The Maria Goretti Youth Distinction
Celebration of Youth Mass
March 6, 2005

1:30 PM Eastern, Saint John, Vincennes

Purpose:

The purpose of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize adolescents for their contribution to the Life, Mission, and Ministry to their Family, Parish, School, and Community. This is a Distinction conferred by the parish to its own youth. It is celebrated as a Diocesan Church at Youth Day.

Who is eligible?

Any High School student 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.

When will the Distinction be conferred?

The Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred at the Celebration of Youth Mass on March 6, 2005.  It is highly encouraged that Parishes also recognize their recipients at a parish Mass on another date. Family members, including the extended family, are encouraged to attend Mass for Youth Day (and the meal afterward) for the recognition ceremony.

Does the Youth have to be active in a youth group to receive the Distinction?

No. This is a 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.

What are the Due Dates?

Parishes should send all applicable paperwork to the Office of Youth & Young Adult Formation by January 31, 2005 to ensure that a plaque, letters, and Certificate are available for the ceremony at Youth Day. Submissions after January 31, 2005 may not receive aspects of the Award.

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:

· Pastor or Priest or Pastoral Life Coordinator (only one letter, please);
· Parent (one or both is fine);
· School teacher, Catechist, Director of Religious Education, Scoutmaster (Only one, please);
· A member of the Civic community: a school teacher, band leader,
scoutmaster, faculty advisor at school, principal, etc. (Only one letter, please);

What should the letter say?

· Please address the letter to: "[Name of Youth], and the members of the
Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction Selection Committee";
· Please state in the letter, the relationship of the adult to the youth,
and how long the adult has known the youth;
· Then write a body of the letter stating how the youth lives these ideals:
Leadership, Service, Commitment to their Faith,
Membership in the Parish Faith Community,
and personal qualities that mark him or her as a Christian;
· State why the Youth is seen as a leader;
· Sign your name, state your position, and leave a phone number;

Who will be selected for the Distinction?

All applications will be selected for the Distinction,
provided that there is a letter from the pastor, priest, or Pastoral Life Coordinator.

Is there any cost for the application? Yes.

There is a $25 fee for applications.  
The cost of the plaques coupled with costs of producing the books has risen greatly over the last nine 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.

Please return the application and all letters (together) by January 31, 2005 to:

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Formation
Attn: Maria Goretti Youth Distinction
P.O. Box 4169
Evansville, IN 47724-0169
(812) 424-5536
Fax: (812) 421-1334
E-Mail: meppler@evansville-diocese.org