PROVIDENCE — Local youth and adults were honored at this year’s diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry and Scout Awards, held at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul on Sunday, March 13.
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Bishop Thomas J. Tobin served as the main celebrant and homilist, and was joined by many brother priests. Bishop Tobin remarked that the annual event was a beautiful, happy and blessed occasion for the whole diocesan church, particularly in the 150th anniversary year of the Diocese of Providence.
“We’re very proud of you and grateful for the commitment you have continued to make. We pray God will continue to bless you today and all the days to come in the future,” Bishop Tobin told the winners.
In his homily, the bishop told those gathered that once they welcome Jesus into their lives, they will learn from his example and try to incorporate his vision and his values in their lives life.
“Once you’ve really met Jesus, you’ll be anxious to share his good news with other people and to make the world a better and brighter place for which to live. It is our hope and our prayer, and our commitment this day that we will be changed by Christ. That we will change the world in his name.”
Following Mass, the bishop offered his prayers and blessings over the awards and congratulated all of the recipients. The 2021 recipients were also recognized in name, as last year’s event was held at individual parishes due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England CEO Pam Hyland, who recently announced that she will retire this April after a decades-long career in scouting, was also recognized and thanked by the diocese for her many years of dedication to Catholic scouting.
A variety of awards were distributed including the I Live My Faith, Spirit Alive, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII Awards, Bronze Pelican, Companions on a Journey and St. Timothy Awards. All of those honored with the faith-filled awards were recognized for their deep faith and exemplary leadership and example to others.
“Someday, in the not so distant future, you will be the leaders of our Church and in our whole community,” Bishop Tobin said. “With that in mind, we can certainly hope and pray that you will always remain close to God and close to the Church, and that you will be strong in faith. You can have all the material success in the world, but if you do not have faith, then your life will still be empty, your life will be incomplete.”
