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Carlos and Idalia Acuña 
St. Mary, Immaculate Conception Parish, Brenham 

Matthew Anderson 
University Catholic Center, Austin 

Pedro and Maria Arenas 
Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan 

Ann Arnett 
St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, Austin 

Debra Atomanczyk 
St. Joseph Mission, Elk 

Donald Baldovin 
Diocese of Austin 

Ralph and Melinda Blanco 
St. Joseph Parish, Waco 

Daniel and Shirley Bouvier 
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Kingsland 

Gary Bowers (In Memory)
Santa Rosa Parish, Andice 

Thuy Bui and Mai Nguyen 
Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin 

Joe and Hortencia Capello 
St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Lockhart 

Renee Cardwell 
St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock 

Eileen Cmerek 
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Taylor 

Tucker and Suzanne Copeland 
St. Paul Parish, Smithville 

Bruce and Kathryn Cowen 
St. Joseph Parish, Dime Box 

Jack Cranford 
St. Anthony Parish, Bryan 

Julieta De Jesus 
St. Joseph Parish, Manor 

Colleen and Michael Debner 
St. Austin Parish, Austin 

Ann DeGraffenried 
St. Peter Mission, Goldthwaite 

Chris and Linda Dehan 
St. John Neumann Parish, Austin 

Stephen Dillon 
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Austin 

Glenn Dutton 
Sacred Heart Mission, Lott 

Kevin and Kimberly Farris 
St. Mary Cathedral, Austin 

Robert and Nicole Feldman 
St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park 

Lynn and Susan Fister 
St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station 

Deacon Michael P. Forbes 
Diocese of Austin 

Carlos and Vickie Franco 
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Lampasas 

Maria Gonzalez 
St. Mary Parish, Caldwell 

Ed and Jan Harry 
Good Shepherd Mission, Johnson City 

Claudia Haydon 
St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Horseshoe Bay 

Brian and Jo Gail Hearon 
St. Paul Parish, Austin 

Maria Guadalupe Hernandez - Dubey 
St. Mary Parish, Hearne 

Emily Hurlimann 
Diocese of Austin 

Charles Christopher Hutyra 
St. Martin Parish, Tours 

Janice Ingram 
Diocese of Austin 

Monica Ivey 
Good Shepherd Mission, Lometa 

John and Joyce James 
Holy Cross Parish, Austin 

Kurt and Becky Johnson 
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station 

Kyle and Carla Kacir 
St. Joseph Parish, Cyclone 

Donny Knebel 
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Gatesville 

Mark and Debbie Klaus 
Holy Trinity Parish, Corn Hill 

JD and Pam Kosarek 
St. Jerome Parish, Waco 

Ann Krenek 
St. Monica Parish, Cameron 

Karl Kuykendall 
Diocese of Austin 

Maria Del Carmen Landaverde 
St. William Parish, Round Rock 

Kathy and Bruce Layfield 
St. Patrick Parish, Hutto 

George Lourigan 
St. Helen Parish, Georgetown 

Erick and Shenna Luna 
Santa Cruz Parish, Buda 

Myron and Chery Lutz 
St. Martin De Porres Parish, Dripping Springs 

Mary Ellen Maddox 
St. Eugene Parish, McGregor 

Michael and Janice Marek 
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission, Marak 

Roman and Myra Martinez 
San Francisco Javier Parish, Austin 

George and Tina McNew 
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sunrise Beach 

Michael and Christine Millerick 
St. Louis Parish, Waco 

Richard and Charlotte Montgomery 
St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville 

Alejandro and Gloria Muñoz 
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple 

Miguel Olalde Camargo and Elsa Olalde Loma 
St. Stephen Parish, Salado 

Tom Olsen 
St. Luke Parish, Temple 

Francis O’Meara 
St. Anthony Marie De Claret Parish, Kyle 

Bertin and Irma Pantoja 
St. Michael Parish, Uhland 

Kathy Paschel 
Holy Trinity Parish, Llano 

Manuel and Elia Patino 
St. Mary Parish, San Saba 

Joyce Paulk 
Holy Family Mission, Lexington 

Beverly J. Pennington 
Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish, San Marcos 

Nasario and Leticia Pérez
St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin 

Robert and Maria Picazo 
St. Francis On the Brazos Parish, Waco 

Pat Quackenbush 
St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco 

Ana Resto
St. Joseph Parish, Killeen 

Edward Reyes Sr. 
St. Joseph Parish, Marlin 

Silvestre and Jeaneth Robles 
St. Thomas Mission, Hamilton 

Trish Rochat 
St. Joseph Mission, Mason 

Priscilla K. Ruiz 
Ascension Parish, Bastrop 

Rita Sanchez 
Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin 

María Santellano 
St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale 

Bob and Colleen Saxon 

Christ the King Parish, Belton 

Lillian Scarmardo 
St. Joseph Parish, Bryan 

Gina Simmons 
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin 

Maryrae Stein 
Diocese of Austin 

Otis and Rosa Sumerall 
St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights 

David Swinson III 
St. Mary, Church of the Assumption, Waco 

Jimmy and Wanda Thornton 
St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista 

Lynn Tinney 
Sacred Heart Parish, Austin 

Maria Rosario Tristan 
San José Parish, Austin 

Jim and Earline Trlicek 
Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange 

Linda Turner 
Holy Rosary Mission, Frenstat 

Norma Uhls 
St. John the Evangelist Parish, Marble Falls 

Maria Elena Urrutia 
St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos 

Jesus and Maria Vazquez 
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin 

Darrel and Dana Wagner 
St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco 

Mary P. Walker 
Diocese of Austin 

Renae Willberg 
Church of the Visitation, Westphalia 

Radell Williams 
St. Mary Parish, Mexia 

Susan Zapalac 
St. Mary Mission, Ellinger 

Lexxus Zika 
St. John Parish, Fayetteville 

Maureen Agwuncha

Holy Cross Parish, Austin

Maureen has been a great resource to the parish. For several years under her leadership, the St. Augustine Society has been organizing St. Augustine Mass Day on the last Sunday of August and the Motherland Mass Day on the last Sunday of February. Both celebrations are very popular and the parish looks forward to them as many visitors and parishioners join in spirit-filled worship with the music and readings done in various languages and a wonderful reception. Maureen and her family have also helped many families in the parish with babysitting, picking up people for parish events and assisting individuals with various needs.

Armando & Angelita Alonzo

Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan

Armando and Angelita are native Texans from the Texas Valley and have been members of the parish since 2005. They have been married for 36 years with two grown daughters, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They have been involved in parish social ministry for the last 10 years. They are dedicated to advocating on behalf of immigrant families and individuals in the Bryan-College Station area. Armando is a member of the Diocesan Mission Council, and Angelita is on the Diocesan Catholic Campaign for Human Development Committee.

†Sam & Tricia Barina

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station

Sam and Tricia have been mainstay volunteers in the parish for many years. In perhaps her greatest and most recent contribution, Tricia has served for more than five years as the Art and Environment chair. She almost single-handedly decorated the church for the liturgical seasons during this time. Sam, who at 51 passed away last August from an unexpected and rare disease, was always there at her side, helping with everything. They modeled a beautiful Christian marriage and what it meant to be true servants of Christ.

Martha S. Bettis

St. Margaret Parish, Giddings

Martha has dedicated her time to the parish since 1999. She enjoys helping parishioners and loves to be involved in church activities. She professionally handles scheduling and organizing church events. She once was the only secretary and managed to single-handedly do the bulletin, schedule events, fill out forms for sacraments, weddings and quinceñeras, took care of payroll, ledgers, etc. She goes out of her way to help any person who enters the office. She is a very caring, loyal and hardworking lady. God has rewarded her with an excellent talent in administration. Martha retired at the end of April after more than 18 years of service to the parish. She will be missed.

Mark Bilski

St. Stanislaus Parish, Chappel Hill

Mark has been chair of the Pastoral Council for seven years. He has been very helpful and active, especially during the restoration of the church and now during the interior restoration of the Parish Hall. Mark and his wife attend Mass regularly and are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Mark can be relied on for assistance with questions about maintenance and upkeep of the parish premises.

Gigi Bost

St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park

Gigi has been an active parishioner since 2013. She is head of the Ministry to the Sick and Homebound and is active in on the Divine Mercy and SpringFest committees. Last year, she handled all of the arrangements to bring and show the Divine Mercy documentary at the parish. She is always ready to serve wherever she is needed and does everything with the love of Christ and a servant’s heart.

Stephen & Michelle Braden

St. Joseph Parish, Bryan

Stephen is a lector at Sunday Mass, an active member of the Knights of Columbus and  participates  in  Men’s  Faith  Formation.  Michelle  is president of the Pastoral Council, director of the Hand Bell Choir, and coordinates Bible and book studies. She is also a Kindergarten catechist and an active member of the Women’s Guild. Together, Steve, a primary care physician, and Michelle, go on an annual medical mission to Guatemala.

Ruben & Maria Bucio

St. Paul Parish, Austin

Ruben and Maria are very involved in Hispanic ministry at the parish. Ruben led the Grupo de Oracion for three years and now Maria leads it. He is the main coordinator of the ushers and takes an active part in the parish fair, as well as in many of the parish activities in the course of the year, as does Maria.

Thi Diep Bui

Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin

Thi Diep has been a parishioner since 1992. She is a devout Catholic, a great example of strong faith, a very humble and joyful person. She embodies the poor widow mentioned in Mark 12. She is a dedicated member of the Women’s Club “thanh vien trong Hoi Cac Ba Me Cong Giao.” At almost 80, she is full of energy. She spends many hours in the kitchen preparing food for weekly fundraising events, the annual festival and all the special occasions. At times, she was the last person to leave the kitchen after a long day of preparation and cleaning – all with a smile. She is a great example of faith and of service especially to the young people.

Chaplain Mary Clare Carden

CHI St. Joseph Health System, Bryan

Mary  Clare  goes  beyond  her  ministry  responsibility  to  respond  to the needs of the poor in the community. It is common for her to drive discharged patients home to see if social needs are being met. She initiated CharityTracker, a database that allows community agencies and health care system to work together to meet the needs of discharged patients. She initiated and coordinates the Faith Advisory Committee and the relationship with the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, the Brazos Interfaith Network and the Episcopal Health Foundation for a grant for a health resource center in Bryan. She is also a regional trainer for Bridges Out of Poverty.

Aniceto & Herminia Carreño

St. Helen Parish, Georgetown

Aniceto and Herminia have been members since 1990. Herminia began as a lector and Aniceto joined her. Herminia has been the coordinator of the Spanish lectors since 2000. Together, they were part of the committee to start a Spanish Mass and brought the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano to the parish. Herminia was part of the Our Faith ~ Our Legacy Committee. For the last 15 years Herminia has organized the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe and decorated the church for the celebration. She is coordinator for the Guadalupana Society. Together, they mentor couples preparing for marriage and are guides in the Encounter of Faith for couples.

Robert & Aida Casillas

Ascension Parish, Bastrop

Robert and Aida are dedicated Catholics who are well-known in the parish. They have been such a great example in serving and working hard in so many  ministries.  They  have  shown  wonderful  support in their leadership and selfless acts of time and dedication to the community. Robert is the president of Pastoral Council and Hispanic Ministry. Together they have been extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, and taught RCIA and marriage preparation.

Filomena Contreras

St. Mary Parish, Mexia

Filo has been involved in various ministries for an extended period  of time. She is a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, volunteers in the religious education program and leads the church’s fundraising events.

Manuel Cortez

Diocese of Austin

A long-time Secular Franciscan, Manuel has faithfully and compassionately served the people of the diocese in numerous capacities over the years. Over the last 10 years, he has been a spiritual director, including three years on the formation team for the Institute for Spiritual Direction. A founding member of the bishop’s Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Review Board, Manuel recently retired from that role after almost 15 years. He is a licensed psychiatrist, and over the last few years of his service to the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program, Manuel served as Coordinator of Victim Assistance and Pastoral Support.

John & Mildred Darsey

St. Mary Mission, Pin Oak

For many years Mildred and Johnny have arrived 30 to 45 minutes before Mass to open the church and prepare it for worship. For a long time John was the designated handyman, changing light bulbs  in the very high ceiling fixtures, repairing doors, windows, benches or whatever needed fixing. He still keeps an eye on the church, hall and cemetery by driving by twice a day to check on them. Mildred served as a lector,  extraordinary minister of holy Communion and   as a member of the Pastoral Council. She is also currently in charge  of renting the Parish Hall. Both have served as auction chair for the annual fall festival and continue to serve as “dessert chair.”

Maria Delgado

St. Joseph Parish, Killeen

Maria is a confirmation catechist and is involved with several ministries including Cursillo, the choir and Sagrado Corazon. She is always available when needed. She is a well-known person in the community and has a deep love for the parish, the church and Christ. She is reliable and gets the job done. She has a servant’s heart and does not let setbacks or challenges discourage her.

Deacon E. Generes “Doots” Dufour

Diocese of Austin

After serving 21 years in the U.S. Army, Deacon “Doots” joined the Diocese of Austin in 1986 as director of the Office of Criminal Justice Ministry. Through his efforts and assistance, many former inmates have found guidance and resources to successfully re-enter civilian life. Deacon Doots has studied the Criminal Justice system for decades and knows what changes are needed within the system to reduce recidivism and methods of punishment  and  frequently  advocates for such changes before the Texas Legislature. He served as the chair of the Texas Catholic Correctional Ministers, an organization that provides oversight and direction for the many men and women who are involved in Catholic correctional ministry at the state, diocesan and local parish levels. Deacon Doots attended the University of Notre Dame before proudly serving in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired from the Diocese of Austin in June at the age of 87.

Janice Easter

St. Mary Parish, Caldwell

Janice has been a lifelong parishioner. She has played the organ for the choir for decades. She dedicates countless hours in the church practicing new music, rehearsing with the choir and playing for special services. She has never expected to be lauded for her service. She works as the campus secretary for Caldwell High School. She is active in the parish as well as in the community.

Virgilio & Georgette Escutia

St. Louis Parish, Austin

Virgilio and Georgette have been active members since 1993. Their service has been centered with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Quietly, behind the scenes, this couple has tirelessly served the poor over 20 years. They have visited the needy, dispensing support and resources to help families survive financial crisis, health emergencies, homelessness and hunger every week. They have used their garage as a warehouse for furniture, household goods and clothing for the poor. They have taken leadership roles and mentored new volunteers for service. They are exemplary Catholics who truly live their faith by their dedicated service to society’s most vulnerable.

Rodolfo & Rebecca Espinoza

St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos

Rudy and Becky have served as chairs of the Fiesta for several years. They work very humbly, side by side, through many sleepless night  of preparing and organizing what is best for the parish. They have excellent communication skills and are excellent planners. They give their all to the community and schools of San Marcos. Rudy is active in the Knights of Columbus Council 3458, where he has served as Grand Knight.

Joe & Barb Frantz

St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, Austin

Joe and Barb live their Catholic faith every day. They attend daily Mass often staying behind to help with projects, large or small, in the church or on the grounds. No task is too menial for them. It would appear that no project is too daunting. They represented our deacon at his ordination to the priesthood, speaking on the parish’s behalf to the ordaining bishop. Barb and Joe are extremely generous always asking “What can we do next?”

Gary & Marcella Franzetti

Holy Rosary Mission, Frenstat

Gary has been a choir member for many years. He is a Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the KJT and served on the Pastoral Council. Heserves as usher and on the maintenance committee. He does yard work for Father Tom Hanus, a retired priest living in  the area, and helps him in many ways. Marcella was a choir member, the organist for many years and a KJZT officer. She is the president of the Altar Society, a former president of the Brazos Valley Deanery of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and former Finance Council member. She worked many hours for the parish bazaar. She helps with the First Friday Mass at St. Joseph Manor nursing home in Caldwell and organizes funeral lunches.

Joseph Gonzales

University Catholic Center, Austin

Joseph has throughout his university  career  been  an  exemplary  and active Catholic. He has been active in Awakening retreats, has served as a liturgy coordinator and extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and has worked as a part-time receptionist at the center. His generosity with his time and talents have been an outstanding example to the community, and his behind-the-scenes support of so many ministries has demonstrated his commitment to service. He has done this with a consistently positive demeanor and contagious faith.

Raymond & Barbara Greger

St. Ann Parish, Rosebud

Raymond and Barbara are active members and serve on the Parish Council. They work as a team at the St. Ann Center. Raymond volunteers as the handyman around the parish grounds. Barbara is a member   of the Ladies Guild, a money counter at Saturday evening Mass and volunteers at the Rosebud Pantry. They have a deep faith, love their church, and it shows in their participation, donations and the example they set forth.

Teresa (Terry) Gregory

St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville

Ms. Terry as she is sometimes called, and Granny as she is known in the office, is such a beautiful soul and an integral part of the parish. She is a daily communicant and shares her love and enthusiasm of Jesus Christ with anyone who will listen. She is a weekly office volunteer. She proofreads the bulletin and folds the children’s bulletins. She is active with the Ladies Club and the Sewing Circle, and willingly gives of her time to any ministry that needs a hand. She is not afraid to speak her mind, which is nothing but kindness. She has more energy and stamina than 10 teenagers.

Kathy Guajardo

St. Joseph Parish, Manor

Kathy has been the president of Society of St. Vincent De Paul since 1995. She has been involved in canned food drives and helping the poor. She also helps the KJT with the Fiesta bingo and plays the organ at Saturday Mass.

Susan Gustavson

St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Susan is an active member of the parish who has served as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She was the youth group leader in the past and now serves on the youth group leadership team. She is a member the choir, an altar server and is a post-confirmation catechist. She helps to plan and set up for holy days and has led the music ministry for several years. She attended and provided music for all three Masses every weekend. She has co-facilitated numerous Bible studies, Women of Grace and The Catholicism Project for adult education. She participates in the annual parish bazaar. She cleans and polishes the vessels for Mass each weekend and spot shampoos the church carpet. She used her artistic talents to repair/refurbish one of the Stations of the Cross plaques that fell and broke.   She is     a member of the Third Order Franciscans and does volunteer work  in conjunction with her Franciscan family. She also volunteers with Mobile Loaves and Fishes in Austin.

Patricia Guthneck

St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin

Pat serves as chair of the Pastoral Council. She serves in the Arts & Environment Ministry and belongs to the Divine Mercy Cenacle, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 2220 and serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Pat does about everything and is a perfect example of Christian witness and service in the parish. Her very supportive spouse of many years Jerry, passed away last year.

Kenneth & Velinda Haltom

St. Francis On The Brazos Parish, Waco

Kenneth works very hard to maintain the church facilities. Velinda is a strong asset to the community. Their family is very faithfully active at the parish. They are a true example of faith to others.

Dan & Sandy Hapenney

St. Louis Parish, Waco

Dan and Sandy are true workhorses in the parish. Dan helps with the television ministry and records and publishes adult lectures for the whole parish. Sandy is a catechist and helps with coordinating the Youth Mass and teaches adult religious education. They are both very dedicated to the parish and schools.

Helen Havelka

Holy Trinity Parish, Corn Hill

Helen is one of the most active members of the parish. She volunteers countless hours. She served as chair of the Pastoral Council, serves on the Cemetery Committee, is active in the KJT, and serves on the RCIA Team. She also serves on the Parish Plan, Vocations, and Art and Environment committees. She coordinates flowers for the sanctuary, serves as co-chair of the annual Parish Bazaar, always helps with meals and social activities of the parish and is also active with social ministry outside the parish.

Ronnie & Karen Hinze

Christ the King Parish, Belton

Ronnie and Karen Hinze have been parishioners since 1987. Ronnie’s various religious and community activities depict his compassion to help others. He has held several officer positions with  the  Knights  of Columbus. Together, they served as chairs for the parish’s main fundraiser, 2017 Spring Fest. Karen has sung in the choir and played musical instrumentals during liturgical services. For more than 20 years, they developed and led the “Respect for Life” ministry.

James Kahlig

Church of the Visitation Parish, Westphalia

James is a good Catholic layman with a strong faith and a joyful spirit of service. He is an exemplary husband, father and grandfather.  He    is involved in servant leadership roles in the various ministries and apostolates in the life and liturgy of the parish with a generous heart. He serves both the young and the aged in the communities locally and internationally to spread the joy of the Gospel.

Peter Kunz

St. Monica Parish, Cameron

Pete is a lifelong member of St. Monica who attended school at St. Anthony. He has served as an usher, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and is an active member of the Knight of Columbus. Due to his age and health, he has had to step down from many ministries, but he remains a steadfast example of faith.

Bill Leek

St. Jerome Parish, Waco

Bill has been a parishioner for many years and is involved in multiple ministries: the Men of St. Jerome, baptism preparation and Bible Study. He is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Along with his late wife, Chiquita, he was instrumental in organizing the adoration ministry at the parish.

Vincent & Amy Lopez

St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco

Amy and Vincent have been heavily involved in the Waco Catholic community for many years. They have assisted with youth ministry at Sacred Heart and St. Louis parishes. At St. Peter, they helped with RCIA and marriage preparation. Amy became the center coordinator and bookkeeper in 2014 and has done a wonderful job in juggling many different tasks that come with working in campus ministry. She has been a motherly figure for many of the college students. Vincent has also been a great help in many ways, ever ready to respond to needs that arise. He always has a joyful attitude and shows caring  and interest in the students’ lives. They are an excellent example of a married vocation.

Sylvia Maedgen

St. Luke Parish, Temple

Sylvia has been a member of the parish for many years. She has shown great leadership and has always  shared her gifts when called upon  to serve in any ministry including the Pastoral Council, Stewardship Committee, as a catechist, in sacramental preparation, in the choir, at fundraisers and in the Women’s Society.

