Extension magazine - Fall 2023

40
IGNITE
Lumen Christi Nominees
Extension | Fall 2023 41
Celebrating our
Lumen Christi Award nominees
FR. TED SKALSKY
DODGE CITY, KANSAS
MSGR. ANTOINE BAKH
LADY OF LEBANON EPARCHY
FR. ASADUR MINASIAN
LADY OF NAREG EPARCHY
BRS. D. SEFCIK AND D. ROBERT
ST. JOSAPHAT EPARCHY
2023 u 2024
Lumen
Christi
AWARD
Catholic Extension’s seven Lumen Christi Award finalists
were selected from an inspiring group of 41 nominees
who each uniquely radiate and reveal the light of Christ
present in the communities where they serve.
Here we highlight the accomplishments and good works of
the other 34 nominees whose diverse ministries are leading
people closer to God and transforming communities across the
country.
Their passion, sacrifice and unshakable faith showcase the
enormous impact of the Catholic Church across the country.
At 80 years old, Father
Skalsky remains active in
ministry and finds ways to help
people every day. In 2020 he
established a community
program to lift people out
of poverty.
Msgr. Bakh founded St. John
Maron Parish 33 years ago,
building it from the ground
up to the vibrant community
it is today. He always pays
special attention to those
who have “fallen through
the cracks.”
When a young priest tragically
passed away, Father Minasian
said “yes” to his bishop’s
request to become a priest
in the Armenian Catholic
community, which has just
nine parishes across the
country.
For 30 years these two religious
brothers of the Holy Spirit
have helped bring those
who are suffering closer to
God. They visit the sick and
dying, listen and pray with and
on behalf of others.
TIMOTHY HELFRICH
BAKER, OREGON
CHRISTINA GREEN
BEAUMONT, TEXAS
PATRICIA HOGREBE
BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS
ANNE AYOOB
ST. MARON EPARCHY
BEN COLWELL
FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
DCN. BENEDICT SEITZ
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA
TERESA TSOSIE
GALLUP, N. MEXICO | ARIZONA
Despite his busy schedule as
a lawyer, Helfrich commits
himself fully to helping his
community. He serves on
parish committees, volunteers
at the food pantry, organizes
bilingual Masses, and plays
music at church gatherings.
For 20 years, Green has served
as the director of a Catholic
ministry for the elderly,
homeless and disabled.
Leading 125 volunteers,
she provides hundreds of
thousands of meals, as well as
clothing and other assistance.
As executive director of the
St. Vincent de Paul Society,
Hogrebe is a beacon of hope
to the poor and hungry in East
St. Louis. She offers life-saving
services and helps those
seeking her aid get back on
their feet.
After retirement, Ayoob gave
herself fully to her Pennsylvania
faith community. She manages
bookkeeping and countless
parish activities. She was an
anchor when the parish
moved to a new church and
welcomed a new pastor.
As director for the diocese’s
Office of Faith and Family
Formation, Colwell has
engaged a growing number
of faithful across all age
groups and ethnicities, including
remote Native Alaskan
villages.
A retired Air Force veteran,
Deacon Seitz developed a
ministry for men to form
them in faith and service
to their families, parishes
and community. Over the
past three years, 36 men have
completed the program.
A lay leader of Navajo and
Mexican decent, Tsosie is inspiring
confidence and faith
among young Native American
Catholics. She helps
them understand that their
voice, talents and experiences
are valuable in the Church.
SR. M. WITRAGO LARA, MNJS
BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI
KEITH PETTYJOHN
BOISE, IDAHO
SR. PAT MURPHY, CSJ
CROOKSTON, MINNESOTA
FR. RUDOLPH JUÁREZ
DAVENPORT, IOWA
JULICE CURRY
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
SR. M. LISA RENFER, RSM, DO
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE
SR. JOYCE BATES, SND
LAREDO, TEXAS
FR. V. JANKOWSKI, OFM CONV.
LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO
For two decades Sister Marivel
has provided counseling,
religious education, assistance
and hope for Hispanic
immigrants striving for a better
life. She ministers late into
the night and even opens
her home to those in need.
Pettyjohn founded Salt & Light
Radio to help Catholics feel
connected, informed and
passionate about their faith.
His work reaches 140,000
people, especially the
growing Hispanic population,
rural communities and even
prisoners.
Sister Pat’s decades of religious
education work has strengthened
Catholic schools and
formation programs. She
oversaw a high school and 10
elementary schools, including
the Extension-supported
St. Mary’s Mission for the Ojibwe
people.
For over 40 years, Father
Juárez has advocated for
social justice and served
the poor. As the first Spanish-speaking
priest in the
diocese, he has been a
bridge between Hispanic
and Anglo communities.
For 30 years Curry has
clothed, fed and aided people
through the Sacred Heart/St.
Joseph St. Vincent de Paul
Society. As president, she
touches the lives of over
12,500 residents annually.
Sister Mary Lisa is the medical
doctor behind the wheel of
a mobile health clinic that
travels to impoverished communities
in Appalachia. Her
team of health care professionals
and volunteers will
serve over 1,500 patients
this year.
Sister Joyce established a
home to house the large
number of volunteers who
help La Frontera, a migrant
shelter in this border city. The
lodging enabled the shelter
to serve 40,000 asylum
seekers last year.
Franciscan Fr. Jankowski
recently celebrated 70 years
of religious life. He is beloved
as pastor of Our Lady of
Guadalupe Parish in the
Tortugas Pueblo. He raises
about 30 chickens and gives
their eggs to his parishioners.