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Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry 2021 Award Recognition Celebrating 17 years Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry Recogni9on Introduction Letter Dan Pin Associate Director Catholic Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry Prayer Awards St. John Bosco Award Volunteer of the Year Award St. Timothy Youth Award Dear Friends in Christ, O0en in life, we hear the analogy that every event or ac9on has a “ripple effect” on everything else. We may picture a peBBle tossed into a calm pond and track the gentle waves and small disturBance made on the smooth water. It’s a nice way of saying that everything is connected in one way or another. Well, over a year ago, a great Big Boulder called COVID-19 came crashing into the rela9vely tranquil waters of our lives. Not only did massive waves rush in all direc9ons, But the splashing water kicked up all sorts of mud and deBris and flung the mess far and wide throughout our homes, towns, country, and world. Apart from Being a complete surprise at the outset, I don’t think anyone planned on just how long the turmoil would end up las9ng. We were thrown from our usual rou9nes straight into the deep end, following the Boulder into the water in a way. Much like Being unexpectedly dumped into a deep, cold lake when we had no plans of swimming, every aspect of our lives was “soaked” through. We scramBled, shopped, stocked up, cleaned, and then waited… and waited… and waited… treading water and some9mes wondering how long we could keep our heads above the waves. Praise Be to God; it seems as though the life-Boats are finally star9ng to arrive. Unfortunately, we are not yet able to completely get Back to “normal,” whatever that may Be in the future. But the signs have grown more hopeful. Many of us can reflect with gra9tude on the floats and life-preservers that were tossed to us in the form of extra prayers, the strengthening of communi9es, and the o0en unspoken commitment to help see each other through. Though we cannot gather in person again this year, every indica9on is that the 9me for group events is closer now than it has ever Been throughout the past 15 months. With this hopeful mindset, along with much gra9tude, I reflect on how important each of your roles has Been in suppor9ng our Diocese's young people this year. I have hope Because in the face of oBstacles no one could have expected, the Church has endured and even grown in some ways. I have gra9tude Because we could not have made it through the challenges without the work Being done on very local and personal levels. When large groups are forBidden and crowds coming together impossiBle, the Church's mission falls squarely on the individuals and families suppor9ng one another in faith, hope, Page 1[ and charity. I am humBly awed By the stories of success, despite the trials. Only through the grace of Jesus Christ can we con9nue to thrive in the most difficult circumstances. And so, I thank each one of you for your ongoing witness. No ma^er how small you may consider your own contriBu9on, you have made an impact. I am especially proud of our young people themselves, who have shown remarkable resiliency and desire to serve Beyond themselves in so many ways. To those adults who support the young people in your lives as their parents, pastors, teachers, and parish leaders, thank you as well. I conclude with a very appropriate (and also nau9cal) reflec9on on this ongoing rela9onship Between young people and adults from Pope Francis’ 2019 Apostolic Exhortaon, Christus Vivit: “During the Synod, one of the young auditors from the Samoan Islands spoke of the Church as a canoe, in which the elderly help to keep on course By judging the posi9on of the stars, while the young keep rowing, imagining what waits for them ahead. Let us steer clear of young people who think that adults represent a meaningless past, and those adults who always think they know how young people should act. Instead, let us all climB aboard the same canoe and together seek a Be^er world, with the constantly renewed momentum of the Holy Spirit. (201)” Dan Pin Associate Director, CYM Page 2[ Prayer Heavenly Father, source of all life and sustainer of all that we do, please bless all of these award recipients, their families, friends and parishes, as well as all who could not be recognized this year, yet who still generously gave of their time and energy to build up your Church in the Diocese of Wilmington. Lord, continue to pour out your Spirit on all, especially during this time of trial and sacrifice, and fill our hearts with faith, hope, and love. In a special way, though we cannot be physically present together, we offer our praise and thanksgiving for the gifts we have, especially the gift of our young people and those who serve alongside of them. Let their example be an inspiration to all of us to humbly seek to advance Your Kingdom here on Earth. May the Holy Spirit continue to work in our lives as we spread the Gospel and serve those in need. Strengthen in us the virtues of faith, hope, and love, that we may overcome any obstacles in our lives, with Your presence and grace. We look forward with hope and joy to the time when we will gather together to celebrate with renewed faith and strength, and we make all these prayers through your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be… Amen! Page 3[ St. John Bosco Diocesan Award St. John Bosco is the founder of the Salesian Society and is the patron saint of young people. The St. John Bosco Award is a Diocesan Award given to adult leaders (21 years or older and cleared for service in the diocese) who have been involved in youth ministry For five or more years and have been positive role models in one of several categories. Recipients may be volunteer or salaried, lay or religious. Athletics Steve Dymowski - Mount Aviat Academy Steve has served as the Athletic Director of the Mount Aviat Athletic Association for eight years. Steve led a Spirit Day for each team every season, an event unique in the Diocese. In addition, he coordinated an annual Sports Banquet to recognize student athletes, always including an engaging guest speaker. He purchased new equipment and basketball uniforms and created a new uniform purchasing strategy that better fit the needs of the volleyball teams. He reinstated the soccer team three years ago to great success. His leadership reflects the school’s commitment to do “no more, no less” than your best. Athletics Todd Oliver - St. John the Beloved Todd has served the Athletic Department in almost every capacity from coach to athletic director. He has spearheaded numerous fundraising events to benefit St. John the Beloved School and athletic department. He has volunteered at the carnival, chaired parish and school committees, and is always willing to help with lunch and recess duty. Todd treats everyone with respect and kindness. He is patient, understanding and works easily and collaboratively with other volunteers. He generously gives of his time, talent and treasure to support St. John the Beloved parish and school and is an irreplaceable volunteer. Page 4[ St. John Bosco Diocesan Award Catechesis Antoinette Quindlen - St. John the Beloved Antoinette has been an invaluable catechist in service to St. John the Beloved’s second grade program for 28 years. She has provided catechesis and true modeling of the importance and joy of the reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion to the children. Antoinette is a person who whenever asked, will give 150% of her time, energy, and commitment to sharing and teaching the sacraments to the children of the parish. She faithfully comes to class prepared to teach and to form the students in the understanding of their faith and in the importance and reverence of the sacraments. Catechesis Pat Walker - St. Ann Pat sees catechesis as both ministry and vocation. She is committed to growing disciples through leadership in religious education and sacramental programs for over 45 years. She has been the catechetical leader and the religion resource for parish school teachers and principals. She has provided formation sessions and professional development to help catechists grow in faith. Pat has modeled and guided parents to partner with the parish in educating children in the faith. During the pandemic she has found creative ways to keep programs together. As she prepares for retirement, the parish says thank you and God bless you. Catholic School Richard Hart - St. John the Beloved Firmly committed to the mantra "Children First", Richard Hart has dedicated his life to Catholic Education, currently serving in his 29th year as a Principal in the Diocese of Wilmington. He works tirelessly to promote the Catholic faith, engaging with students everyday. He leads school liturgies and retreat days, and incorporates the traditions the rosary, Stations of the Cross and May Procession into the calendar. He engages parents and the community in acts of services throughout the school year. The immediate sense of faith filled welcoming upon entering the school is a direct result of Richard’s reverent, prayer-filled leadership. Page 5[ St. John Bosco Diocesan Award Catholic School Jackie Selba - St. John Neumann Jackie, a longtime member of St. John Neumann Parish, has been one of the major Christian formators at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School.