Joe Jr. & Alice Maldonado

San José Parish, Austin

Joe and Alice have been lifelong members of the parish. Alice began serving the church at the age of 12 as a catechist. Joe and Alice married at the parish in 1959, and have served the parish and surrounding community through many different ministries. They have served in missions, at youth retreats, were heavily involved with the Catholic Youth Organization, helped with Grupo de Oracion and with Kerygmatic Evangelization retreats. They sing in the choir, are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and are active in the Rosary Ministry.

Kathy McCormick

St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock

Kathy has a most pleasant and warm personality, which exudes a truly deep faith. Her involvement in parish life stems simply from  her desire to serve and lead others closer to Christ. She serves as a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, in the Women’s Prayer Group and spirituality programs. She is a spiritual counselor and director.

Laurie Metzler

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Austin

Laurie is retiring this year as the parish liturgist after 12 years of service. She began working in the parish in 2005. She has devoted her lifetime to ministry and service in the church. At all times, she gave her heart and her soul to the parish. She was always available to ensure the various ministries of the parish worked smoothly.

George Meurer

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption Parish, West

George has been taking the Eucharist to nursing homes and leading the rosary for more than 40 years. Since the explosion, he has visited the displaced residents in Waco and Hillsboro. He has worked with Meals on Wheels for more than 15 years. He is a charter member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is active in four other parish groups. He has volunteered for Westfest and the West rodeo for more than 25 years.

Albert Michalka

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission, Marak

Albert served as a lector for 15 years, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for 46 years and is still active in this ministry. He takes the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. He has been an active member of Knights of Columbus Council 10186 since 1953. He has served on the Pastoral Council and manages the meal ticket booth at the annual picnic. He assists with bereavement meals and directs the Stations of the Cross during Lent. He has volunteered with the cleaning of the chalices, the cleaning of the church and with the grounds keeping. He is always eager to fill in wherever needed without hesitation.

Jose Salvador Montealvo Oviedo

Sacred Heart Parish, Austin

At his young age Salvador has belonged to and led the youth group. He has taught religious education to young people and adults, has provided formation to many parish ministries and has helped with retreats and events like V Encuentro at different times. Salvador’s positive attitude has influenced many people of different ages in the community.

Felix & Lori Munson

St. William Parish, Round Rock

Felix and Lori have been dedicated parishioners for 30 years. Their time and dedication to the parish is unwavering and can be seen       in the different ministry work they are involved  from the Knights    of Columbus to the building and capital campaigns. They are very passionate about the parish and can always be relied on to provide sound advice and honest feedback. This passion is not only contained within the church but can be seen in their philanthropic endeavors around the city of Round Rock.

Huddie Murray

St. Austin Parish, Austin

Unassuming as she is active, Huddie is a dynamo engaged in the parish chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Thursday Outreach Program. With quiet grace she has organized and energized the Parish Christmas Basket program that delivers more than 200 boxes of toys, food and clothing to needy families each Christmas.

Chong Nelson

St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights

Chong is a charter member and faithful parishioner. She is married  to Hoyt Nelson, a retired member of the U.S. Army. She is always willing to help in any way she can, a real “Anna in the Temple.” She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, a sacristan, member of the Legion of Mary and member of the St. Paul Chong Hasang Korean Women’s Association. She is one of the people always helping set up for parish activities. Chong is also a representative of the church with the local Korean Community. She and her husband have been faithful and generous supporters of the parish.

Rudy Nevarez

St. Martin de Porres Parish, Dripping Springs

Rudy  is a lector and has helped lead the Monday night Bible study.  He has a great interest in helping people grow in their knowledge    of Scripture. He has been the head of the parish grounds committee for many years and helps to maintain the parish’s 28 acres. He is a long-term member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and helps with weekly food runs as well as home visits. Rudy is a Knight of Columbus, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and sacristan. He has also been on the ACTS Team and has a devotion to Eucharistic Adoration.

Delfino & Magdalena Orozco

St. Ann Parish, Somerville

Delfino is a second-grade catechist and an officer in the Knights of

Columbus. He volunteers to do many maintenance projects around the parish — especially yardwork. Magdalena is the parish secretary and wears many other hats. She is a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and also sets up for almost every parish function.

Jose & Maria Ortega

St. Eugene Parish, McGregor

Jose is a member of the Spanish choir. Maria has been a part-time secretary and bookkeeper at St. Eugene in McGregor and Our Lady of San Juan Mission in Moody for five years. Together, they volunteer for the parish festival and fundraising activities. They volunteer to clean the church for a month each year.

Diane Parker

St. Patrick Parish, Hutto

Diane is an exemplary model of kindness, service and dedication. She is a pillar in the parish community and a blessing to all.

Felix & Bernice Picha

St. Joseph Parish, Waco

Felix and Bernice are long-time, active members of the parish. Felix is a Knight of Columbus. Bernice is a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, leads the lector ministry, is on the Liturgy Committee and sews banners and altar cloths. They are both extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and serve the elderly with the Meals on Wheels. They work together as a team and support the programs of the parish.

Glenn Pritchett

St. Stephen Parish, Salado

Glenn has distinguished himself as an example of faithful commitment to Christian life and discipleship. He is a model and a great example as he brings deep reverence and devotion in the practice of his faith and active participation in ministry. His untiring efforts and resilience ensured the new church was built and dedicated. He is very passionate in the care of the sick in the community, serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and as a volunteer catechist in the Youth Faith Formation of the parish.

Michael Raia

Diocese of Austin

Michael has given his time and professional talents to serve diocesan youth ministry for many years in a variety of roles in the diocese, most notably in the areas of environment, liturgy and music at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference.

Gabe & Yvonne Rocha

St. Michael Parish, Uhland

Gabe and Yvonne are an example of love and humility. They both generously volunteer a lot of their time at the parish. Gabe is a member of the Knights of Columbus and an usher. Yvonne is a catechist,  lector and member of the Catholic Daughters of America. They run a booth during the annual festival and help with kitchen duties. They are always willing to help out when needed.

Darlene Ryan

Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove

Darlene has been an active member of the parish for 15 years. She generously shares her artistic talents in various  parish  activities. She makes a Holy Hour with husband Mike on a weekly basis in Holy Family’s Adoration Chapel.

George Rymer and Rita Molina-Rymer

Santa Rosa Parish, Andice

George and Rita have served as leaders and members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Society for six years. In that time, membership has more than doubled to more than 40 volunteers who provide pantry food, household supplies, diapers and other necessities to more than a hundred families per month. They assist up to 10 families per month financially and volunteers pack and deliver over 175 food packs for children in the Florence School District. Recently, they arranged for Catholic Social Services to provide an informational meeting regarding immigration issues for those in need of documentation assistance. They are always open to ideas and programs that they can use to serve those in greatest need in the community and surrounding area.

Mark Santos

St. Theresa Parish, Austin

Mark is a parishioner who offers visionary support at all levels. He serves as president of the Pastoral Council and was the author of    the parish pastoral plan. He also leads the successful Catalyst Men’s Ministry, a weekly gathering to strengthen faith and community of among men of the parish. He also serves as the head of the continuation committee for Christ Renews His Parish. As a member of the diocesan School Board, Mark brought considerable skill to the process of re- visioning the administrative structure of St. Theresa Catholic School, seeing to the success of its leadership. He also gives of his time as a lector and a school coach. He and his wife Deri have two children who attend St. Theresa Catholic School.

Garry Schellberg

Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange

Garry is the coordinator for the parish Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program. He is a member of the Finance Council and chair of the current capital campaign. In these roles, he sometimes works in the background while at other times he is a visible leader within the parish. He is generous in his charity to the community by volunteering and giving leadership to the local food pantry. He is faithful to Sunday Mass and an example of putting his faith into action.

Bob & Rosanne Schmidt

St. Mary Parish, Brenham

Bob worked diligently on the Finance Council for several years. He was the director of the capital campaign to raise funds for a new      air conditioning system. He has very good relational skills, which helped make the fundraiser quite successful. Rosanne has served as a catechist, in youth ministry, at the Summer Festival and in many other parish activities. She is currently president of the Pastoral Council.

Deborah Marie Silvey

St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale

Debbie has been the parish cantor for a long time. She sings every Sunday and leads the congregation with her beautiful voice. Throughout these years, she has shown her deep commitment and love of the Eucharist. She also volunteers as a catechist’s aide.

Harley & Cathy Smith

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption, Waco

Harley served as an adult catechist, leader of the parish adult formation team, as a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. In addition he has supported his wife Cathy who has served as the parish business administrator of the parish for 14 years. In this capacity she has been involved in and a part of many areas of parish life. In addition to her regular duties of maintaining the financial records of the parish and Holy Cross Cemetery, she prepares the parish bulletin each week, orders supplies for various ministries and administers the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program. Cathy has served as the chair of the Bereavement Group, as co-chair of the Festival Committee, as well as a member of the Women’s Guild, a catechist, adult catechist, a lector, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and rosary leader.

Josie Spencer

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin

Josie is a long-time devoted member of the parish. She is open and gregarious and has a deep commitment to charity and kindness. She evangelizes all God’s people through her service on the RCIA team, Las Carmelitas, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Las Guadalupanas sodalities. She serves on the annual Jamaica Liturgy committees. She serves as lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, usher, hospitality minister and as sacristan for daily Mass. She took the initiative of composing bilingual Mass binders with hymns for the Chapel for all to follow during Mass. She has been a living testimony of her Catholic faith.

Georgia Stermer

St. Joseph Parish, Cyclone

Georgia is a lifelong member who received all of her sacraments at the parish. She married Roy in 1947, and raised a family of three girls and five boys. In 1975, Roy was diagnosed with lupus, which eventually led to paralysis. Georgia lovingly cared for him while he was incapacitated, helped him with his daily routine and brought him to Mass. He died in 1982. She continued to work until her retirement when she took up gardening and quilting. She continues to take her turn in cleaning the church, attends daily Mass and keeps the votive candles burning as she remembers her family, their trials, tribulations and celebrations in her prayers.

Carl & Liza Struck

St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco

Carl and Liza came to the parish, and Carl’s boyhood home, a few years ago after serving in the military. They quickly became very active in the parish. Carl directs the choir and Liza plays the organ. They are very active members of the ACTS program, but most especially they give of themselves in working in youth ministry where they help lead the youth to a deeper encounter with Christ. They practice their faith, giving witness to the glory of God at Sunday and weekday Masses.

Rita Summy

Good Shepherd Mission, Johnson City

Rita was a founding member of the mission and has given of herself in so many areas of church life as a catechist and chair of festivals and dinners. She is currently a member of the Finance Council. She actively practices her faith by attending Sunday Mass and the weekday Mass.

Jacque Tate

St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista

Jacque has been a member of the parish for 20 years. She lives her faith and has been active in many ministries. She has served as a lector, pro- life coordinator, works with the youth in various capacities and has organized multiple charity drives. Jacque lives her baptismal call in an extraordinary way through stewardship and leadership in both the parish and the greater community.

Vancie Todaro

St. Anthony Parish, Bryan

Vancie is a lifetime member of the parish who celebrated all her sacraments there. She served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for more than 40 years, as a lector more than 20 years and on the Finance Council for 35 years. She is long-time member of the Altar Society and served as president for six years and chair of  its spaghetti dinner for 10 years. She is a member of the Holy Rosary Society and has coordinated the preparation of the Lamb’s Bread for Holy Thursday for 67 years. Early on, she was involved in the Children of Mary Organization and Catholic Youth Organization.

Juan Trevino

Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody

Juan is an active member who teaches in the religious education program. He is also a hospitality minister. He is also active in fundraising activities for the mission.

Brian & Debra Sue Trinque

St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Austin

Brian and Debra Sue give endlessly to the Cathedral and Cathedral School by volunteering their time, talent and treasure without hesitation. Brian coordinates the parish ministry and is a member    of the Knights of Columbus Council 14055. Debra Sue is active with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Matthew Ministry (money counters).

Dick & Mary Urbanowski

St. John Neumann Parish, Austin

Dick and Mary Urbanowski have been dedicated parishioners since 2000. They have served in a variety of capacities. Dick has served as the co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, a member of the Finance Council and the Pastoral Council. He is also a dedicated lector and usher.  Mary invests her time on the bereavement committee,   the Mary and Martha Guild and serves the retirement community of Querencia, participating in their Communion services and Masses and generally, brings the Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass.

Ciriaco & Nancy Valdez

St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station

Ciriaco and Nancy have been involved at the Catholic Center, especially with the Hispanic community, since they were graduate students in the 1980s. They have participated for many years in the Spanish catechism. They served also as Mass coordinators, lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They serve as leaders of the Catholic Hispanic community leading some of the weekly Spanish rosaries, the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations, the Spanish Way of the Cross. They also participated in the Hispanic Married Couples group. They have been a sponsor couple to couples preparing for marriage. For the last few years, they have been the coordinators of the monthly Spanish convivios. For a number of years Nancy worked part-time at Good Samaritan, then at Catholic Charities of Central Texas teaching parenting classes in Spanish.

Mario & Elizabeth Vallejo

St. Peter Mission, Goldthwaite

Mario and Elizabeth have been parishioners for more than 25 years. Their two sons were altar servers. Elizabeth has been active on the Parish Council for four years. She has coordinated religious education for four years and is currently a lector. Mario helps Elizabeth where needed with religious education students, preparing and serving food, running errands and anything else needed. They have both participated in local community events involving children from the parish.

Ned F. Vanders

Diocese of Austin

Ned has served as the Superintendent  of  the  Catholic  Schools  in the Diocese of Austin since 2005. He retired on June 5, but will continue to serve as a consultant though the fall term. In his tenure  as superintendent, he opened two schools: Santa Cruz Catholic School in Buda and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High  School  in  Austin.  In that time, he also added an assistant superintendent and director of marketing for Catholic schools to the diocesan administration. During his 47 years in Catholic education, Ned has served as a teacher, campus minister, dean of students and principal.

Amanda Villarreal

Diocese of Austin

Amanda has advanced diocesan young adult ministry in a tremendous way by serving as the founding president of the Austin chapter of Young Catholic Professionals. She has not only completed two years as a volunteer with Young Catholic Professionals, she has also given her time as a participant and now a facilitator and coordinator of the diocesan Ascend leadership development program.

Helen Wallace

St. Michael Mission, Burlington

Helen always cares and takes time to help in any situation. If it is cleaning the church or rectory, or preparing to celebrate a funeral, she is always ready to help. If she cannot be there in person, she will make sure to send food. She takes time to send cards to the elderly. Her kindness and sharing are seen in all she does for the parish and community.

Stan & Joanne Weik

St. Mary Parish, San Saba

Stan and Joanne have been members of the parish for 10 years. During this time they have been active on both the Parish and Finance councils. Stan is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is currently the city manager for San Saba and both he and his wife are involved in the Keep San Saba Beautiful project, as well as other community events and parish events. Joanne is a member of the Ladies of St. Mary’s. For the last two years Joanne has averaged 30 hours per week coordinating the capital campaign and building project, which is in the planning stage for a new religious education facility and Parish Hall. She also assists in the parish office by volunteering to keep the church database current.

Rex & Carol Wilson

St. Mary Parish, Wimberley

Rex and Carol are active parishioners who have many years of devoted and time-consuming service. Rex  has served as president   of the Pastoral Council, ACTS retreat director and team member for several retreats, Vacation Bible School leader and is currently the founding director of the St. Mary Stephen’s ministry. Carol serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, sings in the choir and has been the director of the annual parish garage sale for several years.

Patrick & Elizabeth Wysocki

St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Patrick and Liz have been an inspiration for others by participating in many parish activities. They are music directors of the parish and its mission church in Kovar. Patrick was Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a seventh- grade catechist and parish website designer and host. Liz serves as secretary of the Pastoral Council and is a member of the Altar Society and Bereavement committees. She helps with different booths at the annual bazaar. Together, they help with the church maintenance and cleaning and lead a children’s choir. Their service, dedication and contributions to the church reflect their love of Christ and the church.

Sheri Zapata

St. Thomas More Parish, Austin

Sheri spends countless time in a beautifully sacrificial way in prayer on behalf of the petitions of parishioners as lead in the Prayer Line Ministry. Her selfless offering of talents for the building up of God’s kingdom does not stop there. For the least of our brethren she goes above and beyond to provide help as intake for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. As a catechist, Sheri teaches fifth grade. As a faithful steward, she fights for truth and justice in the Salt and Light Ministry.

Tom Zuiss

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin

Tom  has been a member of the parish for many years. His love  of   the outdoors and love of his parish is very evident in all the ways he has volunteered. He helps maintain the parish buildings, whether   it’s replacing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet. He also is part of      a weekly volunteer team that does setup for the many events and activities at the parish. He locks up the buildings once a week, and one of his greatest loves is the parish grounds where he spends countless hours working in the community garden, repairing sprinkler heads, trimming trees, mulching and a variety of other outdoor tasks. What sets Tom apart from others is he gives of his time and talent whenever needed, and very often without even being asked.

Alejandro and Ibeth Arzola

St. Matthew Mission, Rogers

Phil and Mary Ann Everett

St. Mary Parish, Temple

Mercedes V. Sanchez

Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Burnet

David Widmer

Holy Cross Mission, Bertram

Julio & Maricela Aguilar

St. Peter Mission, Goldthwaite

Julio and Maricela have been active members for more than 20 years. They are an outstanding example of Catholic parents as they balance their commitment to family, church and work. Julio is a devoted usher and greeter. He generously volunteers to help keep the church and hall buildings maintained as well as the landscaping. He and Maricela help with funeral receptions and special meals by cleaning areas to be used. They prepare and set-up the food for these events. Julio has been a long-time member of the Finance Council, Pastoral Council and ushers. This past year, he became co-chair of the funeral committee and maintenance committee.

Paulette Beatty

St. Joseph Parish, Bryan

Paulette  has  served  in  many  ministries.  She  is  a  coordinator  for afternoon  adorer  hours  in  the  Adoration  Chapel.  She  has  also volunteered in the church office as receptionist when needed. Paulette helped  organize  and  establish  Mount  Carmel  Rosary  Guild  in  the parish almost 25 years ago. With her guidance the Rosary Guild has grown to include five apostolates: Mission Rosaries, Brown Scapulars, Gift Shop, Chain Rosaries and Altar Linens. Paulette is a blessing to the parish and truly is an example of how to do God’s work.

Brent Bennett

University Catholic Center, Austin

Brent has been an active member for the last six years taking on many leadership roles and participating in a number of our ministry groups  including  the  University  Graduate  and  Professionals,  the Knights  of  Columbus,  the  Finance  Council  and  the  Development Board. He is a Mass coordinator, lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He is a generous contributor of his time, talent and treasure. In addition to his very active involvement at the UCC, he is also a part of the diocesan Catholic Young Adult Initiative. His dedication and enthusiasm for his faith are wonderful to witness for us all.

Martin Bermudez

San José Parish, Austin

Martin has faithfully served as head usher for all weekend Masses for more than 10 years. Whenever he is called upon to assist with anything, from bulletin inserts to replacing the missalettes or cleaning the church, he is at the parish and ready to help. He also assists with the RCIA program and  religious education students who serve as ushers during Mass. He is not only charismatic when serving as an usher, but he has been known to have great moves on the dance floor. We are grateful to have him joyfully serve the parish community.

Dennis & Debbie Bohannan

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption Parish, West

Dennis  is  very  active  in  the  parish  and  in  the  community.  Since the  explosion,  Dennis  worked  every  Saturday  to  help  different homeowners clean up their property so they could rebuild. Dennis has also served on the Parish Council and is actively taking care of all the small and large details in the maintenance of the property. He sings in the choir and is active in other ministries of the church.

Frank & Georgia Bohuslav

St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Frank and Georgia have been married for 64 years and are inspiration for others as they participate in the many activities at the parish. Frank is a member of the Thrid and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He is treasurer of the Third Degree and Purser of the Fourth Degree. He is a member of the Pastoral Council and participates in the annual and monthly fundriasers, is an associate member of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference, assists as a catechist, member of the parish choir, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, greeter and usher. He helps take care of the parish in both exterior and interior unkeep and repairs. Georgia is a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion, treasurer of the SVdP conference, a catechist assistant, participates  in  fundraisers,  a  member  of  the  Altar  Society  and assisted in establishing the gift shop. Their service, dedication and contributions reflect their love of Christ and the church.

Ron Brewer

St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos

Ron is a vey devoted and dedicated parishioner. He serves as an adult altar server and is president of the Finance Council. He gives several volunteer hours to the parish and is very reliable. He always takes his ministry above and beyond.

Barbara Budde

Diocese of Austin

Barbara worked for the Diocese of Austin for nearly 15 years. She retired in May 2015 from her position of Secretariat Director of Justice and Charity and the Director of the Office of Social Concerns. Barbara oversaw Catholic Charities of Central Texas and all of the diocese’s social justice outreach including missions, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic social teaching. She is a parishioner of St. Austin Parish in Austin.

Ricardo & Bernadette Cardenas

St. Mary Parish, Wimberley

Ricardo and Bernadette have been married for 44 years, and became members of the parish in 1998. Ricardo has been involved in youth ministry for 16 years as a catechist, spiritual motivator, etc. During regular retreats, he has often volunteered as a chauffer and chaperone. For several years he has also coordinated English as a Second Language classes and occasionally offers transportation to anyone that needs it.  During  fundraising events,  Ricardo has  always  been  willing  to help. Since 2000, Bernadette has been in charge of the extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, training and coordinating schedules. She has also participated in our Ladies Guild Group, ACTS retreats, Bible studies and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Divine Mercy devotion.

