Our words have power. They can tear people down or build them up. One of the ways we can build people up is by recognizing their contributions. While there are times that a simple “thank you” is not enough, it is still necessary for us to utter those simple words often and generously.

Every spring, the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis offers an opportunity for people of the diocese to be recognized with a little more than a simple “thank you.” Parishes are asked to nominate youth, young adults, and adults to be recognized for the ways they contribute to their parish and civic communities, as well as the larger church. While a certificate or an award may not seem like much, it is still a way we can affirm those who choose to contribute to the life of the church. This year, awards and certificates were presented at the recipients’ home parish.

This year, Alice Ramirez of St. Mary’s Parish in Odessa was awarded a certificate of appreciation for her work as a catechist.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to youth and young adults who have been identified as admirable examples of somebody who is demonstrating leadership in their communities and setting an example in how they live out their faith. The following youth and young adults were recognized:

• Nayheli Briones (St. Joseph, San Angelo)
• Brinin Nethery (St. Ann, Midland)
• Ava Ramos (Holy Family, Abilene)
• Miriam Mata (St. Joseph, San Angelo)
• Kaitlynn Chick (St. Ann, Midland)

In addition to certificates of appreciation and certificates of recognition, we presented five awards this year: two youth awards, one young adult award, and two adult awards. The Timothy Award is presented to one youth in the diocese, grades 7–10, who exhibits leadership in their parish, school, and civic community settings, demonstrates Gospel values through service to others, and witnesses to their faith by living as a disciple of Christ, setting an example in Catholic morals and integrity. The 2025 Timothy Award has been awarded to Daniel Sanchez from Holy Family, Abilene. As shared by the person who nominated him, “Daniel displays great faith and leadership through both his words and actions. He is always willing to help others in need, often putting others before himself without hesitation. His deep relationship with Christ is admirable, and his desire to follow him is truly commendable. Daniel’s love for Christ and strong faith make him a true disciple of Jesus.”

The Christus Vivit Award is presented to one youth in the diocese, grades 11–12, who exhibits leadership in parish, school, and larger community settings, demonstrates Gospel values through service to others, and lives and models what it means to be a missionary disciple in the world today. The 2025 Christus Vivit Award has been awarded to Emma Mendoza of St. Mary’s, Odessa. As shared by the nominator, “Emma is a concrete example of a young person who wants to belike Jesus, using him as her model and source of inspiration as a young servant. She is seen as a source of hope and potential.”

This year we added a new award to our lineup. The Blessed Chiara Award is awarded to one young adult from the diocese, ages 19–35, who lives and models what it means to be a missionary disciple in the world today and exhibits leadership in both faith and civic community settings. The 2025 Blessed Chiara Award has been awarded to Elijsha Hernandez of Holy Family, Abilene. As shared by the person who nominated him, “Elijsha is a true example of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ. Through his consistent service, leadership, and humility, he inspires others to grow in faith and live with purpose. He gives generously of his time, talents, and resources, always putting others before himself.”

The Companion on the Journey Award for Catechetical Ministry is presented toan adult or couple who has shown excellence in catechetical ministry as reflected in the Directory for Catechesis, shows a commitment to ongoing education and formation, and shows outstanding leadership at the local, diocesan, and/or national level. The 2025 Companion on the Journey Award for Catechetical Ministry has been awarded to Ron and Christe Gasser of St. Ann, Midland. As shared in their nomination, “Ron and Christe have spent over 30 years faithfully living out their Catholic faith and serving their parish community with open hearts. Time and time again, they’ve said 'yes' to helping others, generously giving their time and energy across countless ministries. Ron and Christe truly embody what it means to be the body of Christ, bringing the love of Christ to so many, and their presence continues to be a bright and inspiring light in our parish.”

The Companion on the Journey Award for Youth Ministry is presented to an adult who has shown excellence in youth ministry leadership as reflected in Renewing the Vision, shows a commitment to ongoing education and formation, has a longevity in ministry, and shows leadership and participation at a local, diocesan, and/or national level. The 2025 Companion on the Journey Award for Youth Ministry is awarded to Oscar Masga of Holy Family, Abilene. As shared in his nomination, “Oscar is a dedicated individual to not only living out his faith but to teaching the faith to young people. His desire to help young people find Jesus for themselves is evident in all the ways he shows them Jesus is present for them, never leaving. Oscar builds a relationship with his students, leading them closer to Christ.”

Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients and thank you to those who took the time to recognize those who were nominated.

For more information on nominations for future awards, contact the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. Nominations are accepted in the spring and awards are usually given out near the end of the academic year. While the youth must be nominated by their parish DRE, CRE, CYM, or pastor, adults can be nominated by anybody from throughout the diocese.Alison Pope is the director of the Diocese of San Angelo’s Office of Evangelization and Catechesis.

Photo: Alison Pope (center) presented awards to Ron Gasser, Kaitlyn Chick, Christe Gasser, and Brinin Nethery at St. Ann Parish in Midland.