Diocese of Covington
2024 Catechetical Leadership Award Winners
Outstanding Early Childhood
Teacher/Catechist
Sheree Kelly, St. Joseph, Crescent Springs
Michael Witt, St. Agnes
Outstanding Middle School
Teacher/Catechist
Deacon Adam Feinauer, St. Agnes
Sharon Phillips, St. Patrick School, Maysville
Don Zengel, St. Mary of the Assumption
Outstanding Junior High
Teacher/Catechist
Karen Rabe, St. Agnes
Outstanding Senior High
Teacher/Catechist
Megan Abbott, Notre Dame Academy
Outstanding Catechetical Leader
Joanie Lecoy, Sts. Boniface & James
Veronica Schweitzer, St. Anthony, Taylor Mill, Principal
Rosanne Thomas, Blessed Sacrament, DRE
Janet Wadsworth, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Outstanding Youth Minister
Ashley Marshall, St. Pius X
Outstanding Catholic Retreat Minister
Lisa Faulhaber, St. Joseph, Camp Springs
Chris Holmes, St. Cecilia, Parish (Not Pictured)
Outstanding Homeschool Educator
Jeanne Hicks, St. Catherine of Sienna
Sister Ann Adele Fritz Catechetical Award
Paula Fritz, St. Agnes
Patricia Pope, St. Henry
Vincent Zwick, Sts. Boniface & James
God bless you for your ministry!
Father Stef Bankemper, pastor, St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Ft. Thomas, led the honored guests in prayer.
Father Ryan Ruiz, S.L.D., dean of the School of Theology, Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology, was the guest speaker for the 2024 Catechetical Leadership Awards.
The Sister Ann Adele Fritz Award
Sister M. Ann Adele Fritz , SND
Notre Dame Sister Mary Ann Adele Fritz (born Mary Luella Fritz in 1930) entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1949 and was faithful to her vows and committed to prayer all her life. Sister M. Ann Adele gave her whole heart in service of the Diocese of Covington and Archdiocese of Cincinnati for 47 years. She served as both teacher and principal, and is remembered for her high expectations, organization, creativity, friendliness, and service projects.
As a Director of Religious education for 25 years, serving at both St. Joseph, Crescent Springs, and St. Joseph, Cold Spring, she was a pioneer. She loved being a DRE and said, “I appreciate being able to minister to others by increasing their knowledge and love for the Lord.” She passed away in February 1998 and The Sister Ann Adele Fritz Award was initiated that same year to honor her memory.
The recipient of this award reminds us that we are all called to be joyful witnesses to Jesus Christ. They are willing to make personal sacrifices so that others may come to know and love Jesus, all the while ministering in His name. This person embodies what it means to be a missionary disciple.
A Prayer for Catechists
Loving Father, we pray today for our catechists. We
thank you for their gift of ministry in your Church.
Grant them your wisdom that they may grow in the
understanding and teaching of your Word. Grant them also
your love that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word and
lead others to love you.
Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them to grant them
wisdom about what is important; knowledge of the truths of
faith; understanding of their meaning; right judgement
about how to apply them in life; courage to persevere even
in the face of adversity; reverence before all that is sacred
and holy; and that loving zeal which leads others to a
transforming encounter with your Son.
We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.