Farrell Desselle

St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville

Farelle has been married to his wife Camille for 55 years. They joined the parish in 1998. He has served on the Pastoral Council member for five years, three as chair. He was instrumental in developing the Employee Handbook for parish staff and was an Advanced Giving Team Member for the 2013 Capital Campaign. He is a member of the ACTS Community and completed four years with the That Man Is You! program. He managed the renovation of the Parish Hall Kitchen in 2014 and served four years on the Building Committee. He currently serves as the parish representative with the architect and general contractor for the building of the new Religious Education Center.

Albert & Shirley Diekmann

St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park

Al registered as a parishioner in January 2008. Since then, with the continuous  support  of  his  wife  Shirley,  he  has  served  the  parish in many ways. He serves on our SpringFest Committee, has led the Homebound Eucharsitic Ministry. He is the staff and ministry leader photographer and he serves as liaison between the parish and the Seton Cedar Park Medical Center. He is also involved with the No One Dies Alone program. His personal wish is to bring the love of Christ to those who are at or near death and to help them on their final journey. Even in the last couple of years as he has experienced major health issues, he remains a constant fixture in parish life. He has his wife help with the Senior Luncheon. He has done all of this with the love of God in his heart.

Mary Jo doVale

St. Luke Parish, Temple

Mary Jo has been a very active member of St. Luke Parish for many years.  Always  willing  to  serve,  she  has  been  actively  involved  in many of the parish ministries. She presently serves on the Parish Advisory  Council,  the  Parish  Strategic  Planning  Committee  and Evangelization Team. Her love and devotion for the Blessed Sacrament is truly exemplified as she serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, bringing the sacrament to the homebound and to those in the nursing homes and hospitals. Her selfless dedication is a shining example of what it means to be a Disciple of Christ.

Gail Eltgroth

Good Shepherd Mission, Lometa

She is the parish coordinator for Religious Education, a member of the Liturgical Committee, a member of the quilt group of Lometa and other  community  organizations  in  Lometa,  San  Saba  and  Temple. She has served on both the Pastoral and Finance councils and she is a volunteer at St. Mary Kitchen. She is always available for church activities.

Julie Eubanks

St. Mary Parish, Caldwell

Julie is the ultimate example of a Christian who uses her gifts from God to the fullest. Julie has been a member of the Women’s Club for 25 years, and has helped with the Knights of Columbus Festival for 20 years. She is a catechist and serves as extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Her love for Christ shines through her personality as she serves in the parish, in the community and in her family.

Mark Falsone

St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco

Mark has volunteered to organize and lead practices for our music ministry for our students at St. Peter for the last four years. He has done so generously and joyfully. Almost every weekend during the school year, he is present for three Masses on Sunday. The students really enjoy working with him and he provides continuity to a congregation that has a lot of changeover. He also volunteers at times at St. Jerome, which is the parish near where he lives.

Jim & Tina Franks

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption Parish, Waco

Jim and Tina have been members for 15 years. They are sacristans for  the  10:30  a.m.  Sunday  Mass.  They  both  serve  as  ushers  and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Jim is a member of the Men’s Club and helps out with repairs around the church. He also helps count the collection each week. Tina is the chairperson of the ushers and a member of the Liturgy Committee. She knits caps for the homeless in our community. She is a member of the St. Mary’s Women’s Guild and the Ladies of Charity. She is also a part-time employee of the parish, managing the religious gift shop and working as a receptionist. They both actively support the parish festival.

Jose & Hermelinda Gonzales

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin

Jose and Hermalinda have been active parishioners for many years and have devoted much of their time, talent and treasure to the parish. Over  the  last  three  years,  Jose  and  Hermalinda, along  with  their children, have volunteered to run the Sunday kitchen when no other group/ministry is available. They play a vital role because our parish depends on these funds to help our food pantry and other social ministries.

Blanca Gonzalez

St. Joseph Parish, Killeen

Blanca has been the parish sacristan for more than 15 years. In that time, she has shown great love and devotion in her position. She walks daily to the church. The parish is blessed that she is healthy and able to serve and prepare for daily Masses, as well as for four Sunday Masses. She is a wonderful seamstress and floral arranger, and is well versed in the liturgy and the requirements for the many celebrations in our parish. She is the mother of two, grandmother to nine, and great- grandmother of 13. She is a member of the Legion of Mary and the Rosary Crusade. She is a wonderful example of the selfless servant.

Leopoldo & Elvira Gonzalez

Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan

Leo and Vera Gonzalez have been parishioners for more than 50 years. Leo has been a choir director for 33 years. Together they serve on the Finance Council. They are always willing to help in any way around the church. They are a great blessing to this parish.

Ruth Gurka & Mary Gurka

St. Mary Parish, Brenham

These two ladies always work very hard in organizing blood drives at the parish. They also serve at both of the annual parish fundraisers. Mary has been on the money counting team for many years. They have been very generous when financial help is needed.

Richard Hansard

St. Philip Mission, China Spring

Richard  is  an  active  member  of  the  parish.  He  coordinates  andparticipates in the Sunday Choir. He has also served as chair of the Parish Council. He has been very generous with his time, talent and treasure, and always tries to recognize the needs and meet of the parish.

Margaret Harrison

St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Austin

Margaret has been a dedicated parishioner for numerous years and has served as the unofficial Cathedral seamstress, having mended the clerics and cassocks for Msgr. Edward Matocha and now Father Albert Laforet. She leads the rosary before the 12:05 p.m. Mass on weekdays and Saturdays. She continues to serve as lector for weekend Masses. Any time the Cathedral has a need which involves needle and thread, Margaret is the first person we ask. She always serves with great humility and kindness. She made the gramails used by Bishop Joe Vásquez and Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Garcia.

Chun & Kyungja Huh

St. Andrew Kim Parish, Austin

Chun has served as a leader of the Parish Council. He has dedicated his time to bring about positive changes to the parish and is a role model to many of our parishioners. Kyungja has served in the Legion of Mary for many years. They are dedicated to the Korean Catholic community and the Korean community in Austin as well.

Ella Hurst

St. Peter and Paul Mission, Kovar

Ella is a dedicated and committed parishioner. She is a long-time member of the community, member of the Altar Society, Bereavement Committee,  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  extraordinary  minister  of  holy Communion and homebound, hospitality minister, lector and part of the ministerial alliance. She helps with the cleaning and decorating. She is a great example of a loving Catholic, always willing to serve others in any way she can.

Steven & Linda Jaramillo

Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove

Steve and Linda are very active and really put their faith into action. They regularly are hospitable to homeless people and assist women who are transitioning out of prison. They have a heart for the poor and the downtrodden and truly live out Matthew 25. In addition to that, they want to learn and are active in RCIA, Adult Education and other parish events.

Christina Jobes

St. Stephen Parish, Salado

Tina, through years of dedicated service at the parish, has distinguished herself  as  an  example  of  faithful  commitment  to  Christian  life and discipleship. She is a model and a great example as she brings deep reverence and devotion in the practice of her faith and active participation in ministry. Her untiring efforts and resilience ensured that the very first parish pictorial directly was a reality. She has given several years of active service as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and as a volunteer catechist. Her personal faith, humility and commitment to the parish life make her indeed a true light and great inspiration for many in the parish community.

Timothy & Debbie Juhlke

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin

Timothy  and   Debbie  serve  as   extraordinary  ministers  of   holy Communion and are active in the John Paul II Life Center and other charitale and civic organizations. Debbie has served as the director of RCIA for eight years. She is also a facilitator of the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry program.

Jennifer Klepac

Holy Trinity Parish, Corn Hill

Jennifer serves as the administrative assistant/secretary of the parish. She teaches second grade religious education and has served as the parish director of religious eduction. She helps in almost every parish activity. She is very involved in the annual Parish Bazaar, helping to

organize it and working behind the scenes. She has also served as the parish actovity center manager. During the 10 months following the death of Msgr. Emilian Foltyn, Jennifer, along with Deacon Gene Davis and other parishioners, kept the parish operating smoothly.

Ronald & Kathleen Kramr

St. John the Baptist Parish, Fayetteville

Ronnie  and  Kathleen  serve  as  extraordinary  ministers  of  holy Communion. Ronnie serves as sacristan and is the director of the St. John’s Cemetery Association and is a current officer and former Grand Knight of the local Knights of Columbus Council. Kathleen is a lector. They are always willing and able to help whenever, and wherever, necessary.

Lloyd & Eleanor Langsdorf

St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin

Lloyd  and  Eleanor  celebrated  49  years  of  faithful  witness  to  the sacrament of marriage this year. Both are actively involved in the parish and community as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They are also involved in the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Drive a Senior, Handy Wheels (Meals on Wheels), St. Anne’s Circle, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and the St. Albert the Great Club. They give consistent witness of stewardship of time, talent and treasure.

Larry & Mona Lockhart

St. Mary Parish, Temple

Larry and Mona have organized the annual parish fundraiser for the last several years while also serving as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Larry also serves as an usher and has given many volunteer hours coaching football and basketball for St. Mary’s Catholic School. Mona was president of the very active women’s ministry that helps the Knights of Columbus with bingo and other activities that help the parish financially. They are a good example of family and share those values with their children and the community they serve.

Joe & Ida Malina

St. Austin Parish, Austin

From their start at the University of Texas in Austin, Ida and Joe Malina  have  been  essential  to  the  well-being  and  hospitality  that are key characteristics of St. Austin Parish. Their children and grandchildren have attended the parish school. They have served as liturgical ministers, stints on parish staff and a range of financial and ministerial committees. A key characteristic of a Paulist parish is that it is a beacon of hope for a future brighter than any past. Joe and Ida certainly embody this faith-inspired hope.

Louis & Virginia Martinez

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martindale

Louis is a lifelong member of the parish. He currently dedicates his efforts to the Cristo Rey men’s group and their efforts to maintain the parish facilities. He volunteers his time each Lent, helping with the annual fish fry, as well as on the team that prepares the grounds for the annual three-day jamaica. Louis is also head acolyte. Virginia serves as both a member of the Pastoral and Finance councils. Over the last several years, she has also served as the head of the parish jamaica committee. Virginia is also an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, as well as their group leader.

Walter & Margie Matous

St. Michael Mission, Burlington

Walter and Margie Matous have been members for more than 30 years. They are a team – always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. They are behind the scenes cleaning and making repairs at the parish and rectory as well as keeping up the church grounds and taking care of St. Michael Cemetery. Walter and Margie are an inspiration to other parishioners.

Johnny & Molly Mazanec

St. Joseph Parish, Waco

Johnny and Molly are founding members of our church. They have raised two adopted children and they have been cornerstone members in many of our parish groups including Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of America, Perpetual Adoration (20 year members), as well as assisting at our church functions.

Mary McCorvey

Blessed Virgin Mary Mission, Washington

Mary is a woman of strong Catholic faith. Her Sunday Mass, weekday Mass, and Adoration attendance is exemplary. She is a member of both Finance and Pastoral councils.

Jason & Amber Melero

St. Thomas More Parish, Austin

Jason has been actively involved with the Life Teen Program for the last eight years sharing his love of the Catholic faith with our high school teens. He has also served as a confirmation catechist for the last six years. The teens gravitate to him. He is always welcoming to his peers and our teens parents. Jason shares his gifts of time and talent planning retreats and presentations. He is also active in the Knights of Columbus.

Rita Mikulec

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Mission, Marak

Rita has been a member for 70 years since her marriage to Theodore, who died in 2013. She willingly drove to Shiner numerous times from Cameron in the late ‘40s and ‘50s to pick up nuns to teach school in Marak during the week returning them to Shiner for the weekend Masses. She supported her husband with numerous church building projects.  She  refurbished  numerous  antique  furnishings  from  the priests and nuns for the annual picnic auctions. She held numerous offices with St. Ann’s Altar Society.  She willingly helped with numerous Spring Dinners and annual picnics. She made or helped make approximately 54 quilts for parish auctions. At 90 years young, she continues to quilt and bake for parish functions.

Michael & Karen Monaghan

St. Martin de Porres Parish, Dripping Springs

Michael and Karen are faithful daily Mass attendees and adorers in the parish Adoration chapel who also serve as liturgical ministers. Michael is active in the Knights of Columbus and co-director of the last Men’s ACTS Retreat. He also takes care of the parish’s IT needs. Karen is active in the Women’s Ministry, Walking  with  Purpose Women Group, co-director of the last Women’s ACTS Retreat and the head of the Art and Environment Ministry. They are excellent stewards of God’s gifts and generously share their time, talents and treasure with the community of St. Martin de Porres.

Aurelia Montoya

St. Eugene Parish, McGregor

Aurelia has been a parishioner for 16 years. She has been a Cursillista for 40 years and serves as the parish director of religious eduction. She   coordinates   a   monthly   potluck   lunch   with   the   religious education teachers to discuss how everyone is doing. She is the youth commissioner for the youth group. She has helped in the monthly fundraiser breakfasts and has helped count the collection. She also helps coordinate the youth games for the annual festival.

Tony Moore

St. Louis Parish, Waco

Tony is what you call a “Born Again” Catholic. He heads up the Knights of Columbus Council. He is very involved with the ACTS Community. Tony also started and lead the That Man is You! program for the last two years, and he has coordinated the adoration program. He is an inspiration to our entire parish community.

Bro. Gerald Muller, CSC

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Austin

Brother Gerald is the conductor of the 12:15 p.m. choir. In his formative years, Brother Gerald studied with some of the finest musical directors in the country. He sang opera with Beverly Sills. He taught music in high School to stars of stage and screen. He is a published author. His finest work is an autobiography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brother Gerald is a member of the Holy Cross order at St. Edward’s University.

Bill & Linda O’Brien

Holy Rosary Mission, Frenstat

Bill & Linda moved to the Caldwell area 10 years ago and immediately became  active  members.  Bill  is  a  lector,  usher,  member  of  the Maintenance  Committee and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Pastoral Council for seven years. Linda is a member of the Altar Society.

Joe & Margaret Olivares

Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange

Joe and Margaret have been active members of Sacred Heart Parish for 38 years. Joe has previously served as a catechist. He currently serves as a hospitality minister, helps set up the manger scene outside the church each Christmas and helps set up crib in the church. He is a member of the Holy Name Society and a Third and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Margaret served in the religious education program, was a sponsor for the RCIA program, prepares funeral lunches – all for several years. She currently serves as one of the three group chairman for funeral lunches, is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and he is a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the Altar Society.

Chris & Rosie Owens

Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin

Chris and Rosie are instrumental in so many aspects of our parish family (fiesta, retreats and Vacation Bible School). Rosie turned the religious education program around. She is dedicated, spiritual and inspiring to our youth and parents.

Jeff Paradowski

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station

Jeff has touched the lives of many individuals and families through his timely and large financial generosity in an unassuming and silent manner. He is well-known and respected in the community at large as a champion and promoter of life, shining example of honesty, integrity and service, and as an approachable decent human being with basic human and Christian values. With God’s grace he serves his family well as a loving husband and a great dad, and has been serving at the parish as a leader and a servant through different councils, committees and ministries.

Tom & Rosa Maria Pena

Santa Cruz Parish, Buda

Tom has been lead usher for a number of years. He is a behind-the- scenes person. He schedules and trains ushers. He makes sure the collection is secured and counted. He works hard to make sure Holy Day Masses are covered. Most people never see him but they sure would notice if all he does was not done. His sons have now joined him in this ministry and we have a second generation of ushers coming up. He is a blessing to Santa Cruz.

Peter & Ha Vu Pham

Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin

Peter and Ha are the faithful members of our parish community. They are not only generous in supporting our parish financially, but they have been involved in many different ways of charity works. They have made many trips back to Vietnam with a group of volunteers to support and help the poor and the needy with the local Caritas organizations of the dioceses. They continue to wholeheartedly, generously share their gifts of love and finance.

Epifanio Portillo

St. Ann Parish, Rosebud

Epifanio (Pefi) is a lifelong member of the parish. He has always been very active and willing to help whenever he is needed. He is currently Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Sorrows #9743 and has served in many leadership roles within the organization. He is an example of service and spirituality to his many nieces and nephews as well as the church community.

Jill Prelosky

St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock

Jill has a vibrant personality and a great sense of humor. Battling stage 4 cancer for the fifth time would be more than enough to stop anyone in their tracks, but not her. Some of her many parish ministries include fourth-grade  catechist,  communion  to  the  sick  and  homebound, church cleaning, gardens ministry, altar linens, Bible studies and parish fundraisers. She is also actively involved in the Round Rock community outreach programs, especially with children and those most in need.

Frances Radle

St. Joseph Parish, Marlin

Frances  is  ever-present  in  the  parish.  She  serves  as  a   lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and apostle to the shut-ins. She is a joy to be around and a blessing to our community.

Jon & Carol Rainbolt

Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish, San Marcos

Jon “Mike” and Carol, both retired educators, are now actively involved in our parish activities when they aren’t busy with grandkids. They are members of the Living Faith Society, our online monthly giving program. Mike has been a member of our pastoral committee for the last two years. He is also a greeter at our Sunday morning Mass. Carol is an active spiritual leader for our Women of Wisdom (WOW) ladies group who meet once a month and organize Bible studies, social gatherings and fundraising events for the parish. She is also an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Together they are lectors. Mike and Carol are such a wonderful example of living the Gospel of the Lord.

Mary Ralya

St. Ann Parish, Somerville

Mary exemplifies the Catholic virtues that are worthy of emulation. She  is  president  of  both  the  St.  Ann  Council  of  Catholic  Women (SACCW) and the Eastern Council of Catholic Women (ECCW) as well as secretary of both the Finance and Pastoral councils for the parish.

Paul & Margaret Ramirez

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple

Paul and Margaret are very active members serving as catechists, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry Facilitators, and as a sponsor couple for engaged couples preparing for mariage. They both serve on the Finance Council, are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and take Communion to homebound parishioners. Margaret also serves in the Religious Articles Gift Shop. Paul and Margaret are very generous in their giving of their time, their talents and their treasures, always ready to serve the Lord with a joyful and servant’s heart.

Ed & Juanita Reigle

St. Mary Parish, Lampasas

Ed and  Juanita  have been  of great help  to the parish community through their participation as catechists, heads of the Fall Festival Committee, members of the Knights of Columbus, members of one of the money counting teams and food pantry volunteers. Ed is a lector at Sunday Mass and a member of the Pastoral Council.

Ernest & Virginia Reyes

St. Mary Parish, San Saba

Ernest and Virginia are life-long parishioners. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2014. Virginia is a member of the Spanish Choir, lector,  extraordinary minister of  holy  Communion, member of the Parish Council, assists with the Religious Education program and, in December 2014, they volunteered to be marriage facilitators for the parish. Ernest maintains the grounds and Virginia uses her green thumb in the flower beds. They have two daughters, one son and seven grandchildren.

Dulce Rivera

Dolores Parish, Austin

Dulce is an energetic parishioner who serves as chair of the annual jamaica, breakfast coordinator, has served on the Parish Finance  board and gives to other projects through her time, talent and treasure. She and her family coordinate the Lenten Fish Fry. Her motivation to  involve others has brought leadership and  success to  different ministries.

Janis Roesslein

St. John Neumann Parish, Austin

Jan has been a parishioner since 1998 and is a tireless advocate and meaningful supporter of the parish. The parish has been blessed by her leadership skills, her positive attitude and her ability to inspire others to serve alongside her. She is the current chair of the Pastoral Council, the co-chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, a choir member and usher. She has helped organize volunteers in support of our 25th anniversary celebration and for the dedication of our new worship space. Jan and her husband Charlie are very active in several Austin civic and philanthropic endeavors.

Henry & Erma Roessler

St. Martin Parish, Tours

Henry and Erma have been committed and dedicated members for 55 years. Their marriage of 58 years has been an inspiration and a great testimony to their Catholic faith. Henry was one of the first four extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. He served as usher, lector and secretary/treasurer. He has also served as treasurer for the St. Martin’s Cemetery Association and was was on the Tours board of directors. Erma served on the Parish Council several times and was a catechist for the confirmation class. She has been an active member of the Altar Society for 50 years. She has been part of the choir for many years.

Darrell & Jane Rupert

St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, Austin

Jane is the whole package. She has been actively involved in the spiritual growth of many of the children, adults and families of the parish for many years. Through her efforts with RCIA, she has assisted in the process of welcoming many people into the church. As a catechist she teaches and models the Catholic faith. Through Bible study, retreats and adult faith formation she has not only cultivated her own faith life but she has also shared her faith with others. She is a wonderful example of the New Evangelization: growing in our own Catholic Faith so that we may teach and encourage others around us.

Luis & Linda Sanchez

St. Michael Parish, Uhland

Luis and Linda have been members since 2008. Luis serves at Mass in the role of an acolyte. Linda has taken the time and effort to become a certified catechist and helps teach Religious Education. She is also a member of the choir. As a couple, they work tirelessly each year running a booth at St. Michael’s annual three-day jamaica.

Ronald & Alice Scharfe

Holy Cross Parish, Austin

Ronald and Alice have shown dedication and faith by the numerous ways in which they have assisted the church. The parish is grateful to them for always responding to the church.

Richard & Ann Schiltz

St. Jerome Parish, Waco

Dick and Ann have been parishioners for many years and are each involved  in   multiple   ministries.  Together  they  lead   the  Lord’s Landscapers  ministry,  which   is   responsible  for   the   beautifully landscaped   campus.   They   volunteer   many   hours   planting   and maintaining the beautiful flowers and plants in numerous flowerbeds and are very dedicated to their ministry. You can find them working in the flowerbeds regardless of the weather.

