May 4, 2011

DAYTON DEANERY — The Dayton Serra Club and Dayton chapters of the Knights of Columbus recognized the outstanding service of young people from 25 area parishes during a special ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Centerville April 10.

More than 325 youth, mostly in the seventh and eighth grades, were nominated for the annual Youth Ministry Award program, an annual event that honors exceptional service at the parish level, from serving as a lector to singing in the choir. The young people are nominated for the award by their pastors and parish staff members, said Charles Graham, president of the Dayton Serra Club, noting that the program has been taking place for more than 20 years. Parishes may submit the names of multiple nominees for the award, he said.

Approximately 165 of the nominees attended the ceremony. They received certificates of recognition blessed by Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr and Father Kyle Schnippel, archdiocesan vocations director, along with medals and rosaries. During their keynote addresses the archbishop and Father Schnippel thanked the young people for their service to the church and urged them to continue it.

“The archbishop challenged them to use the gifts and talents God has given them and stressed the importance of giving back to the church and community,” Father Schnippel said. “He reminded them that God has created each of us for a unique and special purpose and encouraged them to embrace their call.”

CT photos by E.L. Hubbard

One of the 165 young recipients at the ceremony receives her award from Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr and Father Kyle Schnippel.	Award recipient Sean Prentice, a member of Precious Blood Parish in Dayton, poses for a picture with Archbishop Schnurr after the ceremony.