Bishop's Awards 2016

Six young people, including five from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, were recognised recently at the 2016 Bishop’s Catholic Youth Mass and Catholic Schools Week Mass with a Bishop’s Award.

Emma Blackford PUBLISHED March 18, 2016

The awards, presented in collaboration with the Federation of Parents & Friends Association, seek to publicly recognise the efforts of students and young people within the diocese who have contributed to the community through their parish, church group or church agency.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Bishop’s Award- Catholic Schools Student’s Award

For outstanding contribution to the life of their parish and school communities.

Elijah Doherty - St Clare’s High School, Taree

Elijah demonstrated commitment to his parish for many years beginning with his involvement in Altar Serving from the age of 6. Elijah participates in Sunday Masses, Feast Day celebrations, the Offertory and welcoming parishioners to the Church.

Elijah supports students as a reader and was a recipient of the “Touch Stone Award” in Year 6 for his Christian leadership.

Lachlan Byrnes – St Pius X High School, Adamstown

Lachlan has a strong commitment to the service of the Church. He has developed a program to support the welcoming and training of Altar Servers and in the parish including the organisation of rosters, training materials and is in the process of developing an App to further enhance training offered.

Lachlan has also supported the development of initiatives to encourage involvement of young people in his parish. He is a member of his school’s St Vincent de Paul team and a recipient of the Diamond Award at his school for his community and parish work.

Rebekah Leslie – St Paul’s High School, Booragul

Rebekah’s involvement in her parish has provided her with a deep sense of satisfaction, achievement and belonging. Rebekah assists with a variety of activities in her Church to prepare for Mass as well as assisting in fundraising efforts for the St Vincent de Paul Society and Caritas.

Rebekah has recently joined Belong – a parish-run group. She has also demonstrated her support in varied ways for those less privileged or vulnerable.

Clare Melville – St Pius X High School, Adamstown

Clare assists with Lifeteen Masses, Music Ministry and Altar Serving and recently attended the Catholic Youth Festival in 2015. Clare is also a member of her school’s St Vincent de Paul group and has been appointed a Student Mentor.

Clare regularly assists with fundraising activities for both Lifeteen and her school community.

Bishop’s Award - Catholic Young People’s Award

Sam Hill

Samantha receives this Bishop’s Award for her outstanding commitment to her parish community.

Samantha is a pioneering member of the Activ8 Youth Team in the Chisholm Pastoral Region and has actively been involved in the development of junior youth groups. These parish activities have established Samantha as a leader among her peers.

Samantha is involved in ministries at a diocesan level through her involvement in the Diocesan Council for Ministry with Young People, Seven @ Sacred Heart, the annual Be, Grow, Show retreat and co-organising the 2015 diocesan contingent attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. Samantha is also a member of the Adult Faith Formation Council and has demonstrated her passion for living her faith as a missionary disciple.

Samantha receives this Bishop’s Award for her outstanding commitment to her parish community.

To view gallery and article of the Bishop’s Award ceremony at the Catholic Youth Mass, see here.

To view gallery of the Catholic Schools Week Mass, see here.

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