Chuck & Sylvia Schnapp

St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights

Chuck and Sylvia, as a couple, make the church present and fruitful in our parish and community. They attend daily Mass and are one of the go-to couples when anything needs to be done. Chuck instituted and is the director of our Knights of Columbus Squires program. He is also the director of the Altar Servers, and is the main recruiter, trainer and scheduler. Sylvia was president of the Ladies of Charity for several years and continues as an active member, regularly recruiting new members. She voluntarily serves as the Parish Wedding Coordinator. Sylvia also is the secretary to the Parish Council and an active member of the Altar Society.

Charles & Ann Schneider

St. Joseph Parish, Cyclone

Charles and Ann have been members for more than 40 years. Charles was born into the parish and also was an active member until leaving to attend college. He has been a reader and usher for many of those years. He was on the Finance Committee for many years. He is a Knight of Columbus and runs a booth at our annual picnic. He is involved in the scholarship selections for the Knights. Ann has been active in the Altar Society for many years, works at the Ladies Booth at the picnic and is active in our annual Springfest/Dinner. They have raised three daughters in the church and have seven grandchildren.

Mike & Kay Schneider

St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista

Mike and Kay are invaluable to the parish. They work with RCIA candidates, coordinate the Art and Environment Committee and coordinate Martha’s Hands program cleaning the church. They are also readers and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and sing in the choir. They truly represent the Light of Christ at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake.

LeeRoy & Donna Shula

St. Mary Mission, Ellinger/Hostyn Hill

LeeRoy and Donna give so very much of their time to the church. LeeRoy helps maintain the facilities and grounds. He is actively involved in the Knights of Columbus. Donna is the Altar Society president and treasurer of the local Catholic Daughters of America Court. Donna is also a lector. Both Donna and LeeRoy are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.

Tom & Wanda Slye

Christ the King Parish, Belton

Tom and Wanda have exemplified the spirit of Christ as parishioners for more than 20 years. Their hard work and dedication with the beautification of our parish grounds and the preparation of banquets along with involvement in the parish festival have been an integral part of parish life. Tom has been a member of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus while Wanda has been a member of the Women’s Ministry. They both live their baptismal call by being examples of disciples of Christ.

Lupe & Luz Solano

St. Francis On The Brazos Parish, Waco

Lupe and Luz have given hard work, leadership, effort, energy and time to the parish for the last 15 years. They can be counted on to go the extra mile.

Maria Soo

Emmaus Parish, Lakeway

Maria exemplifies the qualities of generosity and dedication to service to others. She is involved in the parish as a member of the Pastoral Council and as a volunteer in youth ministry, liturgical music, the parish library  and  as  a  lector  and  extraordinary minister of  holy Communion. In all that she does she strives simply to be helpful and supportive of others. She is widely respected in the parish by both staff and volunteers because she does everything humbly and kindly.

Vince & Yvonne Soorholtz

St. William Parish, Round Rock

Yvonne and Vince have been members for more than 30 years and will celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary this fall. Throughout these decades they have given witness to the Gospel, not only through their vocation of marriage, but also through ministry in the church. Vince has served as treasurer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and has volunteered his time as a money counter for the parish. Yvonne has  recently  celebrated  her  20th  anniversary  as  the  coordinator for  elementary  religious education.  She  was  also  on  the  building committee that helped build the present campus. They are the parents of three grown children and welcomed their first grandchild last fall.

Ronald Wayne & Suzanne Sparks

Sacred Heart Parish, Austin

For 12 years, Suzanne has been dressing the parish altar with the liturgical colors for every Mass. She makes the design and sews the flags for the church, altar and ambon cloth. She takes care of laundry for chasubles and altar cloths. She cleans the altar on Saturdays and is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She helps, too, with the design and creation of signage for the parish festival booths and helps to set up those booths.

Jim & Maggie Taliano

St. Helen Parish, Georgetown

Jim and Maggie have exemplified generous commitment, love of Christ and dedication to the parish. Jim has led, in superb fashion, the parish Finance Council for many years. Maggie  faithfully led the Greeter Ministry and now continues to assist with music at the Saturday Vigil Mass, as well as at funerals. They are set apart by their devotion to Christ and encouraging spirit.

Vincent & Marie Tana

Visitation Parish, Westphalia

Vincent and Marie have been married for 67 years. Vince attends daily Mass, works at all church and parish hall events and secures all parish buildings. He is an active officer in the Knights of Columbus working at all KC functions. He is also active in Senior Citizens Groups, VFW events honoring fellow veterans at funerals and places flags on each veterans’ grave on Memorial Day. He sets up Flag Raising Tributes, talks and shares his experiences and distributes poppies to school children. Both Vince and Marie show love, concern and true interest for all parishioners – young and old alike.

Geri Telepak

Diocese of Austin

Geri worked for the Diocese of Austin for 12 years. She served first as the director of Family Life and then as the director of Religious Education. She retired in 2015. Under her leadership, parish directors of  religious eduction and  catechists were trained in  a  number  of programs to assist them in administration and the classroom. She taught numerous courses throughout the diocese during her years as director. She is a parishioner of St. John Vianney Parish in Round Rock.

Bobby Terpstra

St. Matthew Mission, Rogers

Bobby is the director of religious education as well as a catechist for the confirmation class. He is an acolyte and regularly assists at the Sunday Mass. In addition, he is a member of the Parish Finance Council and Parish Building Committee. Bobby is very conscientious, works well with children and adults and shows great enthusiasm.

William & Melita Thomas

St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville

Bill and Melita are longtime parishioners. Their interest has been the  well-being  of  the  parish  and  the  Pflugerville  community.  Bill presently serves as chair of the Pastoral Council. For many years Bill has  coordinated  the  extraordinary ministers  of  holy  Communion, Homebound Ministry and Hospitality ministries. Last year Bill started a partnership ministry with Pflugerville ISD on behalf of the parish. With the support of a few volunteers, this ministry reaches out to less fortunate students by providing backpacks with essential non- perishable foods for weekends and school holidays. Melita serves our parish community as a member of the Landscape Committee keeping the flower beds and pots beautiful year round. By their commitment and dedication to ministry, they are a good example of what it takes to make the light of Christ shine in our midst.

José Luis & Maria Elena Valencia

Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody

José Luis and Maria Elena have been members for 12 years. They come  to  Mass  every  Saturday  with  their  family  from  Gatesville. They are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, lectors and religious eduction assistants. They help coordinate rosaries and help in the annual festival, tamale project fundraiser, yard sales, church maintenance and cleaning of the church. José Luis is also an usher.

Ruth Vanoye

St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station

Ruth has been a pillar of the Spanish Mass Community for many years. She faithfully oversees the preparation of the Mass, helping the various lectors, ushers, choir etc. She helps parents in the application for and class for baptism. When necessary she helps the priests in translating their announcements or homilies. But beyond all of this, it is the way she provides a joy-filled presence to the community, both in the parish and in the wider community, that makes her such a light to the nations.

Nathan & April Vecera

Holy Family Mission, Lexington

Nathan has played a leading role in different activities and groups in the parish. He is chair of the Pastoral Council, Advisory Committee on building a commercial kitchen for our Parish Activity Center, improvised as bookkeeper at the church office and helps with recorded music at Sunday’s Masses whenever needed. Nathan has helped and organized the Missionaries of Hope Annual Festival this year hosted at Holy Family’s Parish Activity Center.

Steve & Kathy Venzon

Ascension Parish, Bastrop

Steve and Kathy are dedicated Catholics and well-known to our parish. They have been such a great example in serving and working hard in so many ministries. Their willingness and talents are an example to our parish. They have shown tremendous suport in their leadership and selfless acts of time and dedication to our community. Steve has been involved as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and Pastoral Council member. Kathy is a bookkeeper. Both of them have inspiried and motivated many other people to serve the parish.

Margaret Vrana

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Granger

Margaret is a lifetime parishioner of 83 years. She was baptized and married at this parish. She and her late husband raised five children in the Catholic faith. By encouragement and example of service, Margaret has led all five of her children to play active roles in the parish. She is currently a member of the Legion of Mary and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion bringing the Eucharist to nursing home patients. She lives a prayerful life. Family, friends and co-workers often ask her to pray for their special needs. She is a faithful servant to her church and community. She also enjoys cooking, baking and gardening and shares her goods with family and community.

Sam Weido

St. Anthony Parish, Bryan

Sam is a lifelong member of the parish. He gives great example of sharing one’s time and talent. For more than 50 years he has been an usher and greeted parishioners at the 8 a.m. Mass. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Anthony’s Men’s Club. His dedication and his willingness to share of time and talent are truly inspiring.

Mike & Lynn Winkler

Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Burnet

Mike and Lynn meet the expectations of a Christian Catholic person. They are involved in many of the activities of the church, always available to help others. The are very friendly and are always doing things with love to please and serve the Lord.

Frances Wolff

Sacred Heart Mission, Lott

Frances is ever-present in the church community. She serves as the treasurer of the Altar Society, church cleaner, rosary leader, lector, extraordinary  minister  of  holy  Communion  and  on  the  cemetery board. She is a joy to be around and a blessing to our community.

Georgeanne Wood

St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco

Georganne  has  been  extremely  dedicated  and  committed  in  her service to the church. Besides serving as sacristan, she has exemplified leadership in a variety ways. By her unique contributions, she has helped immensely in the development of the St. Ferdinand Parish Community, especially in the building of the new church.

Bob Young

St. Joseph Mission, Elk

Bob  has  been  a  member  since  birth.  He  is  a  very  devoted  and committeed parishioner who always gives himself in service to the cause of the parish. He was the second lector at the parish and is currently a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He is president of the Pastoral Council. He has many good leadership qualities as well as a good sense of humor.

Manuela Albiter
St. Mary Parish, Lampasas

Manuela is a dedicated parishioner of St. Mary. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and a member of the Altar Society, the Rosary Crusade and Guadalupana Society. She visits the sick and those in nursing homes and is the first one to line up when the parish is in need volunteers. People in the community appreciate her prayerful dedication and support for the life of the parish and her faithful and humble attitude to serve others with the love of Christ.

Charles and Rose Baily
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Taylor

Charles and Rose have been parishioners for more than 20 years. Both have given generously of their time and talent. Charles is a member of the choir that sings at the 8 a.m. Spanish Mass each Sunday and for funerals and weddings. Rose started a women’s prayer group that met over 15 years to pray and study the Bible. She has been a catechist of Confirmation, teaches Baptism classes and serves as a sacristan and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. For the last five years she led the English RCIA team and has led many Bible studies throughout the year. She coordinates the Year of Faith activities for the parish. Together, they lead by example, demonstrating strength of character and caring for those whose lives they positively touch.

Shayne Baker
St. Thomas More Parish, Austin

Shayne serves as the Camp Director for Mobile Loaves & Fishes at the parish. In 2009, a pilot camp was developed to teach children about social issues and how Jesus and our church respond to those needs. Nearly a thousand kids have gone through the camp, which is designed for elementary-age children; however, middle school and high school-age youth participate as well. She has created, organized and managed this ministry to rave reviews of our church community.

Joe Banda
St. Joseph Parish, Manor

Joe is a longtime member of St. Joseph Parish and has served the parish in various ways through the years as Mass coordinator, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, greeter, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, president of KJT #131 and member and president of the Parish Council. He has volunteered for many special projects or programs in addition to his other services. He is a pillar of strength and faith in the church and community and he is a humble servant who seeks no recognition.

Albert Bedia
University Catholic Center, Austin

Albert is a very active member of the University Catholic Center community. He is a student leader, member of Lambda Omega Alpha Catholic Fraternity, a weekly Carbos for Christ coordinator and Phonathon manager. He is strong in his Catholic faith, and at the same time, open to and respectful of the beliefs of others. He is respected by his peers who look to him for friendship, advice, integrity and leadership.

Anthony Befi
St. Patrick Parish, Hutto

“Tony” has been a member of St. Patrick Parish since it began in 2000. His love and dedication to our parish community and to the church have led him to actively minister to the people in the areas of liturgical music (choir), RCIA and as president of the Finance Council. St. Patrick’s community has a very special place in his and his wife’s hearts, he said, as the parish has played a key role in their family’s faith. His daughters were an inspiration for him to get involved with the choir. He never expects to be recognized for the service he so joyfully, tirelessly and generously gives to the parish.

Henry Berger
St. Joseph Parish, Bryan

Henry is a lifelong member of the parish. He is dedicated to music ministry at the parish. Serving as organist and choir director, Henry has given his time and musical talents to his church for more than 40 years. He also gives piano lessons to students at St. Joseph School and to anyone who wants to learn. Some of his students have gone into music ministry in other parishes.

Norm and Claire Blanchard
St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Kingsland

Norm and Claire are among the most active parishioners. Norm has been the chairperson of the Finance Committee for more than seven years. He handles the parish bookkeeping as a volunteer. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Charles Men’s Club. Claire has been a catechist for many years. She is a member of St. Charles Ladies’ Club. They participate in most of the parish’s activities. Norm and Claire faithfully attend daily Mass.

Joe Brezina
St. Joseph Parish, Elk

Joe has been a member of the parish for 45 years. He exhibits his faith in the way he discharges his stewardship to the church. He is a member of the choir and is very generous to the church. He is a regular at both Sunday and weekday Masses. He is also an example of fidelity; his wife of 57 years, Verna, died earlier this year.

Joan Brown
Church of the Resurrection, Emmaus Parish, Lakeway

Joan is a longtime parishioner who has been a source of inspiration to many in the parish. She is responsible for the fact that perpetual adoration has been a central focus of the parish for more than 10 years. In addition, her example of faith and perseverance has helped many suffering from serious illness to do so with faith and trust in God’s providence in their lives. Everything she has done has been out of faith and dedication to helping people to know that the love of Christ is there for everyone.

Morris and Peachie Burlin
St. Ann Parish, Somerville

Morris and Peachie are dedicated and faithful parishioners. Morris is on the Finance Committee. He has worked in many ministries including music ministry, and as chair of the festival raffle and raffle auctioneer. Currently, Peachie is the 2013 Festival chair, director of the music ministry, EIM site administrator, officer in the Altar and Rosary Society, chair of the Liturgy Committee  and  coordinator  of  RCIA.  She  also  serves  as  a  lector  and extraordinary minister of holy Communion and is a former catechist. When the parish needed administrative staff, she twice answered the call to help. They are always cheerful and willing to help with any ministry or task, no matter how large or small.

Noel and Mari Caballero
St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, Kyle

Mari and Noel have served at the parish for five years as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion as well as in the home-bound ministry visiting the ill and elderly. They lead the Spanish pro-life ministry.   They led the charismatic prayer group for four years. They are very energetic witnesses in our church not only by word, but also by example. For the last year, they have instructed the parents of children in religious education in basic faith formation. They are always ready to serve in any capacity.

Vidal Camacho
Sacred Heart Parish, Waco

Vidal has shown dedication to the parish by serving as director of the Spanish Prayer Group. He also served on the diocesan Spanish Charismatic Renewal Committee.

Daniel and Rose Cernoch
Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange

Daniel and Rose have been married for 35 years and they have four children. Daniel is a member of the Knights of Columbus Chromcik Council #2574, the KJT Society #46, and the Sacred Heart Holy Name Society where he currently serves as vice president. He serves on the Parish Council and on the parish Maintenance Committee and has served as an usher since 1978. Rose is a member of the Altar Society, KJT Society #46, and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Annunciation #1962, where she served as regent for two terms and financial secretary for one term. She worked with the high school youth group, accompanying them on five summer trips. She has served on the Parish Finance Council for 25 years and currently serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

Jim and Janie Coy
Santa Cruz Parish, Buda

Jim has provided great leadership as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus for the last 10 years. The parish and our youth ministries have benefited greatly  from  this  leadership.  Janie  has  chaired  a  number  of  successful fundraising projects, and freely gives of her gift of calligraphy in creation of ministry signage when the needs arise. She currently serves as the chair of the Stewardship Council. They are known and admired as a couple who live their faith on a daily basis and are truly stewards in giving of their time, talent and treasure.

Betty Ross Crook
St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Waco

Betty has been an active parishioner for many years. She is a member of the Women’s Guild and has previously served as president. She is a member of the choir and currently serves as a board member of the Parish Council, the Finance Board and Holy Cross Cemetery. She previously served on the Reicher Catholic High School Board and Association Board. She is the historian for the parish and the Holy Cross Cemetery Association.

Norma Dale
St. Martin De Porres Parish, Dripping Springs

Norma Dale, longtime parishioner, has served as a catechist and head money counter for a number of years. She also oversees the music ministry. She maintains the music library, coordinates the planning and preparation of music selections for liturgies, and schedules choir rehearsals and cantor practices. She is one of those invaluable “behind-the-scenes” parishioners who live the Gospel through the giving of her time, talent and treasure.

Nghiep Dang
Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin

Nghiep has served as secretary of the Parish Council for many years. He is a very active parishioner and is always the first to volunteer for any and all parish activities.

Mike DeRosa
St. Louis Parish, Waco

Mike has immersed himself in the spiritual outreach of the parish. He is a member of the core team of the Youth Group, which he attends and supports every Sunday night. He is an active member of the ACTS mission team and has staffed many weekend retreats. He has brought many lapsed Catholics back to the church. He is also the coordinator of the RCIA program and adult confirmation classes where he teaches the faith with passion and enthusiasm.

Jesse and Patsy Eckelkamp
St. Theresa Parish, Austin

Jesse and Patsy joined the parish in 1977. Jesse has shown exemplary commitment to his faith by becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus both as a member at large and as Grand Knight. He assists in Lent with the Friday Night Fish Fry, Stations of the Cross, parish picnics and numerous other parish events. He also serves as a lector, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and fundraiser for the building expansion. He also organizes blood drives throughout the year. Patsy is one of the founding members of the Ladies Club – the first ministry to serve the women of the parish. She also served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and for the last seven years she has served as head of the Helping Hands Ministry, which provides funeral receptions for families.

Betsy Foarde
St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin

Betsy has been involved in high school and junior high school youth ministry since 1995. As director she supervises Teen RCIA, confirmation preparation and youth choir. She serves on the Liturgy Committee and was part of a team of youth ministers who collaborated with Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center to create Austin Godstock.

Don and Barbara Fowler
St. Mary Parish, San Saba

Don and Barbara are devoted parishioners. Don has been a lector for 28 years. Barbara enjoys active participation in Mass and has been the music leader for Sunday Mass for the last 15 years. They have provided support for parish religious education students and work to provide support for the church. They have been a great Christian example of leadership for our parish.

Dodie Frost
St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista

Dodie and her late husband, Matt, registered in the parish in 1995. Dodie is a member of the Pastoral Council, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and is the Vacation Bible School coordinator. She is also a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Dodie and Matt also coordinated many pictorial directories. Dodie certainly exemplifies the spirit of Christ in her everyday life.

Dianna Furlan
Good Shepherd Parish, Lometa

Dianna is a dedicated parishioner. For many years, she has volunteered in any position needed, such as catechist, liturgical coordinator, parish committees and councils. She shows her Christian spirit in all that she does. She is appreciated by the community and is a recognized leader.

William “Bill” Gee
St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville

Bill has been actively participating in ministries such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Stewardship Committee, Christ Renews His Parish, ACTS Retreats, Bible Study, hospitality, Landings, 40 Days for Life, RCIA and the Ministries Fair. He also serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lead sacristan and volunteers in the religious articles store. He joined the Knights of Columbus and became a Third Degree Knight. His love for our parish community and the church shines forth like the Light of Christ through his words, actions, service, gentleness and generosity. He never expects to be recognized for the ministries he so joyfully and tirelessly does.

Jaime T. Gomez
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Granger

Jaime is a vital parishioner. His many hours of service are a priceless gift as he is a dedicated sacristan, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, carpenter and craftsman. He is a kind and inviting member of the parish who welcomes and assists the Hispanic community by instructing them for sacramental preparation. Jaime is always willing to assist.

Guadalupe Gonzales Jr.
St. William Parish, Round Rock

Guadalupe is a bright luminary at the parish. He is known for being a hard, dedicated worker in all that he does. He is an active member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee where he uses his expertise to make sure the campus always looks its best. He is also an active leader in the RCIA program. He is a person that can be relied on to lead small groups, share his testimony and take on the teachings for the week. He is the “go to” guy when emergencies arise and can be trusted to complete the project and to do it well. He takes care of the parish in both exterior and interior ways that exemplify what we are all called to do during this Year of Faith.

Reuben and Gladys Grebe
St. Mary Parish, Brenham

Reuben serves as a lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion, greeter and is an active member of the Fourth Degree of the Knight of Columbus. He also serves on the Parish Finance Council. Gladys is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at Mass and at rest homes. She also serves as a greeter and giftbearer. She is also involved in the evangelization process at the parish.

Mark and Monica Guenat
St. Mary Parish, Temple

Mark and Monica were married in the parish in 1980. Since then, they have devoted a major portion of their time to serving the people of God. Mark serves as a lector and on the Finance and Strategic Planning committees. As a teenager, he and his family helped Msgr. Michalka build the Lodge at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center. Monica gives many hours of overtime to her position of parish administrative secretary. She is creative and diligent in decorating for liturgies and celebrations. Both have made ministry their first priority, setting personal goals aside to be there for everyone as the need arises. They are both deeply involved with every aspect of the religious education program. They are multiplying the many talents God gave them by tirelessly investing them for the good of others, with amazing heartfelt generosity.

