Thirteen catechists from across the Diocese recognized at the Catechetical Leadership Awards

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Catechists, friends and family gathered in Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium, Covington, May 29, for the annual Catechetical Leadership Awards hosted by the Diocese of Covington Office of Catechesis and Evangelization. These awards honor outstanding catechetical leaders in parishes and schools throughout the Diocese.

Isaak Isaak, director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization, welcomed those in attendance.

“It’s really truly a joy to have all of you with us this evening, celebrating ministerial life, celebrating catechesis and the new evangelization that you all are committed to,” Mr. Isaak said. “Thank you for assisting our chief catechist and shepherd, Bishop John as his extension in ministry. Thank you for enabling our parishes and schools to exercise their mission to bring Christ into the world as leaven. As lay ecclesial ministers you undertake an important work that’s essential to the very life of our local Church.”

Eight awards to 13 recipients highlight the work of catechists from early childhood, through high school and parish life.

The first award, Outstanding Early Childhood Teacher/Catechist, was awarded to five recipients: Rosada Harr, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Carrollton; Jenny Long, St. Pius X School, Edgewood; Rose Miller, St. Agnes Parish, Ft. Wright; Janet Schmidt, St. Joseph School, Crescent Springs and Dan Walsh, St. Thomas Parish, Ft. Thomas.

Together, these five recipients have over 80 years of catechetical teaching experience. Ranging in grade level from preschool through eighth grade, these catechists exemplify what it means to be an outstanding early childhood teacher/catechist. The Outstanding Junior High Teacher/Catechist award was awarded to Ashleigh Stall of Blessed Sacrament School, Ft. Mitchell. The impact of Ms. Stall on her students is immeasurable, with 14 of her eighth-grade students nominating her for this award.

“Ashleigh’s genuine faith and connection with God permeates all her interactions with students, staff and parents,” said Allison Miller, pledge coordinator with the Diocese of Covington Office of Stewardship and Mission.

The Outstanding Catechetical Leader award was presented to two recipients: Terri Mounce, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Carrollton, and Divine Providence Sister Armella Pietrowski, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Burlington.

Ms. Mounce has served as a catechist for 17 years as a part of the St. John the Evangelist parish’s CCD program. Sister Armella has been the director of Religious Education at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish for 39 years, making her a mainstay in the culture and life of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Deacon Jerry Franzen, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, was the recipient of the Sister Ann Adele Fritz Catechetical Award.

“He has consistently offered encouraging, and sound preaching and leads a lectio divina prayer group at the Cathedral Basilica’s Parish Office. He has prepared countless couples for the baptism of their first child, hosting them in his own home. Deacon Jerry, with his wife Tena, continue to work with engaged couples in preparation to receive the sacrament of marriage,” said Mrs. Miller.

Deacon Franzen’s consistent work in sacramental preparation and prayerful leadership sets him apart, qualifying him recipient for the Sister Ann Adele Fritz Catechetical Award.

The Outstanding Youth Minister award was presented to John Kidwell, St. Barbara Parish, Erlanger. Mr. Kidwell has served in St. Barbara Parish for 23 years creating a fun, safe and engaging space for parish youth to become involved in their faith. “John is a spiritual role model and support mentor to the youth he serves,” said Angie Poat, diocesan youth minister.

Terese Meeks, Holy Cross District High School, Covington, was awarded the Outstanding Campus Minister award for her 35 dedicated years to Holy Cross District High School. Mrs. Meeks, now retired, creates an atmosphere of openness, welcome, kindness and compassion, said Mrs. Poat. She created opportunities for students and adults to see God in themselves and others around them through her example in the classroom, retreats or in individual connections.

The Outstanding Catholic Retreat Minister award was presented to Bridget Price, Notre Dame Academy, Park Hills. Mrs. Price has been leading or assisting with retreats at Notre Dame Academy for 20 years. Her dedication to the retreats and countless hours spent preparing spiritual experiences for students is done with her whole heart and soul. She provides rich spiritual opportunities for students to encounter Christ.

Aaron Batson, also of Holy Cross District High School, was one of two recipients for the Outstanding High School YCET Leader. Mr. Batson is a recent graduate of Holy Cross District High School and a member of Mother of God Parish, Covington. During his time at Holy Cross, Mr. Batson started an adoration club, helping to draw other students closer to Christ.

“He is a great example of Christ’s heart, reaching out to students at retreats who were on their own, making them feel welcome and seen,” said Mrs. Poat.

Clara Howard, recent graduate of Ryle High School, Union, and parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Parish, also received the Outstanding High School YCET Leader award. Ms. Howard is grounded in Christ and embodies what it means to have the heart of a missionary, said Mrs. Poat. Ms. Howard will begin a year of missionary work as a Regnum Christi Missionary in an assigned city to serve middle school and high school girls.

“Let me add my congratulations and my thanks to all of you who are here in the room and to all of your coworkers and your co-laborers in the vineyard, back in our parishes and schools,” said Bishop John Iffert, emphasizing the importance of living and leading with love to the awarded catechists. “Thank you for passing on the faith … We share the faith with one another the way the faith is taught primarily — the example we set for one another, the way that we love one another.”