“Therefore, since we have so great a crowd of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside every encumbrance…and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
These words from St. Paul may recall our experiences with
the summer Olympics. They were used in
the introduction to other types of awards sponsored by this office in
recognition of personal ministry and organizational contributions among our
Catholic Native American and African American communities. Thank you to all who
made nominations for the St. Katharine Drexel Evangelization Award (for
organizations in ministry among either Blacks or Indians); the Msgr. William H.
Ketchum Service Award (for individuals working among Native Americans); and the
Bishop Harold R. Perry Award (for individuals ministering among African
Americans.) Those who made nominations
gave the panel of judges much to ponder and more aware of marvelous outreach
being done in Jesus’ name. Thank you for partnering with us to recognize
faith-filled ministers among us.
Congratulations to the following “crowd of witnesses.”
St. Katharine Drexel Evangelization Award:
- Consalata
Missionary Sisters, Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama
-
St.
Joseph Catholic Church, Soboba Reservation, Diocese of San Bernardino,
California
Msgr. William H. Ketchum Service Award:
- Veronica
Valandra, (Sicangu Lakota, aka Rosebud Sioux),
Director of Native American Ministries, Diocese of Rapid City, South
Dakota
Bishop Harold R. Perry Service Award:
-
Mary
Leisring, Director of Black Catholic Ministries, Archdiocese of Denver,
Colorado