Jeanette “Netty” Hartmann
St. Ignatius, Marytr Parish, Austin

Netty has been an active parishioner for many years and has served in a number of capacities. Netty is passionate about helping others grow in their Catholic faith. She is coordinator of the Baptismal Preparation Team. She is an excellent teacher of the faith and sacraments and it is obvious that she truly loves her ministry. She is knowledgeable about the history and richness of our Catholic faith and has a wonderful way of teaching others so that they can embrace it. Most of all, Netty inspires our parents and godparents to take seriously the words of Jesus: “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Lambert and Sue Havelka
St. Eugene Parish, McGregor

Lambert and Sue have been parishioners for more than 20 years. They have been teaching RCIA for more than half of that time, starting in 1994 and then continuously for the last 10 years or so. Lambert generously offers his Catholic upbringing as well as his knowledge in biblical studies, theology, Christology and liturgy and his joy of teaching. Sue, being a convert, is sympathetic to the fears, anxieties and curiosities of folks interested in RCIA. She brings structure, organization and loving care to the program. Together they have helped many folks enjoy and appreciate their belief in Jesus Christ through worship in the Catholic faith.

David and Esmeralda Henriquez
Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan

David and Esmeralda are both catechists, they serve in the Community of Evangelization,  Reconciliation  and  Service  and  they  help  with  marriage preparation   classes.   David   is   an   usher   and   lector.   Esmeralda   is   an extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

Isabel Hernandez
Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple

Isabel has been the Altar Floral Coordinator for the last 30 years. She is dedicated to providing a beautiful setting for the worship space according to the different liturgical seasons. These settings help create an inspirational environment for prayer and worship and help parishioners focus on their relationship  with  God.  She  assists  families  with  their  decorations  for weddings  and  quinceañera  celebrations.  Isabel  takes  humble  pride  in creating something beautiful for God.

Victoria Hinojosa
Our Lady of Wisdom University Parish, San Marcos

Victoria has been an outstanding parishioner since 2007 when she returned to the parish. Because of her time as a Texas State student, she immediately felt at home. Using her God-given musical talents, she leads musicians for the 10 a.m. Mass, high feasts, holidays and other special occasions. She has taken advantage of the talents our university and community have, by enlisting them in these celebrations. On campus, she serves as a voice as staff adviser of the FOCUS missionary team, which dedicates their time to leading students into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Andrew and Theresa Keilers
St. John Parish, Fayetteville

Andrew and Theresa are very active parishioners. Andrew is a catechist for 12th graders. Theresa is the Pro-Life coordinator for the parish. She is a fourth-grade catechist who also coordinates the annual Vacation Bible School program. She also organizes the Midnight Mass presentation of the Birth of Jesus. Together, they tend the Rose Garden dedicated to the unborn and take the Senior Class for a road trip during Spring Break. They have been active on the Parish Council and have served the parish in many other ways.

Christopher Kennedy
St. Austin Parish, Austin

Christopher became a parishioner while studying at the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. For more than 31 years, he has been an active parishioner and has brought great energy and innovative approaches to his endeavors. Always with the heart of a servant leader, he has chaired the Parish Pastoral Council, chaired the Planning and Development Committee, served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and currently chairs the Finance Council. He also served on the Core Community, the foundation of the parish’s Small Christian Communities. His humble and wise leadership is a wonderful example of discipleship for our world today. His willing service gives great witness to God’s love and is a beacon of light to all.

Yong “Joe” and Sun Ko
St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights

“Joe” and Sun have been parishioners for 18 years. Joe is chair of the Korean Community,  director  of  the  Korean  Choir,  a  Knight  of  Columbus,  and  a member of the Finance Council. Joe has frequently served as a translator and parish liaison in helping the Korean priests become acclimated to their new environment and parish responsibilities. Sun is an active member of the Legion of Mary, the Korean choir, a lector and has served on the Bereavement Committee. They are selfless and generous in their service to the parish. They are dedicated to building up the Korean Community, yet successfully unifying with all the diverse cultures of our parish. They are instrumental in welcoming and providing assistance to visiting Korean priests.

Tracy Lake
St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin

Tracy has shared her gift of music with the parish since its inception. She has fostered a sense of “full, active and conscious” participation in the Eucharist by the way she has prepared and carried out music ministry for the various needs and concerns of the parish. Her love for the sacramental and ritual needs of the parish is evident as she helps to organize and prepare the ministers of music and the parish community for the celebrations at hand. She is very aware of how music ministry helps to evangelize the people of God week after week. She is selfless in the way she offers herself to the church.

Joe Lopez
Dolores Parish, Austin

Joe fulfills the criteria of the total parishioner. He serves on the Pastoral Council, his family hosts a breakfast group, and he is a member of the newly established Men of Faith group. For many years he has headed a fiesta booth that brought much revenue to the parish. He is a great landscaper around the parish grounds. Every Lent he and his family successfully serve a fish plate fundraiser. He attends adult formation classes and is involved in all aspects of the life of the parish.

Santiago and Laura Lopez
Sacred Heart Parish, Austin

Santiago  agreed  to  coordinate  bringing  the  Boy  Scouts  to  the  Hispanic community in August 2012. There are now 65 active Hispanic Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Troop 489. There are also 23 trained adults whom Santiago leads as Scoutmaster. Santiago has become a well-known, much sought-after speaker in Central Texas for Hispanic evangelization groups and is a respected member of the Sacred Heart community. In April, more than a hundred girls signed up to join the new Hispanic Girl Scout troop led by Laura. Many adult leaders have been trained and are assisting her. The couple also serves as catechists and each summer they host and lead a weekend retreat in Spanish for 150 couples from all over Texas for marriage healing and enrichment.

Dennis and Mary Lynch
St. Luke Parish, Temple

Dennis and Mary have been longtime parishioners. They are truly a living example of a faithful couple committed to doing God’s work. They have been involved with various ministries including serving on the Pastoral Council and Finance Council. They serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, in the choir and in Bible study groups. They have been actively involved with Holy Trinity Catholic High School. Their willingness to always give of themselves in service to the parish community is truly a testimony of their faith.

Vence Margoitta
St. Joseph Parish, Marlin

Vence has been a parishioner for more than 30 years. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been involved in the Finance Committee, off and on for years. He also serves as an usher.

Dolores Masiel
St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale

Dolores has been a catechist since the age of 17. She started during the time when the mother of Msgr. Lonnie Urban was the RE Coordinator. She has committed all her life to preaching and teaching the “Word of God.” In fact, she decided to remain single to take care of her father and to serve the church.

Edward J. McDonald
St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station

Ed, a Yankee in the heart of Texas, has made a lasting impression on the lives of many students at St. Mary. Arriving here to complete a master’s degree in 2002, he quickly became an active permanent parishioner. For years, he has been on the team that prepares students for confirmation. During the last two years, he has been a key member of an RCIA team that has brought more than 150 students into the church. A selfless servant with a Boston twang, Ed is also an usher and an engaged member of the liturgy team. Currently an engineer for the City of College Station, Ed is a living example of a young professional who loves God, his church and his country.

Francis and Kathleen McNamara
Sts. Peter and Paul Mission, Kovar

Francis and  Kathleen  attend  the  monthly  Mass  celebrated at  the  parish and help with the care and cleaning of the church, which is a mission of St. Paul Parish in Smithville. Frank is Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Kathy is a member of the Altar Society. The couple began the parish Pro-Life Ministry in 2010, praying a weekly Rosary for Life, praying each week in front of an Austin abortion clinic during the 40 Days for Life project and speaking to various organizations about the movement to end abortion and restore respect for all human life. They are catechists who also coordinate the procession and May crowning of Mary, hoping to instill a great devotion and love of the Blessed Mother in the children who experience this Catholic tradition.

Hector and Maribel Medrano
St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Hector and Maribel have been married for 23 years and are an inspiration for others by the way they give of themselves. Hector is a catechist’s assistant, a member of the Knights of Columbus and past member of the Pastoral Council. He also helps coordinate volunteer work within the parish. Maribel is a sixth-grade catechist and is active in the Youth Group. She coordinates the annual Tamale Fundraiser and helps with the translation and completion of forms within the parish’s Spanish-speaking community. As coordinators for the Hispanic Ministry, Hector facilitates preparation classes in Spanish for baptisms and quinceañeras with Maribel’s assistance. They are dedicated to assisting with the weekly Spanish Mass by preparing the altar, being lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They also coordinate the lay ministry and server schedules for the Spanish Mass.

Celedonio and Juanita Mendoza
St. Michael Parish, Uhland

Celedonio and Juanita are longtime parishioners and parents of 10 children. They both are catechists and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They serve the community every Sunday with generosity and dedication.

Polo and Lety Mora
St. Mary Parish, Mexia

Polo and Lety are longtime parishioners with more than 30 years at the parish. They have educated their four grown children with proper religious formation. Both are lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They continue to work to build up the Hispanic community as leaders of the Guadalupano group, hospitality ministry, coordinators of Hispanic traditions and feasts and as a unifying force between different cultures in the parish. They are always at the service of the common good and the church. Their consistency and perseverance are priceless gifts for the community.

M. Guadalupe Morales
St. Joseph Parish, Mason

Guadalupe is an active parishioner who serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and catechist. She is a very cheerful person and witnesses to her faith with a smile on her face. She readily speaks of her gratitude for her blessings in all situations. She is a spiritual influence for charity in our community.

Bill Noonan
St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco

Bill has been a parishioner since 1999. He has served as Pastoral Council Chairman, Financial Council Chairman, worked on the Annual Gala Fundraiser team, delivers Meals on Wheels and served as president of the Men’s Club. He has also served on the Building and Development Committee, worked on the Angel Crusade, the Catholic Services Appeal and Our Faith ~ Our Legacy. He serves on the ACTS team. He is the chair of the Fundraising Committee of the Capital Campaign for a new sanctuary. His service, dedication and contributions to the church and community are examples of his love for Christ and the church.

Charlene O’Connell
Diocese of Austin

Charlene began her catechetical ministry as a Catholic school teacher andas a director of religious education. She began serving in the Diocese of Austin at St. Mary Parish in Temple. She was hired by the Diocese of Austin Office of Religious Education and Formation and has served as the Associate Director  for  Catechesis  for  elementary,  sacramental  and  special  needs religious education for more than 22 years. She shared her enthusiasm for the ministry to many directors of religious education, catechists and Catholic school religion teachers.  She serves on the Diocesan School Board. She was the chair of the two diocesan Symphony of the Faith conferences as well as the designer and implementer of workshops for special needs. She served as  co-chair  of  Bishop  Vásquez’  installation  committee  and  is  currently spearheading the Year of Faith: The New Evangelization. She assisted other diocesan departments and shared her creative and artistic talents. Charlene retired at  the  end  of  May  and  will  spend her  time  enjoying her  family, especially her grandchildren, and volunteering in several endeavors.

Don and Dolores O’Toole
St. Jerome Parish, Waco

Don and Dolores have been active parishioners since 1993. Don can always be seen around the parish helping with different projects. Dolores serves as co- chair of the wedding coordinator ministry. Both participate in several of our ministries including the Senior Youth Ministry and as extraordinary minister of holy Communion. They also sponsor couples preparing for marriage. They unselfishly devote much of their time and talents so that each ministry can be a true reflection of Christ working among us.

Alfred and Margaret Omeluchuck
St. Mary Parish, Wimberley

Al  and  Margaret  have  been  parishioners  for  22  years.  They  have  been married for 54 years and raised six children. He is the Renew Group leader and established the Society St. Vincent de Paul chapter for the parish and was active in it for 19 years. He is president of the Parish Council and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Margaret is involved in the Parish Retreat Team, Renew Group and Liturgy Committee. She is coordinator of the extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, and president of the Ladies Guild. She is part of the Environment Committee, parish choir and Scripture sharing group. Together  they  serve  in  the  Catholic  Family  Movement  and  as  Marriage Encounter speakers. They have been catechists and foster parents, and they sponsor  marriage  preparation  couples. They  also  co-chaired the  annual garage sale for 11 years.

Leonardo and Saturnina Orocio
St. Margaret Parish, Giddings

Leonardo and Saturnina have been in charge of the Spanish Liturgy for more than 15 years. They have become excellent liturgists, musicians and vocalists. Leo is a member of the Sacred Heart Society and helps his wife in all her ministries. Nina has been president of the Guadalupana Society for the last six years and has worked in religious education. She leads the tamaladas for the annual Jamaica. They have three sons and a daughter and are an exemplary family.

Perry and Connie Petru
Church of the Visitation Parish, Westphalia

Perry is very active in the Knights of Columbus Council 13902 where he is program director. Perry is always willing to help with repairs at the church and church buildings. He helped paint the inside and outside of the church and the Little School Building. Connie is a member of the Ladies Altar Society and is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Connie takes care of the altar flower arrangements and helps decorate the church Christmas tree. They are both willing to help with church functions. They have one son, Luke, who plays the organ at the Children’s Mass on Wednesdays and is an altar server.

Margaret Polansky
Holy Rosary Parish, Frenstat

Margaret Polansky has been a parishioner for 25 years. She has been a member of the KJZT for 60 years. She is a member of the Altar Society and has served as a catechist, lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and choir member. She also helps coordinate the local Relay for Life team (Holy Rosary Angels), is a member of the Lions Club and the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum.

Anton and Beverly Polansky
St. Martin Parish, Tours

Anton and Beverly are dedicated and committed parishioners who have been married for 41 years. Anton has served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for several years. He is also on the money counting team and has served on the Pastoral Council several times. Beverly is the president of the St. Elizabeth Altar Society, a member of the money counting team and Finance Council. She has also served as a catechist, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and on the Pastoral Council.

Ben and Connie Portillo
St. Ann Parish, Rosebud

Ben and Connie are lifelong members of St. Ann Parish. Ben serves as an usher and Connie serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. They have served as Youth Ministers for several years, evangelizing the youth and leading them in service projects, retreats and learning more about their faith. They continue to serve as catechists. They are an example of a loving Catholic family, always willing to serve others in any way they can. They are the proud parents of a son, Anthony, who is also very involved in church activities.

Eric and Carol Ramberg
St. John Neumann Parish, Austin

Eric  and  Carol  are  included  among  the  founding  families  of  St.  John Neumann and registered as parishioners on May 27, 1984. Eric serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and as a weekend sacristan. He was also involved with the new church Dedication Committee. Carol serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and as parish Wedding Liaison. She is also a member of the Mary and Martha Guild and the Bereavement Committee. She works with Hospice Austin and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Vince Reisner Jr.
St. Monica Parish, Cameron

Vince is a lifelong parishioner. He graduated from the parish parochial school of St. Anthony. He has lived in a manner that provides an example of his faith and service to his peers and fellow parishioners. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, an usher, a tireless festival volunteer and a member who readily offers a hand to those in need.

Leon and Patricia Roberts
Holy Cross Parish, Austin

Leon and Patricia serve in numerous ministries such as fundraising, the Office of Black Catholics, the Social Justice Committee and the Knights of Peter Claver. Their valued contributions in these and many other areas have helped the church bear witness to the Gospel.

Sarah Schwind
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station

Sarah exhibits a vibrant faith in the Eucharist, and in her personal life has been  leading  Eucharistic  devotion  since  1998.  Besides  her  full-time  job of being a nurse and caring for the sick, she is a good example of selfless service in the church and the community through various other apostolates in spreading our faith.

Ramiro and Celia Segura
St. Paul Parish, Austin

Ramiro and Celia Segura don’t do anything showy and you won’t find them in the limelight, but it seems that every fiber of their lives is invested in living their marriage sacrament, thereby being a shining light. They are actively involved in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society, the Rosary Makers Group, the Spanish Choir and in serving as lectors.

Theresa Joan Shafford
Good Shepherd, Johnson City

Joan has been a parishioner since the church was meeting at a funeral home chapel. She was in the choir for many years and just recently retired. Her love of music shows in the singing she does on special occasions. She served on the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Mexican Dinner Committee and many other committees for many years. Despite retiring from all those committees, she continues to help when she is able. She is a friend to all and an example of faithfulness, devotion and loyalty to Christ and the church. She has two children and three grandchildren.

Raynard Shaw
St. Mary Parish, Caldwell

Raynard is a lifelong parishioner. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves on the hospitality team to welcome parishioners and visitors to Mass. He has volunteered his time as a catechist youth ministry assistant for more than 20 years. He has also been active in the community by volunteering his time with the Boy Scouts, Booster Club and Caldwell Athletics.

Nancy Solano
St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park

Nancy, along with her husband Jose, has been a parishioner since February 2004. She has served on the Spring Fest Committee and is the church office liaison for Hispanic Ministries. She leads the Ministerio Guadalupano and the Formación Católica en Español Para Adultos (Catholic Formation for Adults in Spanish). She has also coordinated several training sessions for the Spanish-speaking extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. In addition she has helped with several receptions and banquets, purchasing food for major events such as Spring Fest food booths and the annual Christmas Dinner, as well as helping to coordinate the annual Arts & Crafts Show, which is sponsored by the Guadalupanos. She has taken the lead in helping the parish with fundraising by coordinating several weekend dinners to help raise extra funds. She also served on the Pastoral Council from 2008 to 2011.

Emily Stiles
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sunrise Beach

Emily is an active parishioner and a member of the Ladies Guild. She offers her talent in arts and crafts to the service of the parish. She is in charge of decorating at the parish’s functions. She regularly attends weekday Mass. She is a good example of Christian faith.

Margareta Svjagintsev
Diocese of Austin

Reta is a lay Carmelite and was the foundress of the Carmelite Community of St. Edith Stein in Austin. She is an immigrant from Nazi Germany. She has training and experience as a medical doctor and received a doctorate in hematology. Her early passions of motherhood and medical practice led to her strong desire to “save the human soul.” She and her family settled in Austin in 1970, after many years of living the Army life in support of her husband’s profession. For 25 years she served as a spiritual director in the Diocese of Austin, often giving retreats and lectures.

James and Keum Ja Thomas
St. Joseph Parish, Killeen

Jim and Keum Ja have been a wonderful asset to the parish. James is an extraordinary  minister  of  holy  Communion  and  he  brings  the  Eucharist to the homebound each Sunday. For eight years they have been the key facilitators for RCIA. Keum Ja prepares the main dish for the meal that goes with each class. James is the greeter for RCIA and also instructs on the Ten Commandments. The spirit of charity and selflessness of this wonderful couple is truly an inspiration to all they meet.

Michael Triolo
St. Anthony Parish, Bryan

Mike is a lifelong parishioner. He regularly cooks wonderful meals for parish events including the seniors’ club, Golden Years. During Lent, his Friday fish fries are very popular and the proceeds raised are a great help because they are dedicated to maintenance of parish facilities. His dedication and his willingness to share of his time and talents are truly inspiring.

Henry Ursua
St. Francis on the Brazos Parish, Waco

Henry consistently and faithfully serves as an usher and volunteer custodian. He is a shining example of faith in our parish community.

Robert Vallilee
Diocese of Austin

Bob retired from the Diocese of Austin on May 31 after nearly nine years of service. Bob joined the diocese in July 2004 after a successful business career with Eastman Kodak and Wallace Engraving. His extensive knowledge of the printing industry has been an invaluable asset to the diocese during his tenure. He effectively assisted with a number of projects in the diocese, most importantly, the $84 million Our Faith ~ Our Legacy Capital Campaign. His business acumen and positive attitude have been a blessing to many Catholics and donors throughout the diocese.

Ela Varela
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Austin

Ela is the official organist. She is an accomplished and professional organist. She makes herself available for all liturgies when she is asked. At Christmas and Easter she is often in the church for many hours rehearsing and performing on the piano and organ.

Robert and Carolyn Vasquez
St. Peter Parish, Goldthwaite

Robert and Carolyn have been active members for more than five years. Robert serves as an usher and is currently the vice president of the Pastoral Council. He is always ready to volunteer his talents as a handyman in tending to the maintenance needs of the parish. He organizes the funeral meals for grieving families. Carolyn is a lector, a choir member and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She also serves on the Finance Council and assists in counting the weekly collections. In the spirit of evangelization, they often invite inactive Catholics to Mass.

Cresencio and Martha Vega
Ascension Parish, Bastrop

Cresencio and Martha have been very faithful parishioners. They are always willing to help in whatever is needed. They are very humble and respectful to everyone. Their family is strong in the Catholic faith.

Zenaida Vega
Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody

Zenaida was born a year before the inauguration of the mission. At 8, she began religious education and guitar lessons. A year later she joined the choir. After confirmation, she became a catechist’s aide. She has participated in many religious education and liturgical music workshops. She is a faithful fundraising participant.   After high school, she continued her education at McLennan Community College graduating with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Dr. Steve Vitucci
Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove

Steve leads Sunday Bible study and is the director of RCIA. Both programs have flourished under his leadership. As an RCIA catechist, he has been helpful for others as they discerned entry into the Catholic Church. He has a passion for evangelizing the Catholic faith.

Anton Vrazel
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Marak

Anton is a lifelong parishioner. As a member of Vrazels’ Polka Band, he has played for the annual Homecoming Parish Picnic for 51 years. He has donated his time and talents to many church functions including Polka Masses. He has helped maintain the church, the parish hall and grounds with numerous repairs, following in his parents’ legacy. He continues to help the church in promoting the faith with volunteerism and dedication in helping at the annual picnics and other community functions. He and his wife, Albina, have been married 61 years.

Diane Waite
Christ the King Parish, Belton

Diane Waite hails from upstate New York and studied chemistry in college. She moved to Texas in the 1970s with her husband, Al. She has worked in education, as a teacher and principal at public and Catholic schools. She is a certified spiritual director and currently directs several people. She is a past president of the Woman’s Ministry (DCCW) and coordinator of extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and lectors. She is also a board member of Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center. She ministers to inmates at the Bell County Jail and the Crane Unit in Gatesville. She participates in the Lions Club and attends daily Mass.

