Diocese of Evansville
Office of Youth and
Young Adult Ministry
The 2009 Saint Maria Goretti Parish Youth Distinction
Catholic Diocese of Evansville
Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation
Purpose: The purpose of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize adolescents for their outstanding contribution to the life, mission, and ministry provided to their family, parish, school, and community. The distinction is celebrated as a Local Church at the Celebration of a youth Mass.
Who is eligible? A High School student who actively lives out his/her Catholic faith is eligible to receive this distinction. It is recommended that a parish honor Juniors or Seniors in High School; however, grade or age should not be the sole determinate in selecting those to be honored. No more than two students are to be nominated from each parish: Nominations in excess of this number will not be accepted.
When will the Distinction be conferred? The Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred at Holy Rosary Church, Evansville (February 22, 2009). It is highly encouraged that parishes also recognize their recipients at a parish Mass on another date. Family members are encouraged to attend both the recognition ceremony and the banquet that follows.
Does the Youth have to be active in a youth group to receive the distinction? It is strongly recommended that those nominated be active in both religious education classes and the parish youth ministry program. This is recognition of the youth’s involvement in many aspects of LIFE: Family, Parish, community, and school. This is an honor that recognizes service, leadership, and involvement as a Catholic in the world.
When are the Due Dates? Parishes should send all applicable paperwork to the Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation by February 2, 2009 to ensure that a plaque, letters, and certificate are available for the ceremony. Submissions after February 2, 2009 may not receive aspects of the Award. Applications received after 02/09/09 will not be awarded.
Do I have to complete all of the paperwork to ensure that the youth will get the award? All submissions for the application process will be bound into a book for the youth. We would like for youth to see that adult members of the community are observing their generosity, service, and leadership. The letters do not determine recipients of the Distinction: Letters from the Pastor and Parents determine recipients of the Distinction. All letters are available for the youth to read after the ceremony.
What are the requirements of the Distinction? Please have one person from each of the following categories write a letter on behalf of the youth:
What should the letter say?
Is there any cost for the application? There is a $25 fee for applications this year. The cost of the recognitions coupled with costs of producing the books has risen greatly over the last ten years. The fee will help offset the costs. Of course, youth will be recognized regardless of the fee. The Youth Office is asking parishes to help with a small portion of the costs necessary to honor the parish’s youth. Please do not ask youth to pay this fee. Thank you for your understanding.
Notification of Candidates: Each of the candidates will be notified by letter within a week after the deadline (February 2, 2009). Candidates and families will be invited to the February 22nd ceremony.
Limits to the number of recognitions: ALL youth must have a recommendation from their Pastor or Priest or Pastoral Life Coordinator.
No more than two students, preferably one boy and one girl, should be nominated per parish. Special circumstances will be considered (e.g., a group of three students creates an exemplary service project that positively affects the whole parish faith community). Additional submissions without explanation or prior approval from the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will not be considered for the distinction.
