| 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
|