Ann Welch
St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock

Ann lives and embodies the faith. She is always willing to be the means through which others grow in their faith. She helps at the parish wherever and whenever it is needed. She has a great spirit of generosity and truly embodies the light of Christ in her daily life. She is a founding member of the parish and has served as chair of the Pastoral Council, a catechist, former director of Faith Formation and as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for the parish and the sick. She is the liaison for the nursing home Mass, coordinator of the annual parish mission and a member of the Teresian Society.

Carole Williams
Holy Trinity Parish, Llano

As the director of religious edcuation, Carole leads from the words of Jesus, “Let the children come to me” (Mk 10:14). She is an evangelizer of youth collaborating with fellow teachers under the motto, “When a spiritual team works together it builds faith together.” She volunteers in parish activities such as the annual Fish Fry and the Christmas Angel Tree. In the Llano community she has served as a caring hand with the local animal shelter, the Llano Public Library and local charitable events. Carole is happily married to Monty, her husband of 40 years.

Ofelia Zapata
San José Parish, Austin

Ofelia is a member of the board of Austin Interfaith. She is the primary contact for social ministry at the parish. She has conducted many small meetings in the parish and in her own neighborhood to develop leadership in social ministry issues. Her efforts have yielded more neighborhood watch, better health care and higher voter turnout in her ZIP code.

St. Joseph Parish, Killeen

Tommy and Shirley have been long-time parishioners. Tommy was a lector for many years and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Shirley has been a member of the Knight Cappers for three years. She coordinates the scheduling of homebound visits while Tommy assists in providing transportation for the priests for homebound visits.

Mark Alvarez

St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale

Mark serves as an usher but in the absence of an altar server, he is always ready to assist the priest. In his quiet way, he does many jobs for the church such as maintaining and cleaning the parish surroundings. He is a dependable and hard working example of faith for all.

Arthur and Elzena Ambrose

St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Arthur and Elzena have been parishioners since 1991. Elzena is a member of the Altar Society and the local Ladies of Charity. She also assists with religious education. Art is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, an exceptional handyman who maintains and repairs the church grounds and the church hall. Together they help with the parish bazaar and lead the rosary before Mass and offer the parish their spiritual, physical and financial support. Their selfless dedication is a blessing to the parish.

Troy and Mary Anthony

Holy Cross Parish, Austin

Troy and Mary have served the parish wonderfully. Troy is a lector and is preparing for the diaconate. Mary is in charge of the altar servers and ushers. They put in a lot of time and sacrifice to make these ministries work.

Maria Arenas and Paula Gonzales

Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan

Maria and Paulita are sisters. They are mothers and grandmothers who are generous with their time and always willing to volunteer around the church. They are both members of the 8 a.m. choir and the Guadalupanas. They both volunteer with the altar society, the kitchen group, the church office and the bazaar.

Julie Arensman

St. Joseph Parish, Elk

Julie is a special lady who is not afraid to take on any project for the parish. She serves with great professionalism. She serves as the director of religious education and sacristan.

Margaret Arney

St. Ann Parish, Rosebud

Margaret is a committed parishioner who dedicates a tremendous amount of time to parish activities. She is an ever-ready volunteer. She serves the parish as an organist, lector, member of the pastoral council, assistant bookkeeper and catechist.

Santiago Arredondo

St. Ann Parish, Somerville

“Jim” is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He has served the parish as the primary operator of charitable bingo for more than 10 years. He has also donated his time and talents as a carpenter, electrician and maintenance man. For decades, he has also served as an usher and greeter.

Jack Buckley Jr.

St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station

Jack joined the parish in 2006. Jack is known for his sound business sense built upon rock-solid Catholic values. He has served as chair of the statewide St. Mary’s leadership committee for the last three years. He is the past president and CEO of St. Joseph Health System in Bryan. His experience and expertise guide the parish’s efforts in improving and expanding campus ministry programs at Texas A&M and Blinn College.

Roel and Mary Buegeler

St. Michael Parish, Burlington

Roel and Mary are an exemplary couple who have been parishioners for more than 60 years. They are regular and committed parishioners. Mary is president of the Altar Society and helps clean the church. Roel is an usher and helps with all the work projects he can.

Liz Burton-Garcia

St. William Parish, Round Rock

Liz is the executive director of the Sacred Heart Community Clinic. She answered God’s call to open the clinic, which serves the underinsured and uninsured in the Round Rock area. Despite the many obstacles that come with starting a new nonprofit, she has persevered; she is determined to help the poor and most vulnerable in the community.

Krystle Cagandahan

University Catholic Center, Austin

Krystle, a recent graduate, serves as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and SFL and staffs the reception area. During the Triduum, she offered assistance, without needing to be asked, anticipating opportunities to work with the staff and students to enhance the liturgy.

José and Victoria Campos

San José Parish, Austin

José and Victoria have been members of San José since its beginning – they live only two houses down from the parish. Both have been enthusiastic supporters of the parish. Victoria is a lector and for many years was the lector coordinator. José is a faithful usher and became the parish’s “flag man” a few years ago when the parish erected a new flag pole. He has faithfully undertaken this responsibility.

Norma Cavanaugh

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Granger

Norma taught religious education for more than 40 years. She continues to be a mentor to the teachers and a supporter of the program. She served on the Diocesan Synod, was president of the School Mother’s Club and Parent Teachers Club. She was an active Knights of Columbus wife. She welcomes new parishioners and invites them to participate in ministries. She encourages parents to have their children baptized into the “true church.” She does many acts of unseen kindness, such as making sure children have a ride to religious educations classes, buying diapers for new mothers, giving encouragement to those who are suffering and offering kind words to everyone she meets.

Jose Gaudencio Porfirio and Maria Guadalupe Cazares

Sacred Heart Parish, Austin

Jose Guadencio and Maria Guadalupe have been parishioners for many years. They are active in many ministries including Christ Renews His Parish for the Spanish-speaking community; Gaudencio leads the men’s group and Guadalupe leads the women’s group. Under their dedicated leadership, the parish is constantly revitalized and offers warm welcome to the increasing immigration population.

Manuel and Blanca Cazares

St. Monica Parish, Cameron

Manuel and Blanca are faithful and active parishioners. They were instrumental in the planning phase of the St. Anthony Renovation Restoration Project and helped with the intensive manual labor associated with the project’s beginning. They are members of the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano group and regularly present the gifts at Mass. Blanca is a member of La Sociedad Guadalupana, the Parish Bulletin Advertising Committee, the Mary’s Fest 2012 Committee and the Parish Finance Council, and she is a lector. Manuel helps with parish landscaping needs and maintenance and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Rudolph "Rudy" J. Cepak

Holy Trinity Parish, Corn Hill

Rudy has been a generous volunteer for the parish. For eight years, he was the manager of the Parish Activity Center, maintaining the building and coordinating the rentals. During that time, he also volunteered to maintain the church grounds.

Richard G. Cernosek

Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange

Richard has been a parishioner for 60 years. He has served as an usher and greeter for more than 50 years. He has been on the Parish Finance Council for 25 years. He has played a significant role in the financial planning of the parish. His expertise in investing parish resources has been remarkable and a major asset to the finances of the parish. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Holy Name Society.

Mary Cortez

St. Mary, Hearne

Mary serves as a dedicated catechist and volunteer. She prepares the classes with devotion and leads the 4-year-old students to a deep appreciation of their faith. She volunteers for church activities throughout the year and her guardianship of the plant wheel for the annual bazaar is well known. She works for the St. Joseph Health Care System and is admired for her compassionate and responsible care of her patients. She speaks up and encourages others to participate in church life. She stands beside others as a mentor who is respected and trusted.

Teresa Crable

Emmaus Parish, Lakeway

One word that describes Teresa is “generosity.” She is a volunteer receptionist in the parish office. She is involved in children’s education, the parish rosary ministry, outreach to the elderly and a number of other parish ministries. She approaches everything with a wonderful sense of humor and kindness. She is also dedicated to helping take care of anyone or anything in need. She adopted a blind puppy and gave it attention and love throughout its short life.

Jeannette R. Cunningham

Sacred Heart Parish, Waco

Jeannette is an asset to the parish community and the Diocese of Austin. She serves as president of the lectors, is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and sits on the parish council. She is a member of the diocesan Medical Mission Team and a member of the St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Mission Team. She is always ready to serve wherever there is a need.

Mary Cunningham

St. Jerome Parish, Waco

Mary is a founding member of the parish and tirelessly gives of her time and talents. She is a former Pastoral Council representative and is active in the Women’s Society and Empty Nest. She is a greeter and also serves on the Master Planning and Columbarium committees. She was very instrumental in the design and building of the new columbarium.

Dan and Lita Daniel

Christ the King Parish, Belton

Dan and Lita have been parishioners for seven years after retiring from the U.S. Army and a professional organizational consultant, respectively. Hailing from St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, they have been an integral part of the parish since their arrival. Dan has served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly. He is on the Spring Fest steering committee, is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, an instituted acolyte and IT liaison for the office staff. Lita is member of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, secretary of the Pastoral Council, a member of the festival committee and is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. They do all of this with a “yes first” mentality.

Rudy and Terri Delgado

St. Austin Parish, Austin

Rudy and Terri were married at the parish in 2000 where they were invited to serve the parish as ushers. They have joyfully welcomed visitors to the 11:30 a.m. Mass for years. They are both very active members of the Liturgy Commission.  The 35-mile drive to the parish does not deter them from consistently responding to their baptismal call. Rudy also serves on the Arts and Environment Committee and the Pastoral Council.

Paul and Denice Detzel

St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville

Paul and Denice have been parishioners since 1996. They faithfully attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They have been married for 43 years and have six children, one of whom died at an early age. They are a great example of selfless dedication and perseverance in the practice of the faith.

Michael and Danielle Devault

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption, Waco

Mike has been on the Parish Council where he served as vice president for one term. He is also a lector, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, RCIA facilitator and sponsor, and a member of the Altar Society. He also provides technology and computer support to the parish office and helps with the parish festival. Danielle is a member of the Women’s Guild, where she served as president for two years. She is a member of the Altar Society and an integral part of the RCIA team. She helps with the parish festival and wherever there is a need.

Jim and Liz DiSimoni

Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove

Jim and Liz have selflessly shared their time and talent with the parish for many years. Jim is a West Point graduate and is currently in formation for the diaconate. Liz has dedicated countless hours serving with her beautiful voice and culinary talents. They are always willing to assist in any way in any ministry.

Joe and Mae Fazzino

St. Joseph Parish, Bryan

Joe and Mae are devoted parishioners who are committed to the social ministry of the church and school. Their deep faith has allowed them to work quietly for the Lord in service to families especially at funeral meals, senior citizens gatherings, the annual parish festival and whenever they are called upon. They love the Lord and demonstrate it by exemplary lives of service. This couple makes it a priority to give unconditional love in the form of service to the church and those in need.

Larry and Waldine Frugé

St. John the Baptist Parish, Fayetteville

Larry and Waldine are active members of the parish. Larry has served as president of the Pastoral Council and is on the Building Committee. He also serves as an usher and is a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Waldine is a member of the Catholic Daughters and Altar Society. They both serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They set a good example of living a life of faithfulness to the Lord and his church.

Elvira Gonzales

Our Lady of San Juan Parish, Moody

Elvira has been a parishioner for more than 20 years. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lector, and is at every bereavement meal where she helps to prepare and serve the food. She is active in the Annual Mission Festival, the major fundraiser for the mission. She offers her time and treasure toward the improvement of the mission by cleaning it and helping to maintain it.

Debra Green

St. Thomas More Parish, Austin

Debra is a visible and active witness to the call of Christ that we serve one another. Her major focus is RCIA and outreach Eucharistic Ministry to nursing homes, which reveals her loving care for all those seeking Christ in the sacraments. She serves on the Pastoral Council and in liturgical ministries as well. Originally from New Orleans, she brings the cultural zest for life that makes up that city.

Peter and Terry Gruning

H.L. Grant Catholic Student Center, San Marcos

Peter and Terry, as a married couple, project the marriage of Christ to his church to many young, impressionable college students making the Catholic Student Center their home away from home.

Terry’s eye for spiritual beauty complements Mass; she makes sure liturgical linens are always available. She can frequently be found in the parish kitchen sharing her culinary talents. Peter is a Third Order Franciscan who serves as a lector and Finance Council member. He is handy with tools, which has helped resolve storage problems. He also serves as an RCIA and sacrament preparation catechist. They serve as mentors to single and married young adults.

Dannie and Terry Hefner

St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights

Dannie and Terry have been active parishioners for 19 years. They are living examples of a faithful couple and are committed to each other and to parish ministry. Dannie is an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Together, they work behind the scenes to organize the parish directory, produce CDs of parish pilgrimages, help with the parish computers and wherever help is needed. They are selfless and generous in their service to the church and the community.

Enrique "Henry" Hernandez

Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin

Henry is better known as “Perk” and is well-loved and respected by the community. He is the first to volunteer for whatever is needed in helping the church. He made time for the church when he was employed and volunteers even more now that he is retired. Henry never complains or says “no.” He works tirelessly with a great attitude. He is always surrounded by friends.

Lola Hohn

St. Joseph Parish, Mason

Lola is a retired public school teacher and a lifelong parishioner. She is a member of the Altar Society, having served as an officer; served on the sanctuary decoration committee and has helped with meals for the Mason County Ministerial Alliance Lenten Luncheons. She and her husband have been blessed with eight children, 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They are very proud of their family and have passed on their Christian values to them.

Michael Horsley

St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco

Michael graduated from Baylor University this year. For the last four years, he served the student center with a true servant’s heart after the example of Christ. He has served in various leadership and organization capacities. He has been an altar server, RCIA student director and a member of the Pastoral Council. He also volunteered his IT abilities by maintaining the center’s computers. He is a great example of a servant leader.

Joe and Denise Huerta

St. Louis Parish, Austin

Joe and Denise were married at the parish in 1984. Joe, now retired, was in music ministry but more recently shares his time and skills with the parish maintenance department. He devotes several days a week assisting in numerous maintenance projects on the church property and has become a valued volunteer. Denise has been an active member of the parish since 1979. In 2009, she was honored for 30 years of service in parish music ministry for directing the folk choir, Life Teen choir and Metanoia Choir. Before retiring, she was music director, a cantor, soloist and collaborative staff member. She also coordinated the parish feast day entertainment. Her recording background was also put to good use on Relevant Radio. The parish has been blessed by this couple’s faithfulness to God.

Michael and Ana Jackoskie

St. Paul Parish, Austin

Michael and Ana are outstanding employees and parishioners. Michael serves as one of the custodians. Michael does his work without complaining and is always ready to go beyond the call of duty. Ana serves as the Director of Religious Education. She takes a pastoral approach to her work and helps many people whose only connection to the parish is the religious education program.

Rita G. Jonse

St. Joseph Parish, Manor

Rita has always been a very committed member of the parish. She shows her love for God and his people by her unconditional hard work in the parish. She has been a member of the Finance Committee for many years and currently serves as president. She is the volunteer parish administrator and has been doing all of the parish accounting for many years. She participates in the annual fiesta and also volunteers whenever possible.

Lloyd and Ernestine Jordan

Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sunrise Beach

Lloyd has been coming to Mass with Ernestine for a long time. He recently completed RCIA and was welcomed into the Catholic Church at the last Easter Vigil. He has been the parish webmaster for the last year. Ernestine has attended Saturday Mass faithfully and has helped count the collection. She always takes part in parish activities. She has recently become the recorder for the Parish Council.

Elizabeth Junek

St. Mary Parish, Caldwell

Elizabeth has volunteered her time for the last several years as the senior confirmation catechist. She is also the coordinator of multiple ministries involved in the Mass. She participates in the ministries but has also scheduled and taught lectors, servers and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. She continues to search for new or different opportunities for the youth of the parish to expand their faith through retreats, volunteer and community service activities inside and outside of the Catholic church. She continues to express a great love, not only for her faith and parish, but also for the community as a whole.

Gerry and Lisa Kasberg

St. Martin Parish, Tours

Gerry and Lisa are a unique couple. They take care of so much around the parish and the rectory. If anything they see needs to be taken care of then they do it. Any time a project comes along and they are asked to help, they always say “yes” and complete it.

Melissa Kelly

St. Martin de Porres Parish, Dripping Springs

Melissa is a devoted wife, mother and an evangelizer at heart. She formed the women’s rosary group; beginning with a few women, this ministry has grown and now meets every Friday morning. She has also served as an RCIA sponsor and started a ministry that provides CDs and DVDs on many church topics. She is a great supporter of the parish and her devotion and depth of faith are an inspiration to all who know her.

Kristin Elizabeth Kinald

Santa Rosa Parish, Andice

Kristin is a young adult of faith and an active parishioner. She is the one person you can always rely on when called upon to help. In 2010 she was the chair of the Fall Festival and at the same time was chair of the Finance Council. She is a true light of faith to the parishioners and the people in her office say the same thing about her.

Lynwood and Jeanette Kleypas

Church of the Visitation, Westphalia

“Lyn” and “Jet” have been very active parishioners for 30 years. They are leaders for most church functions. Lyn serves on the Parish Council and is in charge of the ushers. He is also active in the Knights of Columbus. Jet is active in the Ladies Altar Society and the choir. They have also counseled young people for their marriage preparation classes. For many years they also served as youth ministers.

Roque and Carmen Lavalle

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Taylor

Roque and Carmen serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, directors of the men’s and women’s CRSP teams and Continuation Committee, Sunday breakfast coordinators, catechists, Jamaica volunteers and collection counters. They also teach EIM classes, assist with  the Via Crucis and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. They also shine with the light of Christ in their Christian service to the greater community, being a great resource to the Hispanic community, guiding and encouraging them in new opportunities for personal growth and development. They lead by example demonstrating strength of character and a caring for those whose lives they touch.

Bryan and Jennifer Leasure

St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish, Austin

Bryan and Jennifer are involved in every aspect of the parish and school. They have served as members of the School Advisory Board and development committee. They are past chairs of the diocesan Celebrating Catholic Schools dinner and are tireless promoters of Catholic Education in general. Bryan is always ready to lend a hand before, during and after any special event at the school or church. Jennifer is instrumental in the parish’s pro-life efforts, coordinating several annual events and helping with the Gabriel Project. She assists as a nurse in the school. They have contributed to the mission of the parish and have given abundantly of their time, talent and treasure.

Margaret "Peg" Maher

St. Mary Parish, Wimberley

Margaret is the widow of a deacon who served the parish years ago. Now in her 80s, she still leads the Crisis Bread Basket in Wimberley. She will retire from that job at the end of this year when she turns 86. She has been an RCIA catechist for many years. As keeper of the priestly vestments, she has been countless hours washing, ironing, cleaning and preparing for liturgies. Until recently she ironed the pall before every funeral. She has led Scripture study in her home and served as a lector. With her husband, she served on the Diocesan Mission Council and at the UT Catholic Student Center. With her pending retirement, she hopes she will have time for weekly Scripture study and to participate in more Ladies Guild activities. Having done it for many years, she said she will continue to iron purificators.

Bruce McAtee

St. Mary Parish, Temple

Bruce is a man of faith who stands out as a quiet witness by the way he lives his life. With his family, he has been a member of the parish since 1982. He is the soul of the religious education program where he first served as a catechist but now is a Guardian Angel, a group of men who see to the safety of all the children in religious education. He takes care of the media for all parish presentations and works diligently with the Knights of Columbus. He volunteers at the parish picnic and is a strong supporter of the pro-life cause. He amazes the parish by anticipating needs before they are expressed.

Sean McGuire †

Office of Social Concerns

Sean was a man of prayer, faith and action. Recognizing a need for more information and education on social issues in the church, he led an effort at the parish to sponsor three conferences on important justice topics. The Harvest of Justice conferences held in 2007, 2008 and 2009 focused on Catholic social teaching, immigration and economic justice. Due to his efforts, hundreds of Catholics know more of what the church teaches and are able to live their faith more fully. He was a man who loved to come home in the evenings to spend time with his wife, and always spoke highly of her. He was a loyal friend, an inspiring leader and a man of integrity and honor.

Pablo and Margarita Mendez

St. Mary Parish, Lampasas

Pablo and Margarita are a true example of a Catholic couple living their life in the faith. They volunteer every chance they can without any question. They volunteer in the kitchen, on the bereavement committee and also take care of the church grounds. They are true Christian examples for their family and the parish.

Marie Muñiz

St. Margaret Parish, Giddings

Marie is a lifelong parishioner. She has been a faithful member of the Altar Society and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She volunteers at the Fall Festival and to clean church pews several times a year. She is employed to clean the rectory and parish office.

Bob and Ileana Napoles

St. Patrick Parish, Hutto

Bob and Ileana have been parishioners since 2006. They are both active in the parish. Bob works the soundboard and video equipment for the parish and occasionally joins the choir. Ileana has been choir director since joining the parish. She has brought the liturgy to life with spiritual music. They are examples of good stewardship in the way they give of their time, talent and treasure to God and the parish.

Mario and Maria Olivarez

St. Eugene Parish, McGregor

Mario and Maria have been parishioners since 1976. They serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. Mario has taken the Eucharist to the homebound and offers his talent as a DJ toward any activity hosted by the church. He is also a member of the Finance Committee. Maria is a Curstillista and a catechist. They are always willing to give their time and talent to the parish and always help with fundraisers and the annual Fiesta.

Lucy Perez

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple

Lucy has faithfully served the parish for many years. She gives generously of her time and talent to the parish, working with RCIA, parish fundraisers, the annual jamaica and the parish breakfasts. She provides meals for the priests’ gatherings such as the Priests’ Emmaus Support Group and the parish reconciliation services. She cleans the church and rectory weekly and helps with the religious goods store.

