Lumen Gentium Awards

2019 Lumen Gentium Award nominations now open

Annual awards banquet to benefit Catholic Youth Ministry

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PROVIDENCE — Nominations for the 2019 Lumen Gentium annual Catholic service awards, which recognize the efforts of many individuals and groups throughout the Diocese of Providence who work tirelessly in support of the work of the Church in their parishes, are now open online and will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

The awards, which will be bestowed in 9 categories during a banquet on Wednesday, May 15 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, will formally recognize those who have made significant contributions to the life of the Church in the diocese, working tirelessly, and often without compensation or acclaim because of their devotion to the Church.

Groups, organizations and individuals — laity, clergy and religious — are eligible to be nominated. Although it is expected that those who are nominated will come from within the Catholic community, other nominees will also be considered, provided that they and their work are consistent with the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church.

A committee, under the leadership of Msgr. Albert A. Kenney, diocesan Vicar General/ Moderator of the Curia, will review nominees received through the online process, which is open to all in the Diocese of Providence. Final recommendations for the award are submitted to Bishop Thomas J. Tobin for his approval.
Last year’s awards banquet was a sold-out event once again with 800 people in attendance as Bishop Thomas J. Tobin presented the awards, cast in crystal in the shape of a flame, to those who give selflessly of their time and talent in service to the church and its ministries.

“It was another festive celebration of stewardship and faith,” said Andrea Krupp, a member of the Lumen Gentium Committee, of the banquet, which was first celebrated in 2013.

The dinner raised nearly $80,000 in support of Hispanic Ministries in the diocese.
Father Nolasco Tamayo, director of Multi-Cultural Ministry, said some of the funds have already been put to good use in helping to defray the cost for 20 delegates and five young adults from the Revive Ministry to represent the diocese at the historic V National Encuentro of Hispanic Ministry that took place in Grapevine, Texas, from September 20-23. The remainder will be used to support various areas of programming into the future.

In 2012, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin convened a committee to establish an annual program to recognize individuals, groups and organizations for their service to the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Providence.
The annual event also serves as a fundraiser to support various social outreach programs and ministries of the diocese.

Since 2013, the annual Lumen Gentium awards banquet has raised more than $300,000 in support of Catholic elder services, parish food pantries, Emmanuel House (the diocesan homeless shelter), and Catholic education.

This year, proceeds from the event will be used to help support diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry. Louise Dussault, director of the Office of Catholic Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Providence, shares that inviting adolescents, especially those middle school and high school aged, to a deeper relationship with Christ and his Church is needed now as much as, if not more than, ever before.

“The funds received from Lumen Gentium for Youth Ministry programming with our diocese will provide new opportunities for growth and renewal in this vital area of ministry,” Dussault said. “New programs such as the Diocesan Youth Day and the “Mission of Hope” service event are small examples of what can be implemented. Our youth centers, Mother of Hope Camp, Catholic Athletic League and Catholic scouting are uniquely poised to assist parishes and Catholic schools in their critical work of forming youth in the values and practices of our faith. We are most grateful for this amazing support.”

Categories for Service Awards are: Parish Service; Community Service and Charitable Outreach; Catholic Education; Evangelization & Communications; Administration & Stewardship; Respect Life; Distinguished Catholic Youth; Public Service; and Friend of the Diocese.

Click here to nominate an individual or group for a Lumen Gentium Award, to see more information, including detailed descriptions of the 9 nominating categories or call 401-277-2121 Option 0.