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Vatican II Awards Recipients and Information
 
 In 1991 then-Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., initiated the "Archbishop's Vatican II Awards for Distinguished Service." His purpose in giving these awards was to single out people who represent the work of so many who contribute to the vitality and spiritual life of the Church in ten different categories of service. Each area displays an aspect of service that reveals a vision for the Church of the Second Vatican Council.

Vatican Council II speaks of the Church as engaged with the world, witnessing through word and action the justice and love of Jesus Christ. It is a Church wherein laity, priests and religious together make unique and integrated contributions to the mission of Christ.

Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan has continued the tradition in 2002 with the assistance of Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba.

Here is more information about the awards and a list of previous recipients:


Service in Administration
"It is only by the light of faith and by mediation on the Word of God that anyone can ... make sound judgments about the true meaning and value of temporal things both in themselves and as they ordered to our final end."
(Decree on the Apotolate of the Laity #4)

The recipient must

  • have assisted, enabled and/or enhanced the mission of the Church through exemplary performance and service in one or more of the following areas: administration, finance, human resources, building and grounds, resource development.

    1991 - Paul Gergen
    1992 - Ralph C. Inbush, Jr.
    1993 - Donald Schuenke
    1994 - James Simon
    1995 - Patrick Cotter
    1996 - L. William Staudenmaier
    1997 - Stephen Graff
    1998 - Ronald Krizek
    1999 - Judy Keyes
    2000 - Jane Carity
    2001 - Sandy Pavlic
    2002 - Deacon Joseph Wenzler
    2003 - Thomas Rutkowski
    2004 - Allan G. Lorge
    2005 – Bryce Edwards
    2006 - Dick and Carol Richards

    Service to the Church
    At the present time, when a new era for humanity is emerging, the church ... is called with greater urgency to strive for the salvation and renewal of every human being, so that everything may be restored in Christ and that in him all humankind may form but one family and one people of God."
    (Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church #1)

    The recipient must

  • be a Catholic who witnesses as a Christian rooted in biblical renewal
  • have worked toward engagement with the world
  • have promoted community with mutual respect for the full spiritual dignity of people as persons
  • have advanced the mission of Christ and the growth and renewal of Church.

    1991 - T. Michael Bolger
    1992 - Jeanne Bitkers
    1993 - Maria Avila
    1994 - Frances Cunningham, SSSF
    1995 - Joseph Sturycz
    1996 - Marilyn Bowman
    1997 - Roberto Fuentes
    1998 - Casimira Miskinis Grzyb
    1999 - Salvador Rosado
    2000 - Dorothy Wasilevich
    2001 - Marion Kessenich
    2002 - Eloise Samano-Williamson
    2003 - Carmelita de Anda, R.M.
    2004 - Betty Lovinus
    2005 – Susan Mountin
    2006 - Carlos Matus

    Service in Communication
    "Since public opinion exercises today an enormous influence on the lives, public and private, of all classes of citizens, it is essential that all members of society should fulfill their obligations of justice and love in this sphere, and make an effort to shape and spread sound public opinion by means of the media."
    (Decree on the Mass Media #8)

    The recipient must

  • be skilled in the use of modern means of social communiation (news media, electronic and print, advertising, public relations, promotion, writing, public speaking, therater, film)
    OR
  • be skilled in interpersonal communication (community building, conflict resolution, small group facilitation, reconciliation and healing)
  • reveal gospel values in apporaching the above social or interpersonal spheres.

    1991 - Bart Adrian
    1992 - William Thorn
    1993 - Mary Luke Baldwin, SSND
    1994 - Jertha Ramos
    1995 - Harold Schwartz
    1996 - Gary Feider
    1997 - Anne Curley
    1998 - John Cary
    1999 - Thomas Smith
    2000 - Barbara McCann
    2001 - Dr. M. Shawn Copeland
    2002 - Janine Geske
    2003 - Ethel Gintoft
    2004 - Patty Kostechka
    2005 – Mark Sabljak
    2006 - Antoinette Mensah

    Service in Ecumenism
    "Today, in many parts of the world, under the inspiring grace of the Holy Spirit, many efforts are being made in prayer, word, and action to attain that fullness of unity which Jesus Christ desires. The Synod, therefore, exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognize the signs of the times and to take and intelligent part in the work of ecumenism."
    (Decree on Ecumenism #4)

    The recipient must

  • be a Roman Catholic, well-rounded in his or her religious beliefs and consistent in witnessing these in his or her way of life
  • have a well-documented record of respect for members of other faith traditions
  • be a person who acknowledges, preserves, and encourages the spiritual and moral truths found among both Christians and non-Christians
  • have evidenced an active and intelligent part in works of ecumenism and interfaith concerns, promoting love, understanding, and unity.