Mary Lou Pesina

St. Francis On The Brazos Parish, Waco

Mary Lou has been a longtime member of the parish. Her service and dedication to different ministries over the years has truly encouraged others to be active in the church. She is a living example of a faithful lady committed God’s work.

Mary Jane Pfeifer

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Kingsland

Mary Jane has been a longtime parishioner. At 83 she is still attending daily Mass. She has volunteered as the parish secretary for more than four years. She is very dedicated in her work despite occasional health problems. She participates in most of the parish’s activities.

Anh and Lien Pham

Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin

Anh and Lien were part of the parish when it began in 1990. Their own family, children and grandchildren are also faithful members of the parish community who are involved in church activities and ministries. They both can be counted on to help no matter what is asked. The parish is grateful for their generous contributions and dedicated service.

LaVerne Pick

St. Luke Parish, Temple

LaVerne has made stewardship a way of life. She has served in many ministries including: as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, a lector, the Women’s Society, prayer chain coordinator, rosary coordinator, choir and Bible study. Her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament has been instrumental in adoration at the parish. She is a blessing to the parish community and truly exemplifies stewardship.

Bernard A. Pivonka

Holy Rosary Parish, Frenstat

Bernard is a lifelong member of the parish who has dedicated his life to service. There is seldom an event at the parish that he does attend and volunteer his services in some form or fashion. He is an example of what it means to give of a person’s time and talent and an exemplary example of kindness and patience.

Vernon and Candy Pohlmeier

St. John Neumann Parish, Austin

Vernon and Candy have been active parishioners since 1988. Candy began as a volunteer in the church nursery and then became Nursery Director. She has served in that capacity for 14 years and has been the parish preschool teacher for five years. Vernon is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and has served as Grand Knight of the parish. He has volunteered as an usher, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, church liaison to Eagle Scout candidates, a core team member of Brothers in Christ and in That Man is You. For the last several years, he has volunteered as a handyman. In 2011, he joined the staff as a part-time facilities manager.

Daniel Pokluda

St. Mary, Church of the Assumption, West

Dan is a lifelong member of the parish. He took care of his mother for 59 years. He married 15 years ago at age 60 and became the stepfather of five and grandfather of nine. It was called the “Wedding of the Century.” A home builder before retiring, he served as the general contractor of the new parish center and Knights of Columbus Hall. He has fried thousands of chickens for wedding receptions and parish and Knights of Columbus picnics. Proud of his Czech heritage, he oversaw the new Infant Jesus of Prague Ancestral Prayer Garden.

Nancy Posvar

St. Joseph Parish Parish, Cyclone

Nancy has been the church organist for 30 years. She has been a catechist for 20 years. She has been a parishioner for more than 35 years. She is an example of strong, Catholic faith throughout the community.

Tommy and Sherry Rodgers

St. Mary, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista

Tommy and Sherry have been parishioners since 1984. In the past, Sherry was the Director of Religious Education and taught First Communion classes. She worked with the youth program, Parish Planning Committee, sang in the choir and worked with art and environment. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and has served as parish secretary since 1997. Tommy is always willing to help in any capacity. He is a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion and works with art and environment. He is a charter member of the Knights of Columbus and helped produce the parish’s pictorial directory. He enjoys driving parishioners to doctor appointments and treatments.

Maria Eugenia "Jeannie" Rodriguez

St. Mary Parish, Brenham

Jeannie’s selfless acts of service to the parish have been felt in many aspects of parish life. She has been a catechist for 25 years and helps the religious education coordinator prepare for weekly classes. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and takes communion to the homebound and sick. She is a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and volunteers her time with the parish festivals and functions.

Jose "Joe" Sanchez

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin

Joe is 88-year-old veteran of World War II. He has been in the Legion of Mary for more than 50 years. He has served as an usher, in the rosary ministry, on the parish count team, with the prison ministry and as chair of the jamaica. He has conducted bingo and raffles and coordinated the After Easter Sunday Dance at the Palmer Events Center. He prays the rosary daily at people’s homes and at funerals. He visits the sick and serves at every Sunday Mass and special liturgy. He is a pillar of strength and faith in the community and is a humble servant who seeks no recognition.

Morag Sell

Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry

Morag has been volunteering with the diocesan Office of Youth, Young Adult and Campus Ministry for five years. She is a subcommittee head for the diocesan programs such as the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference and Servus Dei and the coordinator for Cross Training. She is loved at her parish and seen as an example among the other parish youth ministers in her deanery. She always puts her full heart into all of her work especially when it comes to the youth of the diocese and is a great example of Christ’s love.

Ilario "Larry" Simonette

St. Stephen Parish, Salado

Larry has been a parishioner of many years and served as lector for daily Masses, hosted Adult Formation Classes and coordinated the parish five-year plan in conjunction with the diocesan Pastoral Plan. He served on many committees including the Social Justice Committee and Emergency Response Committee, and he is the current Parish Council president. He has coordinated the Fall Festival for the last two years. He established, monitors and updates the parish website. Larry brings a quiet wisdom and is willing to go the extra mile when help is needed.

Bennie and Waldine Skutca

St. Mary Parish, Ellinger/Hostyn Hill

“Joe” and Waldine are longtime active parishioners. They work at all the fundraisers and work with taking care of plants and flowers around the church. Joe has always taken care of the water well and has installed water lines to the cemetery and flower beds. He also serves as an usher at Mass. Together, they help to take care of the church and are always willing to help when asked.

Merlene Slavik

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Marak

Merlene is a lifelong parishioner. For the last 30 years, she has served as the parish secretary and bookkeeper. She has served on parish committees and was an officer for the Altar Society. She is an example of faith for the entire community.

Regina South

St. Anthony Parish, Bryan

Regina is a lifelong parishioner. She is strongly devoted to serving the needs of her parish, the local community and especially the poor. She is the coordinator of the parish Meals on Wheels program and she directs the Thanksgiving Baskets that provides a traditional Thanksgiving meal to more than 200 families. She also coordinates the annual Advent Giving Tree. Her dedication to prayer and willingness to help those in need are truly inspiring.

Charlotte A. Spence

St. Mary Parish, San Saba

Charlotte has been the volunteer parish business administrator for many years. She is a member of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women and the Ladies of Mary. She is a faithful lady and an example of Christian faith.

Maryrae Stein

St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, Kyle

Maryrae has been a member of the parish since 2002 when she began teaching Bible classes and helping with religious education. She helped develop the parish’s program of Generations of Faith. She became the director of religious education in 2005 and is now the DRE diocesan representative. She helps with other ministries such as prayer group; she is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and the EIM coordinator for the parish. She is a good example to the community by participating in the sacramental life of the church and always being available to people.

Gary Strodtbeck

St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco

Gary has volunteered in several capacities in the parish. He is always available to pick up parishioners who can’t drive and bring them Mass. He serves as sacristan, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lector and in homebound ministry – along with anything else he is asked to do. His quiet, unassuming and faithful demeanor is an inspiration to all who come in contact with him.

Gary and Milly Summy

St. Peter Parish, Goldthwaite

Gary and Mily have been parishioners for more than 15 years. Milly edited the church bulletin and served as a catechist. She also provides technology and musical resources to the choirs. She serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion, and she is on the Parish Council. Gary is a hospitality minister and serves on the Finance Council. They both served diligently on the Church Building Committee.

Ocia Sweed Sr.

Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Washington

Whatever Ocia is asked to help with at the parish, he does it respectfully, with integrity from his heart and with his Catholic faith as guidance. He spends countless volunteer hours maintaining the church and parish hall. His faith and leadership are appreciated.

Robert and Kelly Tavarez

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin

Robert and Kelly are strong witnesses of what it means to be disciples of the Lord. They participate in the following ministries: Exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Natural Family Planning, marriage preparation, Knights of Columbus, choir, Boy Scouts and they are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They give witness to married and family love. Their love for the church is evident by how they serve and how they continue to teach their children and friends about the treasure of our Catholic faith. They have always been quick and eager to serve the parish and the diocese.

Marjorie Tellez

Good Shepherd Parish, Johnson City

Marjorie has been president of the Finance Council for the last nine years. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, lector, helps with fundraising and in all capacities of parish life. She is faithful and dedicated example of Christ-like living.

Louis and Genevieve Tepera

St. Matthew Parish, Rogers

Louis and “Gennie” are active parishioners. She serves on the Finance Council and in the Ladies’ Society. She is also a lector, money counter and catechist. Louis helps with the maintenance and repairs in the church as well as care of the church grounds. They are always willing to work hard for the needs of the parish.

Charmiel Teresi

St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock

Charmiel exudes care, compassion, gentleness, sensitivity and concern. She is part of the parish social ministry program, leads the bereavement ministry and organizes workshops and retreats for caregivers and people dealing with illness or end-of-life issues. She is also an extraordinary minister of holy Communion to the sick and homebound. There is no hesitation when she is asked to help those in need and she has a great ability to get others involved as well.

Ben and Mary Ulcak

St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos

In 2000, Mary joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and a year later, Ben joined. They have functioned as a team, making home visits and taking care of the needs of the poor and needy in the San Marcos area – even responding to emergency situations, day or night. Ben served as vice president for four years and has been president for two years. Mary has spent time concentrating on difficult cases and special needs. They have coordinated with other groups and organizations to improve the quantity and quality of assistance available.

Stephen and Kathleen Venzon

Ascension Parish, Bastrop

Steve and Kathy have been very faithful to the church, the parish and the priests. They have been involved in many activities and ministries in the parish. During the Bastrop wildfire, the parish became the first shelter. Steve took control with the help of the Knights of Columbus and other volunteers to serve those in need.

Delia Villarreal and Esperanza Campos

St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin

“Dee” and “Hope” are sisters who have given selflessly of their time for many years as heads of the parish Art and Environment Ministry. From Holy Week to Christmas, the parish is reminded by their tireless efforts of what it means to be of service in Jesus Christ’s name. They are committed and devout parishioners.

Charles Walden

St. Theresa Parish, Austin

Charles can be described as a humble servant of Jesus Christ. He has served on multiple diocesan and parish committees. He was the parish spokesman for the Our Faith~Our Legacy campaign. He was one of the founding members of the parish and was present at the groundbreaking 47 years ago. He served on the parish building committee and the Diocesan Building Commission. He has reached out to help those in need and has been an example of Christ’s compassion.

Louise Willett

St. Mary Parish, Mexia

Louise is a cradle Catholic whose fire and enthusiasm are warm and transforming. She educated her children in God’s ways. She contributed tirelessly her God given talents to the many ministries of the church. She has sewn liturgical vestments and she is always present in the various activities and programs of the church.

Mary Williams

St. Mary Parish, Lockhart

Mary has been a parishioner since 1993. She has been involved in the Ladies Altar Society, pro-life activities, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and continues to coordinate the parish library. She also serves in several civic organizations.

Larry and Ruth Wisneski †

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station

For the last decade, Larry and Ruth served the parish in various roles, in an unassuming way, in a spirit of true service and joyful gratitude. Ruth died shortly after being nominated for this award. She was a convert who came to the church 24 years ago and helped many others find the faith working as a member of the RCIA team. Larry supports the activities of the Knights of Columbus and has faithfully served as sacristan at daily and Sunday Masses. Year after year, they were involved in practically every major parish activity. No task was too small for their loving hands and hearts. Their married life was a true inspiration and model of Christian marriage.

Walter and Kathleen Yucikas

St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park

The parish has had the pleasure of watching Walter and Kathleen meet, fall in love and grow in spirit as husband and wife. Walter was received into full communion with the church at the 2007 Easter Vigil. Now, he coordinates the lectors, serves on the SpringFest Committee and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the parish IT committee and is involved with RCIA. Kathleen is involved with Kids Night Out, Respect Life Ministry, Social Committee and Prayer Shawl Ministry. They were both involved in Christ Renews His Parish retreats and they are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion.

Edwin and Donna Zimmerhanzel

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Kovar

Edwin and Donna were married at the parish in 1959 and have been members ever since. He has helped with the vast renovations and additions, including the fabrication of detailed railings at the church entrance and the completion of bathrooms. Donna has spent many hours in tedious work updating burial records and information. The completion of this project is an invaluable resource to the parish. Together they serve as members of the Sts. Peter and Paul and Barton’s Creek Catholic Cemeteries Committee.

Virgil Almogabar

Ascension Parish, Bastrop

Virgil effectively, pastorally and collaboratively organizes, leads and

participates in various parish and local area ministries. He is successfully

working on the Casitas Project aimed at funding and re-sourcing materials

needed to build homes for widows and abused women and their children in

Guatemala. He also participates in the annual medical missions. He motivates

others into Catholic stewardship raising awareness of everyone’s call to

authentically serve.

Roberto Amaya

St. Ignatius, Martyr Parish, Austin

Members of the parish for decades, Roberto and his family have enriched

the community. From the beginning he has been involved in one ministry

or another and very often many ministries at the same time. He has served

on various leadership councils and has helped to start many initiatives in

the parish, such as the Christ Renews His Parish and the Spanish Mass. He

has been an extraordinary minister of holy Communion for many years and

has served as a member of the RCIA team. He is an integral member of the

baptismal preparation team. He brings experience, compassion, knowledge,

a sense of humor and great faith to all he does in the parish.

Paul and Antonia Aragon

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Temple

Paul and Antonia have been active members of the parish for many years.

They are at every bereavement meal helping to prepare the food and serving

it to grieving families. They are also active every year in the Fall Festival, the

major annual fundraiser for the church. Every year they run the Country

Store. They get all the prizes and work the entire festival. Paul routinely sells

the most raffle tickets for the church. Antonia makes aprons to sell or use

at parish breakfasts. They are selfless and generous in their service to the

church.

Raymond Arias

St. Ann Parish, Somerville

Ray is a devoted and conscientious member of the parish who has given his

time and talent for almost 40 years. He served for 10 years as the primary

operator of the parish’s Sunday bingo and figured prominently in organizing

and executing the annual parish rodeo production. He is an active member of

the Knights of Columbus and serves as a hospitality minister. He volunteers

as an electrician, plumber, air conditioner repairman and carpenter for the

church and its facilities. He faithfully checks in each week to offer his services

wherever needed.

Josiah and Beverly Barrow

Holy Rosary Parish, Frenstat

Beverly is a member of the Altar Society and KJZT. She has been very active in the Pro-Life movement and the education of parishioners. Jay is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and has been at all of the March for Life marches at the Capitol. They both served on the Good Samaritan Gabriel Project Board in Bryan. They are involved in the Coalition for Life and 40 Days for Life. They sing in the choir and volunteer whenever needed.

Forest and Doris Beach

St. Ann Parish, Rosebud

Forest and Doris have been loyal parishioners for many years. They support the church and religious education. Doris is a lector and assists in counting the collection. She takes care of the vestments and serves as the secretary for the Parish Council and Finance Council. She has taught religious education and helped start the Ladies’ Guild, serving as its first president. Forest serves as an usher. The couple is always available to help the church and pastor. They often host visiting priests in their home.

Joe and Vera Bloomer

St. John Vianney Parish, Round Rock

Joe, 90, and Vera, 87, celebrated the 65th anniversary of their sacramental marriage in 2010. Their fidelity to each other and to Christ, the evidence of Christian values in their family, the joy and generosity in their life of sacrifice are a great influence and inspiration for a happy, healthy, holy family life. They have been strong supporters of the church, clergy and seminarians with prayer, tokens of appreciation and encouragement. Joe became a Knight of Columbus in 1950 and has been a member of the St. William, St. Helen and St. John Vianney councils. He served as a District Deputy in 1979 and founded councils in Elgin and Cedar Park. Vera worked with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Round Rock for many years and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. Together, they helped create the Round Rock Area Servicing Center, an ecumenical and charitable organization of service in Round Rock.

Danny and Kathy Borski

St. Joseph Parish, Bryan

Danny and Kathy are life-long members of the parish. While in high school, they started a folk choir for Mass and have maintained the choir for 30 years, enhancing liturgies on Sundays, feast days, at funerals and various parish and local celebrations. They are a couple of great faith, treating everyone with love, kindness and charity. They have the gift of listening and offer empathy to everyone they encounter.

Brent and Frances Brown

Holy Cross Parish, Austin

Brent is the current chair of the Pastoral Council, a member of the collection count team, the Men’s ministry and an usher. He also serves on the parish

75th anniversary committee. Frances is an office volunteer. She is a member of the Altar Rosary Society, which cares for the sacristy, decorates the altar and maintains the linens and vessels. She also makes rosaries. They have been married for 50 years.

Kristofer and Melissa Buchan

St. Mary Catholic Center, College Station

Kristofer and Melissa have modeled a servant’s heart to the parish

community. She is a certified practicioner of the Creighton Model of Natural

Family Planning. The couple led a team of parishioners who established a

Creighton Model Fertility Care Center at St. Mary Catholic Center. The effect

of this, now with six practitioners, will be felt in hundreds of families now

and in the future.

Berna Buenker

St. Mary Parish, Lampasas

Berna has been a member of the parish since 1998. During this time, she has

taught RCIA, religious education, confirmation and First Communion classes.

She has been a lector and an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She

also volunteers in the office whenever needed.

Richard and Barbara Burke

St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish, Harker Heights

For 20 years, Richard and Barbara have directed the RCIA program. He is

a Knight of Columbus and she is a Lady of Charity. They have organized

support for Cambodia Children Orphanage, the local Killeen Food Care Center,

Families in Crisis and assisted Catholic school students with scholarships.

They recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.

Mary Campos

St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, Kyle

Mary has served at St. Anthony’s since 1979. She started the parish

bereavement ministry and has served as sacristan and an extraordinary

minister of holy Communion for more than 20 years.

Maria Cantu

Sta. Julia Parish, Austin

Maria has been a member of the parish for more than 30 years. She has

volunteered in the breakfast ministry for more than 17 years. She has

held numerous leadership positions with the Guadalupanas. She runs the

rehearsals for quinceañeras and weddings. She coordinates the rosaries and

vigil celebration for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. During Lent, she

coordinates the living Stations of the Cross. She also prepares the flowers

for Mother’s Day. She recently began serving as an extraordinary minister of

holy Communion.

Tyler Carlson and Ana Rodriguez

St. John the Evangelist Parish, San Marcos

Tyler has always made himself available, even without being asked to serve.

It takes a considerable amount of effort and time for musical practices to be

able to stand and minister in the special way he does. Ana is committed to

the parish.

Judy Comeaux

St. Anthony Parish, Bryan

Judy is a life-long member of the parish. She helps direct the contemporary

choir. She is also the coordinator for the extraordinary ministers of holy

Communion and a catechist. She is the volunteer core leader of the Junior

High Youth Group.

Michael and Georgina Cruz

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Martindale

With support from Michael, Georgina has been the parish director of

religious education since 2004. She has shown great leadership, dedication

and passion to her position. She is a member of the Guadalupanas. Michael

is currently producing the weekly bulletin and has shown great leadership.

Victor and Gloria Cruz

San José Parish, Austin

Gloria oversees the Parish Hall kitchen and does all the purchasing for the

kitchen. Victor is an acolyte and extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

Together they started a Spanish choir for special occasions and they are on

the Steering Committee for the parish Jamaica. They are a key couple for the

Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC) for the parish and beyond.

Rebecca Lynn Diaz

St. William Parish, Round Rock

Rebecca is currently the president of the Association of Guadalupanas and

is on the parish Spring Fiesta Committee. She has been active in Amistad, a

community organization that raises funds for scholarships.

Marie Therese Dominguez

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Gatesville

Marie is very active in nearly all areas of parish life. She is consistently eager

to see what she can do to uplift the parish. She is always prompt in getting

things done.

David Eckelkamp

St. Patrick Parish, Hutto

David is energetic and enthusiastic about his faith. He serves as a core team

member for the high school teens. He lives and shares his faith with great joy.

He is also an outstanding example of a husband and father as he balances his

commitment to work, family and church.

Loris Edwards

St. Mary Parish, Temple

In 1974, Loris became principal of St. Mary’s Catholic School. Through her

leadership for 26 years, the school achieved excellent accreditations. In

2000, she retired as school principal and became the director of religious

education for the parish. She is also an extraordinary minister of holy

Communion, a lector, Altar Society member and the deanery representative

for religious education. She has served on many boards, has taught adult

formation classes, has developed teaching materials and has led numerous

retreats. She has also written articles for publication. Her humility belies her

many accomplishments. She has always credited her mother and father for

instilling in her a great love of the Catholic faith.

Katherine Finn

St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Kingsland

Katherine is a long-time parishioner. She has been involved with the Ladies’

Club. Now, over 80 years young, she still volunteers to be in charge of the

social outreach committee. She receives calls from the needy and goes out to

meet them and to provide help.

Patricia Flathouse

St. John Neumann Parish, Austin

Patricia is a founding member of the parish and the former director of religious education. She is a member of the Pastoral Advisory Council, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and a lector. She chaired the parish’s 25th anniversary committee and is the co-chair for the dedication of the new sanctuary.

Renée French

St. Thomas Parish, Hamilton

Renée has excelled in her responsibility as the volunteer coordinator of religious education. She has won the confidence of the parents and the children love her. The parish community holds her in high esteem.

Tony Galindo

Sacred Heart Parish, Waco

Tony has freely given his time and musical talents to the church by serving as the choir director for the last 20 years.

