out there that need help as well. I needed to help those who helped me.”

  Another volunteer wrote, “I love the way we pray before opening our door each day and greet our clients. More importantly, I feel the Holy Spirit working through me every Wednesday at the Center, and I walk away very grateful for the Lord’s blessings in my life.”

  The CSC’s contributions have been recognized with honors, including the key to the city of Warner Robins. CSC also received a Senior Hunger Mini-Grant to address food limitations among the elderly poor. As a result of surveying these seniors, food donations were adjusted to include healthier options, and CSC now partners with local growers. CSC is also becoming a Georgia Gateway partner to assist clients with SNAP and Medicaid benefits applications.

  CSC anticipates serving 6,000 individuals in the coming year, continuing its legacy of shining the light of Christ to Warner Robins’ economically challenged neighbors.

  CSC supporter Brian Wise reflected on how the center stands out as a beacon of hope and compassion. “The center’s dedication to maintaining the dignity of those they serve is evident in the respectful and supportive environment they create.”

Read more

• Shortly after arriving in Springfield, Father Smith offered a retreat to his parishioners centered on his congregation’s founder, St. Anthony Mary Claret. The Claretian Missionaries’ charism is to “serve those most in need.” After attending this retreat, inspired parishioners approached Father Smith about doing something to help the homeless in Springfield. In response Father Smith started the Claret Shelter, which operates during winter months to give the homeless a place to escape the cold. He opened its doors two weeks earlier than expected to protect 20 men from a vicious Midwest snowstorm in February 2022.

  Since the shelter opened, Father Smith has led efforts to raise over $70,000 for new heating, showers and laundry machines to provide to guests. Father Smith emphasizes the importance of the shelter’s Catholic presence. He commonly refers to it as “the Catholic shelter at Sacred Heart.” It is a place where all are welcome. For example, the day after Ash Wednesday in 2022, several homeless guests at the shelter asked if they could receive ashes. Father Smith gladly served them.

  Father Smith sets the example for the team of volunteers he’s assembled, regularly picking up food and supplies and training anyone new who wants to help at the shelter. He is proud of the increase in volunteers that has made it possible to serve more men, multiple days a week. He sees this ministry as an opportunity for people from across Springfield to get to know one another and come together to help the less fortunate.

  “My hope is the guests who come to us will know they haven’t been forgotten,” Father Smith said. “And that the community has come together to remind them that they are cared for, and they are loved by God and us.”

Read more

• Sullivan has spent the last 25 years leading by example through volunteering his time at a food pantry and clothing closet in Chesapeake, Community Mission Outreach. In his volunteer role, Sullivan helps serve over 300 families each month. He can be seen at the center doing just about everything, from loading grocery carts to packing items into cars to restocking shelves and cleaning up when the day is done.

  Behind the scenes, he is leading the charge in recruiting volunteers, many from his parish at St. Ann’s. He sets a great example for everyone, as he is notably always the first to arrive to direct traffic on food-distribution days. More than anything, people notice that Sullivan is always ready with a smile, joke, word of encouragement and “God Bless you” to all who receive assistance through the pantry. His servant attitude helps make the center a welcoming place to those in need.

  Each word of the center’s name—Community Mission Outreach—captures the heart of Sullivan’s values. He is always trying to build vibrant and transformative “community,” whether at his parish at St. Ann’s or through the pantry. He is a “mission”-focused individual who wants to help those that really need it most. And his “outreach” goes beyond the walls of his parish. He doesn’t see church as a club that’s about pleasing the members, but as a faith community that through its mission can extend its support to everyone—especially to those who are living life on the margins.

Read more

• This ministry is well organized and spread out to make sure that no corner of northwest Wisconsin is left unattended to. The Superior Sacred Heart of Jesus Conference operates a free store for people to acquire food and clothing. The Rice Lake St. Joseph Conference has a thriving thrift store that funds a food pantry, meal program and home visit outreach. The Phillips St. Therese of Lisieux Conference offers two food pantries and a financial assistance helpline. And the Merrill St. Francis Xavier Conference operates a thrift store and outreach office, with its main efforts focused on providing financial assistance and shelter to those in need.

  Four conferences, several lives touched. In the past year, the Superior District Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul conducted nearly 500 direct home visits and over 2,000 community visits—impacting over 5,000 individuals. Through the generosity of its members and volunteers, the council has been able to offer comfort to the brokenhearted, sustenance to the hungry and shelter to the homeless with boundless love. They have renewed faith in those they have helped.

  One mother recently wrote to the council, “Thank you again for all your support and love from the Church and you. Things are finally turning around. I can feel the prayers being made over my life and the life of my child.”

  “Though their acts of kindness may often go unnoticed by the world, the impact they leave behind resonates far beyond the walls of our parishes and communities,” said Bishop James Powers of the Diocese of Superior. “They are the silent champions who respond to the call to serve the most vulnerable among us.”

Read more

• His first years of ministry took him to three different parishes in the diocese. On February 1, 2004, Msgr. Pinti was assigned as pastor of St. George, nearly 19 years to the day after celebrating his first Mass as a priest at the parish.

  For the last 20 years, Msgr. Pinti has been a staple figure in Apache Junction. He’s known for starting the St. George “Help for the Needy” food pantry, which assists low-income families in the area. Truly living out his desire to help those in need, Msgr. Pinti does the majority of the shopping for the pantry himself.

  Msgr. Pinti also travels to serve other missions in the area, including San Carlos Apache Mission, which Catholic Extension Society has supported for over 40 years.

  Bishop Edward Weisenburger said of Msgr. Pinti, “Monsignor’s life of dedicated ministry reminds us of the transformative power of living the Gospel message in our daily lives.”

  Living the scripture is what Msgr. Pinti set out to do when he became a priest. His generous spirit has made him beloved by the people he serves at St. George’s Parish, at the pantry, at the missions and all throughout the Apache community.

  Three years as an accountant turned into nearly 40 years as a priest and a lifetime of fulfillment.

  “It is important for me to do, to show, and to live God’s work as a happy priest,” Msgr. Pinti said. “And to be there for His people.”

Read more

• Dr. Guzek’s work as a missionary doctor has reached many other corners of the world, and he has even put his own life on the line to fulfill this mission. In the late 1980s, he spent three years in Sri Lanka, braving nearby shootings and bus bombings as civil war broke out. “God spoke to me and said, ‘Stay where you are,’” he said. When he returned home, he was shell-shocked, emaciated and sick with malaria.

  In the following years he married Roberta, a nurse, and they began a family. But the desire to provide care in developing countries, to use his God-given talents among those suffering the most in the world, never left him.

  In 1993, he and Roberta went to Ghana to work at a missionary hospital. With hardly any staff and crowds of people desperate for eye care, he was seeing over 100 patients a day. He trained and paid villagers out of his own pocket to help with the overwhelming need. After four years, he had trained 10 resident ophthalmologists to ensure his practice could continue beyond his departure.

  He and Roberta and their children have performed medical mission trips in other countries as well, including Sudan and Ecuador.

  “There is such joy in being in God’s providence,” Dr. Guzek said.

  Dr. Guzek and Roberta are parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Kennewick, Washington. They thank their local community for supporting their far-reaching medical mission. “The prayers of the people here are so powerful,” Roberta said.