    1991 - Maureen Hopkins, SDS
    1992 - Richard Lux
    1993 - Margi Flanagan
    1994 - Mary Bracy
    1995 - Michael Phayer
    1996 - Barbara Wichgers
    1997 - The Rev. Peter Rogness
    1997 - The Right Rev. Roger White
    1998 - Fr. George Kolanda
    1999 - Lucille Walsh, OSF
    1999 - Jessine Reiss, OSF
    2000 - Maureen Stoelb
    2001 - Fr. Richard Schlenker
    2002 - Nancy Seay
    2003 - Dr. Ralph Del Colle
    2004 - Linda J. Fehrer
    2005 – Sr. Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND
    2006 - Sr. Adele Thibaudeau, OSF

    Service in Education
    "[This Synod] exhorts the church's sons and daughters to exert themselves generously in the whole field of education with this end especially in view, that the appropriate benefits of education and instruction can be extended more quickly to all people in every part of the world."
    (Declaration on Christian Education #1)

    The recipient must

  • have made a significant contribution to educational ministry within the archdiocese
  • have spent a significant number of years of service to educational ministry within the archdiocese, not necessarily currently active in ministry
  • be recognized by peers as a leader
  • evidence a commitment to life-long learning
  • be willing to take risks in innovative approcahes to educational ministry.

    1991 - Camille Mortimore
    1992 - Virginia Stone, BVM
    1993 - Robert Flahive
    1994 - Fr. Lawrence McCall, SAC
    1995 - Br. Robert Smith, OFM Cap
    1996 - Arlene Skwierawski
    1997 - Nathaniel Gillon
    1998 - John Stollenwerk
    1999 - Dr. Marna Boyle
    2000 - Erica John
    2001 - Joel Read, SSSF
    2001 - Rev. Robert Wild, SJ
    2002 - Sr. Dolores Pertzborn, SSSF
    2003 - Melmarie Stoll, SSND
    2004 - Edward Drexler
    2005 – Sr. Ann Marie Palmisano, OP
    2006 - Kathie Amidei

    Service to Families
    "The faithful ... should constantly further the values of marriage and the family, both by the witness of their own lives and by acting in concert with others of good will, and in this way they will overcome difficulties and provide the family with the supports and helps which are suited to our changing times."
    (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the World of Today #52)

    The recipient must

  • demonstrate awareness and practice of a family perspective in parish ministry
  • be a conscientious proponent of Vatican II theology, the Archdiocesan Synod, and the national documents concerning family ministry
  • be conscious of the changing reality of the family in the world today.

    1991 - Kenneth and Pauline Vernon
    1992 - Mary Roy McDonald, SSSF
    1993 - John and Susan Plewa
    1994 - Valeria and Acklen Banks
    1995 - José and Ana Martínez
    1996 - Miguel and Sonia Crespo
    1997 - The Wachholz Family
    1998 - David and Susan Sommers
    1999 - Jim and Carol Hunt Ott
    2000 - Steve and Carma Teasley
    2001 - Pilar Gomez
    2002 - Mary Matestic
    2003 - Jacob and Tanya Keenan
    2004 - Ismael and Esther Soto
    2005 – Peggy and Henry Bowles
    2006 - Anne Skowlund and Judie Meise

    Service in Liturgy
    "Those with responsibility for leadership in worship must take care, not only to see that the laws regarding valid and licit celebration are kept while the liturgy is being done, but also that the people are able to take part in it in such a way that they are active, that they know what is going on, and that they will receive benefit."
    (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy #11)

    The recipient must

  • have evidenced the imparting of an ever-increasing vigor to the Christian life of the faithful by careful preparation and implementation of worship services and preparation of liturgical ministers
  • have shown a consistent interest in promoting ecumenical sensitivity among all churches
  • have given witness to the connection of liturgy and social justice by their involvement in the life of the community.

    1991 - Patrick Ziegenhorn
    1992 - Fr. Raúl Gómez, SDS
    1993 - Lynn Zeleske
    1994 - Alice Thepouthay, SCSJA
    1995 - Kathleen Loewen, OP
    1996 - Pa Yang
    1997 - Kathy Luty
    1998 - Bette Curtius
    1999 - Jeffrey Honoré
    2000 - Erico Ortiz
    2001 - Rev. Michael Witczak
    2002 - Robert T. Gallagher
    2003 - Mary Jane Wagner, OSF
    2004 - Barbara Tracey
    2005 – Roger Truckey
    2006 - William Erickson

    Service to the Missions
    "All indeed have need of Christ as model, master, liberator, savior, life-giver. And in fact, in human history, even in its temporal dimenstion, the gospel has been a leaven of liberty and progress and always shows itself as a leaven of fellowship, unity, and peace."
    Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church #8)

    The recipient must

  • have promoted Jesus' mission and witnessed to God's presence among the diverse people and cultures of the world
  • have a desire to share the gospel
  • show mutuality in mission (giving and receiving) and a spirit of justice, prayer, and joy.