Bryan García

University Catholic Center, Austin

Bryan jokes that he is "minoring in UCC" while earning a degree in social work from the University of Texas at Austin. During the last academic year, he served as president of the high school retreat team, the leader of the social justice team, on the staff of Longhorn Awakening and was a member of the National Catholic Student Coalition. He is serving as co-coordinator of Longhorn Awakening this fall.

John and Joan Gillette

Christ the King Parish, Belton

John and Joan have served the parish for more than 20 years. She is co-president of the Parish Council of Catholic Women. Under her leadership, the women take care of the sacristy, purchase hosts and sacramental wine and clean and care for the sacred linens and vestments. She also organized the parish’s first Fit & Fun Run. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, parish hospitality team member, bereavement committee member, Meals on Wheels team member and Belton Literacy Volunteer. John is a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, the parish liaison to the Helping Hands Food Ministry, a core team member for Mary Hardin Baylor Catholics, parish landscape engineer and a choir member. The couple has taken single mothers into their home, fed homeless people at Christmas and they regularly attend daily Mass.

Gustavo González

St. Joseph Parish, Manor

Gustavo has worked hard to transform the parish into an evangelizing community. He has served as a leader in evangelization retreats and has also coordinated the parish Fiesta for two consecutive years. He helps maintain the parish grounds, and with his family works fundraisers for the parish almost every week.

Carol Graves

St. Peter Parish, Goldthwaite

Carol has been a parishioner for more than 40 years. She served as president of the Pastoral Council. She was a member of the Diocese’s Second Synod’s Commission that established the Pastoral and Finance Council Norms. She is a lector and has trained and scheduled the lectors. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and coordinates the music ministry. She assisted in the planning and construction of the new sanctuary completed in 2003.

Benito and Teresa Guerrero

Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan

Benito and Teresa are active in the Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (MFC). They prepare Spanish-speaking couples for marriage. They are always willing to help at the parish breakfast and during church bazaars.

Barbara Hoelscher

St. Stephen Parish, Salado

Barbara is the president of the Women’s Society and served as membership director for many years. She has chaired the Parish Clerical Endowment Fund, aided in hospitality dinners, is on the Pastoral Council and has written the parish yearbook for many years. She is very organized and knows how to get things done; she has a wonderful sense of humor.

Rosemarie Hotaling

Holy Family Parish, Copperas Cove

Rosemarie has served the parish as a member of the Holy Family Ladies’ Society, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and sacristan. She works behind the scenes and is always available to assist at weddings, funerals and weekend liturgies. She eases the work of others by her continual attention to detail.

Geraldine Jones

St. Joseph Parish, Killeen

Geraldine has been a parishioner for more than 30 years. She organizes, schedules and trains the lectors. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and takes the Eucharist to the homebound. She co-chairs the Liturgy Commission and is part of the Focolare movement. She has been a catechist and has sponsored RCIA candidates. She is the facilitator of the black community and organizes the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, Gospel Mass and Black Catholic History Month.

Gladys Kaderka

St. Joseph Parish, Mason

Gladys has served as a catechist for more than 20 years, teaching First Communion and Confirmation classes. She is active in the Ladies’ Altar Society and serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. She serves on the Pastoral Council and is a sacristan. She has been preparing and printing the parish bulletin for 10 years. She is a member of the Western Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She is reliable, dedicated and is a Christian role model with strong family values.

J. Dominic Karow †

St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Austin

Dominic distinguished himself with unending service to the parish for more than two decades. He was a lector and extraordinary minister of holy Communion. Despite suffering from cancer, he took on duties to organize and serve as sacristan.

Richard and Karen Klabzuba

St. Paul Parish, Austin

As extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, Richard and Karen spend one day a week visiting nursing homes and making home visits. They serve as sacristans for daily Mass and are active spiritual leaders in the Legion of Mary. They are members of the hospitality committee and are always willing to give their time and talent to the parish.

Elizabeth Koch

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Kovar

"Liz" cleans the church and helps landscape the grounds and schedules other volunteers to assist. As a Pastoral Council member, she was involved in the restoration of the mission church. She is a catechist, RCIA instructor, choir member and takes Communion to the homebound. She is always available to help with fundraisers and the annual bazaar.

George Koehler

St. Albert the Great Parish, Austin

George is one of the founding members of the parish. He served on the original Pastoral Council. He is Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, where he previously served as secretary for 15 years. He has volunteered at numerous barbecues and Lenten fish frys. He is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and lead sacristan. He is a one-man audio-visual committee. No event would be complete without George in the background making sure everything goes off with the grace and beauty meant for the occasion. He is the parish’s go-to guy.

Ronald and Carolyn Kostelecky

St. Thomas More Parish, Austin

Ron and Carolyn have been involved in the parish for more than 25 years. Carolyn directed the RCIA program for many years and has served on the Finance Committee and Pastoral Advisory Council. She is a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer and serves on the diocesan Liturgical Commission. She is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and lector. Ron is a long- term member of the Finance Committee and a catechist for the Bible studies offered by the Adult Faith Formation ministry. He is a hospitality minister. Together they serve in the Art and Environment ministry.

John S. Kubin

St. Ferdinand Parish, Blanco

John is an active member who is always ready to help in any capacity. He is chair of the Pastoral Council. He was instrumental in establishing a choir for the Saturday vigil Mass and serves on the Building Committee and music ministry. His leadership inspires others.

Dorothy Kucera

Church of the Assumption Parish, West

Dorothy is a life-long member of the parish and has served as organist for 58

years. She has played at hundreds of funerals, weddings and Sunday Masses.

She gives freely of her time, talent and gift of music. She is a member of the

Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the KJZT and the St. Mary’s Cemetery

Board. She has been married for 52 years and has five children and many

grandchildren.

Kenneth and Anabel Kuhr

Sacred Heart Parish, Austin

Kenneth was a catechist, member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,

president of the Parish Council, chair of the Church Renovation Committee

and supervised the renovations of the Adoration Chapel. He is the volunteer

handyman doing repair work on the air conditioning, heating, electrical and

plumbing. Anabel is a catechist and volunteer director of religious education.

They have been married for 30 years.

Gus Lindemann

Sacred Heart Parish, La Grange

Gus has been a parishioner for 58 years. He was an extraordinary minister

of holy Communion for many years. He serves as a hospitality minister and

is a member of the Parish Finance Council. He was a member of the Pastoral

Council, serving during the planning and building of the present church. He

was president and secretary of the Holy Name Society. He is also very active

in the Knights of Columbus. He played trumpet with the parish choir. He is a

member of the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce and Lion’s Club.

Daniel Lochman

H.L. Grant Catholic Student Center, San Marcos

"Dan" has been a vital, contributing member of the permanent community

of the Center for more than 25 years. He organizes the annual Common

Experience event, presented in conjunction with Texas State University. He

is also a longtime member of the Center’s Advisory Board. He has helped

prepare many late night breakfasts for college students and recently acted

as the Catholic faculty representative at a Welcome Back Mass. In 2009, he

was elected Catholic Faculty Member of the Year by the student community.

Maximino and Josefina Luna

St. Margaret Parish, Giddings

Maximino and Josefina are involved in various parish ministries. They help

each other in their work as members of the Sacred Heart and Guadalupana

Societies. He serves as an usher. They have a large family and their children

are involved in parish ministries.

Mark and Lisa Matocha

St. Mary Parish, Ellinger/Hostyn Hill

Mark and Lisa have been active members for many years. Mark is an usher

and member of the Knights of Columbus. Lisa is active with the Catholic

Daughters of America and works part time doing data entry for the parish

office. They serve on the parish Festival Committee. They have two grown

children and have tried to set a good example as faithful Catholics to their

family and other parishioners. They have also assisted retired priests in

various ways.

Brian McCann

St. Louis Parish, Waco

Brian is a daily communicant and sacristan for daily Mass. He helps at all

the Sunday Masses. He serves as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy

Communion when he is needed. He is active in the Knights of Columbus

and is head of the Pro-Life Committee. He also ministers at the Texas Youth

Commission detention center. He is serving as a sponsor to one of the boys

who wants to be baptized.

Sister M. Guadalupe Medina, FMA Cristo Rey Parish, Austin

Sister Guadalupe has tirelessly served the community for more than 10 years. Known for her great love of children, adolescents and young adults, she has served as the parish’s director of religious education and youth ministry. She is known throughout the diocese and has helped to form and lead youth movements, such as the Juventud Misionera and the Jornada Juvenil de Cristiandad.

John P. Meehan

St. John the Baptist Parish, Fayetteville

John spent his adult career as an educator, primarily in parochial schools.

Since joining the parish, he has been devoted to spreading the Gospel. He has

taught high school religious education classes, adult Bible studies and assisted

the pastor with adult formation classes. He is a lector and extraordinary

minister of holy Communion at weekend Masses. He is also involved with the

Knights of Columbus.

Stanley and Mary Jane Mehringer

St. Mary Parish, Mexia

"Stan" and Mary Jane are examples of consistency and dedication in Christian

living. They hold in their hearts the love for God by their active participation

of faith lived out in the parish and community. They teach religious education,

volunteer at the annual barbecue with the children’s games and they support

every activity. They raised their children wonderfully.

Miriam Mellon

St. Austin Parish, Austin

A parishioner since 2000, Miriam is an energetic and willing volunteer in

many vital ministries of the parish, including Christ Renews His Parish,

Parish Holiday Fair, Lenten Soup Suppers and many other events. In 2003,

she founded the parish Prayer Blanket Ministry. Since that time, more than

2,500 blankets have been handmade and sent all over the world, free of

charge, to give comfort through prayer to anyone who requests them. She

continues to inspire and lead that dynamic ministry.

Patrick Merry

St. Martin de Porres Parish, Dripping Springs

Patrick is an active, longtime parishioner who has served as a lector and RCIA

catechist. He served several terms on the Pastoral Council. More recently, he

has taken on the task of organizing and providing refreshments for post-

Mass hospitality on Sundays. He is a gifted woodworker with a specialty of

making crosses out of cedar.

Gene and Lois Miller

St. Luke Parish, Temple

Gene serves as a lector and is actively involved with the Knights of Columbus.

He has coordinated the annual Christmas Presence, which assists needy

families in the community. He also organizes the annual Good Friday Way

of the Cross Walk in Temple. Lois is involved with the Women’s Society and

Altar Care. They both serve as extraordinary ministers of holy Communion

and volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Mary Moody

Holy Trinity Parish, Llano

Mary is responsible for the yard maintenance and provides the church

grounds with beautiful gardens. She actively participates with fundraisers

and has regularly served on committees. She participates in the rosary, is a

member of the Ladies’ Altar Society and is a member of the Western Diocesan

Council of Catholic Women. She gives generously and supports charitable

projects.

Michael Nappo

Santa Rosa de Lima Parish, Andice

"Mike" is a member of the choir and takes care of the parish website. He is the

man the parish can call on at any time day or night. He is a volunteer for many

organizations in Georgetown.

Da Vu Nguyen

Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Parish, Austin

Da is a longtime parishioner. He has served faithfully and effectively on the

Parish Council. He is a caring and loving person to all he meets. He is active

in all parish events.

Jeff and Marilyn Oliver

St. Mary Parish, Waco

Jeff has been the director of the Folk Choir for 32 years. He has also been an

active member of the Men’s Club, helping to cook breakfast, and served on

the Liturgy Committee. He plays an active part in providing music for the

Children’s Mass at Christmas and Easter. Marilyn has been an extraordinary

minister of holy Communion for many years and is an active member of the

Women’s Guild.

Alfredo and Veronica Palacios

St. Joseph Parish, Rockdale

Alfredo and Veronica are very active members of the parish. They are

deeply involved in several ministries. Their regular attendance at Mass with

their entire family and their unique sense of devotion and commitment to

serving the community are very inspiring and exemplary. Their readiness

and willingness to give of themselves in service to the parish family bears

eloquent testimony to their lively faith.

Dorothy Rackel

St. Joseph Parish, Dime Box

Dorothy came forward when the parish was in dire need of a bookkeeper

and accountant. She took the position as a volunteer to show her love and

commitment to the parish. She often says, "I was born and raised here. I will

surely die here. This is my church!" She inherited this selfless dedication to

the parish from her mother who was also a Lumen Gentium recipient.

Ciro and Denise Ramirez

St. Helen Parish, Georgetown

Ciro played violin and Denise played guitar in the Catholic Campus Ministry at Rice University. They fell in love and have served the Lord together ever since. In their young married life, they continued music ministry at St. Louis, King of France Parish in Austin. Both sing beautifully and lead choirs today at St. Helen Parish. She has served on the Pastoral Council and is a member of the Liturgical Life Committee. She has written many pieces of music for the parish including psalms, antiphons and a bilingual Mass setting. They lead one of the Mass choirs and are members of Coro Mariachi de Santa Elena. They attend to their spiritual growth as active members of the CEW retreat team.

Louis† and Rita Ramirez

St. Francis on the Brazos Parish, Waco

Louis and Rita have been longtime members of the parish. Their service and dedication throughout the years has inspired others. They are a living example of a faithful couple committed to God’s work.

Donnie and Janice Reinders

St. Michael Parish, Burlington

Donnie is on the Pastoral Council and currently serves as secretary. He is a hospitality minister at Mass and helps at all work projects. He is always ready to help with any emergencies at the church and is willing to help parishioners or anyone in need. Janice is eager to help whenever she can be of assistance to the parish or her neighbors. They have been loyal, lifelong parishioners.

Mary Rodriguez

St. Eugene Parish, McGregor

Mary ensures that all of the needs of the priest are met. She coordinates the use and rental of the parish hall. She is a lector, catechist and assists any child in religious education in need of help. She also coordinates the breakfast sales after Mass.

Natalie Rose Rodriguez

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Austin

Natalie is the full-time paid parish administrator. She attends the parish with her family. She met the demands of the parish during the last year in a professional and spiritual manner. She has shown a great deal of care for the people of God and care for the priests who serve the parish. She has personally worked above and beyond the usual standards of an employee in order to provide this active and diverse parish with sound guidance and moral wisdom.

Henry Ruiz

St. Michael Parish, Uhland

Henry is one of the usher coordinators. He is also facility coordinator for the annual Jamaica and oversees all the booths being set up, the grass being cut, the delivery of ice and other necessities. He gives his time and commitment to the parish with a generous heart.

Charles and Ann Sadler

Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sunrise Beach

Charles has been the administrator of the parish for more than 10 years.

He has taken excellent care of the needs of this small parish. Ann has been

alongside her husband in his ministry to the parish. She is also an organist

and music minister for Mass.

Raymond and Emily Salazar

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Taylor

Raymond and Emily have been lifelong members of the parish. He serves as

head usher, is a member of the Guadalupanos, the Pastoral Council, the Prayer

Group, and Men’s Christ Renews His Parish. She serves as an extraordinary

minister of holy Communion, a member of Women’s Christ Renews His

Parish, the Altar Society and the Prayer Group. She is also the president of

the Pastoral Council and the Sociedad Guadalupana. Together, they volunteer

for the parish festival. They are truly committed to the parish and can always

be counted on for their support.

Daniel Schiller †

St. Mary, Immaculate Conception Parish, Brenham

"Dan" was a parishioner for 40 years. A professor at Blinn College, he

volunteered his time to work with the Blinn Catholic Student Union (formerly

called the Newman Club). The Catholic students were close to his heart. He

was a catechist for the parish and was a member of the Perpetual Adoration

program and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was elected a member of

the Pastoral Council.

Joanne Selucky

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Granger

Joanne is the parish secretary. She helps plans weddings, funerals and

baptisms. She keeps the church records up to date. She handles the "social

services" for the parish and the Ministerial Alliance of all the churches in

Granger. She is the chair of the Altar Society, the leader of the Guitar Group,

head of this year’s pictorial directory and a member of the Repair Our

Aging Roof Campaign. In the past she was the youth minister, coordinator of

religious education and a catechist and a pre-K teacher at the Catholic school.

She attends all meetings of the Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Liturgy

Planning Committee, picnic and bazaar meetings to stay informed.

Mari Silva

St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Austin

Mari is admired by many parishioners for the way she handles herself as a

servant-leader. Her leadership and guidance for the extraordinary ministers

of holy Communion, daily Mass ministry, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,

Liturgy Committee and the Building Committee are examples of the ways she

constantly serves.

Joe Slagh

Church of the Visitation Parish, Westphalia

Joe works for the church, parish and community anytime he is needed. He

helps to maintain the church with repairs inside and out. Even with a full-

time job, he helps with every church function and is ready to help cook at

the pit or in the kitchen. He is active in the VFW and helps anyone in the

community who needs help. He takes care of his mother and brings her to

Mass every weekend.

Paul and Mickie Smith

St. Mary Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Lago Vista

Paul and Mickie have been parishioners since 1987. He is the head usher and

is responsible for coordinating all the ushers. He is also an extraordinary

minister of holy Communion and an active member of the Knights of

Columbus. He serves on the Parish Council and the city’s Planning and

Zoning Commission. Mickie is the director of music and plays the organ at

all Masses, funerals, special services and many weddings. She is a member

of the Women’s Guild and has served in various capacities. She has chaired

many dinners, including the St. Patrick’s dinner and served on numerous

committees such as the Building Committee and Parish Council.

Mikie Taylor

St. Philip Parish, China Spring

Mikie finds any information that is needed. She oversees facilities maintenance

and researches any materials needed to keep the parish going. She assists the

Finance and Pastoral councils with the materials and information they need.

She assists the pastor as needed.

Monica Treviño

Our Lady of San Juan Mission, Moody

Monica is a high school senior who is a choir leader, musician, catechist,

lector and young children’s program coordinator. She is a role model for all

of the youth.

Ernesto Valenzuela

St. Mary Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Caldwell

Ernesto helps coordinate the English and Spanish liturgies. He has been

instrumental in helping to build commitment and participation in the

Spanish-speaking community. He has taken the time and initiative to train

and mentor parishioners to assist at Mass. For the last few years, he has

served as the volunteer coordinator and primary teacher for the English and

Spanish RCIA programs. As a licensed electrician, he has volunteered many

work hours to the parish.

Margie Vasquez

Good Shepherd Parish, Johnson City

Margie has been a parishioner for 20 years. She served as the director of

religious education for 13 years. She has also served as sacristan, a member

of the Pastoral Council, on the RCIA team, in youth ministry and on the

Building Committee. She prepares the altar servers, First Communicants and

Confirmands. She lives her faith and is an example to all she encounters.

Juan and Cynthia Villarreal

St. Margaret Mary Parish, Cedar Park

Parishioners since 2007, this couple has been active in many ministries. For

three years, Cynthia has volunteered to answer the phone in the parish office

on Friday afternoons. They are both involved in the Divine Mercy group and

Christ Renews His Parish, each serving as renewal director for men’s and

women’s retreats. They both attend daily Mass where Cynthia also serves as

a lector. Juan is a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is dedicated to

caring for his elderly parents who live with them. They are proud of their five

children and 10 grandchildren.

Connie Vinklarek

St. Paul Parish, Smithville

Connie is a life-long member of the parish. She volunteers her time leading daily prayer and then prepares the altar for Mass. She leads the rosary during Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Fridays. She leads the Women’s Bible Study, serves as an usher and extraordinary minister of holy Communion and prepares the monthly schedules for ushers and extraordinary ministers. She helps with the annual bazaar and has helped with Vacation Bible School and served on the Pastoral Council. She is a Pro-Life advocate and is a member of the Altar Society and KJZT, Cistern.

Alfred and Bernice Vrazel

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Marak

Married for 49 years, Alfred and Bernice have been lifelong members of the parish. Alfred served for 20 years on the Pastoral Council. He managed the renovation of the church and as a member of the Cemetery Board, he made significant improvements to the cemetery. He was on the board to build the new parish center. As a member of the Vrazels’ Polka Band, he has played for the annual parish picnic for 50 years. He is also a lector. Bernice has served on the Pastoral Council for many years. She organizes the lectors and extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. She has also served on the board of the Parish Center.

Don and Elizabeth Walden

Emmaus Parish, Lakeway

Don can be counted upon to be present with his mobile barbecue smoker in support of food needs for various parish activities. Don has also served as chair of the Parish Building Committee. He led the parish through a dynamic and successful effort to build a new parish life center. Together with Elizabeth, he can be counted on to serve in whatever capacity is needed.

Sr. Alice Warrick, OSF †

St. Joseph Health System, Bryan

For more than 10 years, Sister Alice served as Vice President for Mission Integration to hundreds of employees at multiple St. Joseph healthcare facilities in the diocese. Her leadership influenced many governing boards where she served as a voice of the congregation and as the voice of the church’s healing ministry. Many people were touched through her years of dedicated service as a nurse, administrator and follower of St. Francis.

Martha Werchan

Sacred Heart Parish, Elgin

"Martie" has been the director of religious education for three years and oversees classes for about 600 students. She also works with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and works on fundraisers for religious education. Compassion and patience are her greatest assets. She is always willing and ready to serve in any capacity. She has a great rapport with the students, teachers, staff and parents; everyone knows they can count on her to help them.

Kelly Wichert

St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco

Kelly was a member of the Center while studying law at Baylor University.

He graduated in February 2011. He was a great inspiration to the community

in organizing meals and getting students to interact. He was always at the

Center giving of his time, talent and treasure to students who needed help. He

was also head of the Music Ministry and attended all three Masses.

Jeanette Zarosky

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Franklin

Jeanette has been a parishioner since 1997. Serving as parish historian, she

compiled pictures of the church’s construction, parish activities and liturgical

celebrations. She is a member of the Ladies of St. Francis and is a member

of the Sunday choir. She supports the active work of the parish Prayer Line

Network. A widow, she was married for 49 years to Cyril Robert "Bobby"

Zarosky. She attends civic events and volunteers at the parish’s Franciscan

Summer Camp.