Criteria

Lay individuals, paid or volunteer, who exemplify the spirit of Christ as explained by the documents of the Second Vatican Council. (“You are the light of the world… your light must shine in the sight of all, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven” Mt 5:14,16). The layperson should be someone who lives his or her baptismal call in an extraordinary way through stewardship and leadership. This may include service in direct parish ministry, but can also include Christian service to the greater community. To quote from The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium): “The laity, however, are given this special vocation: to make the Church present and fruitful in those places and circumstances where it is only through them that she can become the salt of the earth.”

Only one individual (or one married couple) should be nominated per parish, and they must be a lay person (not a priest, deacon or sister). If married, the nominee, whether nominated individually or as a couple, must be in a valid Catholic marriage and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church. The nominee should be EIM-certified if their ministry requires it. If they are not, their full legal name and date of birth are required in order to run a background check.

Nominations Process

Each pastor has the opportunity to select one individual (or a married couple). It is left to the discretion of the pastor to determine the process within his parish: i.e., he could make the selection, ask the pastoral council for suggestions, etc. Nominations are submitted through an online form.

Awards Ceremony

Honorees will receive a memento and be recognized in the Catholic Spirit. Parishes are encouraged to provide additional recognition at a parish liturgy or event.