    1991 - Elenore Poth
    1992 - Fr. Walter Dean
    1993 - Anthony Mensah
    1994 - Paula Voelkel
    1995 - Audrey Affholder, OP
    1996 - Marianne Boehme
    1997 - Ron and Ronni Pruhs
    1998 - Mary Pat Clasen
    1999 - Joseph Nettesheim
    2000 - Fred Caracciolo
    2001 - Angelyn Dries, OSF
    2002 - Jacqueline and Thomas Kowalski, MD
    2003 - Patricia Fischer
    2004 - Rob Doucette and Karen Ivantic-Doucette
    2005 – Beth and Pam Lownik
    2006 - Deacon Donald Kabara

    Service in the Priesthood
    "This Synod, with an eye to its pastoral aims of renewing the church interiorly, of spreading the gospel throughout the world, and of dialogue with the modern world, earnestly exhorts all priests to use every relevant means approved by the church striving for that ever greater holiness, which will make them day by day more fitting instruments for the service of the whole people of God."
    (Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests #12)

    The recipient must

  • have a healthy sense of personal priestly identity and live his vocation joyfully
  • show fidelity to the church's tradition of theology and pastoral service, enthusiastically having accepted the teachings of Vatican Council II
  • possess the respect of his peers, while having had a variety of experiences/assignments in the archdiocese
  • give evidence of personal dedication to prayer and preaching.

    1991 - Fr. Dennis Klemme
    1991 - Fr. Bernard Sippel
    1992 - Fr. Kenneth Derfus
    1992 - Fr. Joseph Frederick
    1993 - Fr. Joseph Hornacek
    1993 - Fr. Carrol Straub
    1994 - Fr. Ralph Gross
    1994 - Fr. John Michael Murphy
    1995 - Fr. Thomas Venne
    1995 - Fr. Edward Wieland
    1996 - Fr. John Baumgartner
    1996 - Fr. James Brady
    1997 - Fr. Daniel Pakenham
    1997 - Fr. Robert Sampon
    1998 - Fr. Leonard Barbian
    1998 - Fr. John Endejan
    1999 - Fr. Richard Cerpich
    1999 - Fr. John (Jack) Kern
    2000 - Msgr. John Francis Murphy
    2000 - Fr. Dennis Lewis
    2001 - Rev. Philip Reifenberg
    2001 - Bishop Richard J. Sklba
    2001 - Rev. Albin Sowinski
    2002 - Rev. James Connell
    2002 - Rev. Andrew Nelson
    2003 - Monsignor T. George Gajdos
    2003 - Rev. Joseph Strenski
    2004 - Rev. William Mackin
    2004 - Rev. Robert Stiefvater
    2005 – Rev. Jerome Hudziak
    2005 – Rev. William Kohler
    2006 - Rev. Paul Daniels
    2006 - Rev. Paul Esser

    Service to Society
    "The church has the duty in every age of examining the signs of the times and interpreting them in the light of the Gospel, so that it can offer replies to the continual human questionings on the meaning of this life and the life to come and how they are related."
    (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the World of Today #4)

    The recipient must

  • have an outstanding record of involvement in one or more of the following: direct service, advocacy, empowerment, justice education
  • have shown a public interest in working with the interfaith community on the above
  • have an ability to articulate Vatican II values to the Catholic community through word and action
  • have a practical and working apporach to the Consistent Life Ethic.

    1991 - José Gutiérrez
    1992 - Augusta Travitt
    1993 - Reuben and Mildred Harpole
    1994 - E. Michael McCann
    1995 - Betty Thompson
    1996 - James Cameron
    1997 - Khoat Van Luu
    1998 - Celia Jackson
    1999 - Br. Booker Ashe, OFM Cap
    2000 - Giselda Fenech, SCSJA
    2001 - Vicki Thorn
    2002 - The Thomas and Volia Brown Family
    2003 - Gerald Felsecker
    2004 - Ana Garcia-Ashley
    2005 – Barbara Lyons
    2006 - Thomas Plakut

    Young Adult Service to the Church
    2001 - Reggie Anderson
    2002 - Erin Lechner
    2003 - Nancy and Hilda Huertas
    2004 - Kathryn Murphy
    2005 – Kay Lechner
    2006 - Liz Farrington

    Young Adult Service in Communication
    2001 - Sarah Schneider

    Young Adult Service to Education
    2001 - Ann McGinnity
    2002 - Erica Kowalski
    2003 - Román Alberto Orozco
    2004 - Tianna McCullough
    2005 – Megan McGinnity
    2006 - James Burg

    Young Adult Service to Missions
    2001 - Jessica Ackley

    Young Adult Service to Society
    2001 - Abraham Piñon
    2002 - Uriel Dominguez
    2003 - Cindy Freiboth
    2004 - Marc Lois
    2005 – Joshua Moore
    2006 - Erin Anderson

    Vatican II Award for Service
    2004 - Delphine Meyer+
    +posthumous

  • Phone: 414-769-3331
    Group: Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan
     
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