By Angela E. Pometto
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 12/16/04)

Diocesan youth ministers are the people who balance a chair on their chin or whip the guitar out for a silly song just to get a smile from what is usually a tough audience. So when more than 200 of them come together, it is quite an experience.

The first Youth Ministry Appreciation Night, sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry, was held at St. Joseph Parish in Herndon Dec. 7. The night began with a vigil Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony.

"Each of you has part in the responsibility to our young people, the young church," said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, who celebrated the Mass with nine concelebrants. "Tonight, we focus on the one who is a symbol for the Church, Mary."

Throughout his homily, the bishop focused on the fact that God gave each person, from the moment of conception, a unique life project. This is especially true in the Blessed Mother. "God prepared her in advance, from the first instant of her life," he said.

"Tonight, I look out at a group who has been chosen by God to minister to our youth," said Bishop Loverde. "How needed you are in God’s plan to be those visible instruments and to invite young people to belong to Christ in a fuller, deeper, enduring way."

He thanked each of the youth ministers and volunteers present and encouraged them to continue their outreach to young people with hope, courage and enthusiasm.

"The Office of Youth Ministry is indebted to you for the work that you do," said Director of Youth Ministry Kevin Bohli.

According to Bohli, the office hopes to continue the appreciation night to celebrate the work of volunteers and coordinators of youth ministry, campus ministry and Scouting events.

"This concrete manifestation of gratitude must start somewhere," said Kate Iadipaolo, assistant director.

"It’s amazing sitting where I do to see the big picture of youth ministry in the diocese," Bohli said, adding that the youth programs in the diocese are on the rise.

The evening ended with a presentation of awards.

The More Award, or lifetime achievement award, was named for the diocese’s patron, St. Thomas More, who gave his life in service of the Church. It was awarded to Don Bain from Our Lady of Angels Parish in Woodbridge and Kathy O’Hare from Catholic campus ministry at George Mason University in Fairfax.

The Ex Corde Award, Latin for "from the heart," was presented to Lauren Knutowicz, campus minister at Marymount University in Arlington, for her support of campus ministry.

Sponsored by the Youth Apostles, the St. John Bosco Award went to Rob Tessier from All Saints Parish in Manassas for best exhibiting the ministry style of the patron saint of youth ministry.

The Excellence in Youth Ministry Award was given to youth ministers dedicated to ongoing commitment and availability to youths as they grow in faith. Receiving this award were Geovani Flores, a volunteer from the Spanish Apostolate; John Rephlo, a Scout leader and member of St. Bernadette Parish in Springfield; and Toni Papp from Holy Family Parish in Dale City.

The Scouts Bronze Pelican Award was given to Bohli.

Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award were Kevin Bills from St. Francis de Sales Parish in Purcellville, Beth Davenport from Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria, Cindy Martin from St. Jude Mission in Fredericksburg, Peggy Bergamini from St. Thomas à Becket Parish in Reston, Robin Dalusung from All Saints Parish in Manassas, Doug and Susan McKenna from the University of Mary Washington Campus Ministry, Terry Angelotti from St. Mary of Sorrows Parish in Fairfax, Michael Buro from Holy Family Parish in Dale City, Sally Holmes from St. Louis Parish in Alexandria, Roscoe Lindsey from St. Joseph Parish in Herndon, Claire Miller from St. Veronica Parish in Chantilly, Lewis Thorp from Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling, Kathy Sullivan from St. Mark Parish in Vienna, Paul Miller from St. William of York Parish in Stafford, Angela Lozano from St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Arlington, Lambie Renner and Laurie McManus from Holy Spirit Parish in Annandale and Louis Anthony Bosco from Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville.