Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, who oversees the Office for Youth and Young Adults (OYYA), will be the celebrant and homilist for a Mass honoring approximately 157 Catholics who have provided outstanding service and leadership in youth and young adult ministry within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Bishop Fitzgerald will present awards after Mass.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012
7:00 p.m. (Mass)
Awards Ceremony to follow Mass
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia first held its Recognition Celebration in 1965, presented by the Department of Youth Activities (now the Office for Youth and Young Adults). It is designed to honor and recognize outstanding men and women in the field of youth ministry. The awards are the highest form of recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry. Students are eligible to receive The St. Timothy Award; parish youth ministers are eligible to receive The Companions on the Journey Award, which is also presented in honor of Bill O'Neill to athletic ministers, coaches or parish athletic directors. In Philadelphia, we also present The Blessed Frassati Award recognizing adults who exemplify the best attributes of Catholic teaching in young adult ministry.

The St. Timothy Award, (formerly known as the Eagle of the Cross) the highest recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, is presented to junior or senior high school young men or women for outstanding leadership and service to their parish and community. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Parish Youth Ministry and Community Service Corps present the St. Timothy award at their respective recognition ceremonies.

Criteria:
- Lives as a disciple of Christ, setting a positive example for other youth
- Witnesses to his or her faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity
- Demonstrates Gospel values through service to others
- Exhibits Christian leadership in parish, school, and/or community settings

The Companions on the Journey Award, (formerly known as the For God and Youth Award) the highest recognition from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, is presented to adults who exemplify the best attributes of ministry and Catholic teaching to youth.

Criteria:
- Excellence in Youth Ministry as reflected in Renewing the Vision, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Document regarding Youth Ministry
- Commitment to on-going education and formation
- Longevity in ministry
- Commitment to young people
- Outstanding leadership at the parish level

The Bill O'Neill Award is presented to coaches or parish athletic directors who exemplify the best attributes of coaching and Catholic teaching to young athletes. The award is recognized nationally as the Companions on the Journey award (formerly known as the For God and Youth Award). This award is presented in honor of Mr. Bill O'Neill, who began his dedication to serving youth through the CYO in the late 1950's. He continued onward for 35 years holding different positions for St. Matthew Parish's CYO and Region 1 CYO Athletics, such as Coach, Commissioner, and Assistant Athletic Director for the Archdiocesan Athletic Ministry Office. Mr. O'Neill always displayed a positive attitude and Christ-like spirit while working with youth. His dedication to the involvement of young people in the parish community through athletics is a cornerstone for the wonderful program that we enjoy today.

The Blessed Frassati Award recognizes adults who exemplify the best attributes of Catholic teaching in young adult ministry.

Criteria:
- Excellence in Young Adult Ministry as reflected in Sons and Daughters of the Light, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Document regarding Young Adult Ministry
- Commitment to on-going education and formation
- Outstanding leadership at the parish level


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Editor's Note: Fore more information about the Mass and the Recognition Ceremony please visit the OYYA website, www.oyya.org. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Maria Richardson at 215-965-4639 or mrichard@adphila.org.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747