Diocese of Evansville OYAYA
Steve Dabrowski,
Director

Kay Beard,
Administrative Assistant

Deacon Charlie Koressel,
Scout Chaplain

Rev. Jason Gries,
Chaplain, Teens Encounter Christ

Chaplain, Source & Summit
(vacant)

Rev. Alex Zenthoefer,
Chaplain, Communion and Liberation

Chris Hoehn,
Diocesan Coordinator of Campus Ministry,
Campus Minister, USI

Mike Roesch,
Campus Minister, UE

Campus Minister, VU (vacant)

Heidi Litwiler,
Responsible, Teens Encounter Christ

Gail Shetler,
Responsible, Source & Summit

Phil Zenthoefer,
Responsible, Communion and Liberation
St. Maria Goretti
Youth Distinction
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 the Distinction Will Be Conferred:  The Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred at Saint Benedict Cathedral, Evansville, on March 14, 2010, 1:00 pm CDT.  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 reception 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 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.

Due Dates/Deadlines:  Parishes should send all applicable paperwork to the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry by February 5, 2010 to ensure that a plaque, letters, and certificate are available for the ceremony.  Submissions after February 5, 2010 may not receive all aspects of the distinction.  Applications received after February 10, 2010 will not be awarded.

Completion of Paperwork:  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: Each parish selects recipients of the Distinction.  All letters are available for the youth to read following the ceremony.

Distinction Requirements:  Please have one person from each of the following categories write a letter on behalf of the youth:

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.
What should the letter say?

Please address the letter to:  “[Name of Youth], and the Members of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Selection Committee”;

In the letter, please state the relationship of the adult to the youth and how long the adult  has known the youth;

The body of the letter should address how the nominee has impacted the following areas:   
State why the Youth is seen as a leader;

Sign your name, state your position, and provide a phone number.

Is there any cost for the application?  There is a $35 fee for applications this year.  The cost of the recognitions coupled with costs of producing the books has risen greatly over the years; the fee helps to offset the costs.  [OYAYA does not make a profit off of these fees: The cost is split between parishes and the OYAYA.]  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 youth.  Please do not ask youth to pay this fee. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Notification of Candidates:  Each of the candidates will be notified by letter within a week after the deadline (February 5, 2010).  Candidates and families will be invited to the March 14th ceremony.

Pastoral Recommendation:  ALL youth must have a recommendation from their Pastor, Priest or Pastoral Life Coordinator.  No exceptions will be allowed.