Nominations open for the 2020 diocesan Lumen Gentium Awards

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PROVIDENCE — Nominations for the 2020 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 and other ministries, are now open online and will be accepted until Thursday, Feb. 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Nominations for the awards, which are bestowed in nine categories — Parish Service, Community Service and Charitable Outreach, Catholic Education, Evangelizations and Communications, Administration and Stewardship, Respect Life, Public Service, Distinguished Catholic Youth and Friend of the Diocese — may be made by clicking here.
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.
Bishop Tobin will present the honors during the Lumen Gentium Awards Dinner, which will be held at Twin River Event Center on May 13. Proceeds from the dinner benefit a different diocesan ministry each year.
Last year’s awards dinner, which drew a sold-out crowd of more than 900, raised more than $86,000 in support of Catholic Youth Ministry in the diocese.
Since 2013, when the Lumen Gentium awards were first presented, the Diocese of Providence has recognized 89 individuals and groups, representing 54 parishes. The awards banquets have raised more than $450,000 in support of various ministries.
Two beneficiaries have chosen to receive the proceeds from the 2020 Lumen Gentium Awards Dinner: “Keep the Heat On,” the diocesan emergency heating assistance program, and Emmanuel House, the diocesan emergency homeless shelter in South Providence.
The Lumen Gentium diocesan service award, which honors those who “toil in the vineyard of the Lord,” is inspired by Jesus’ words, “You are the light of the world,” as written by St. Matthew in his Gospel.
The award itself, which resembles a clear tongue of fire with an orange-red hue emanating from its core, honors individuals and groups who shine the light of Christ on their communities through their service to others and to the life of the Church in the diocese. Recipients chosen to receive the award have been identified as outstanding men and women whose service and personal holiness testify to Christ’s presence in His Church as well as His concern for the well-being and salvation of the world.