Mrs. Agnes (Kurt) Dickenson was nominated and has been accepted by Archbishop Leonard P. Blair to receive the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation Award for 2017. The award ceremony comprises a Liturgy of the Word at 3 p.m. on Sunday March 19th at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and all are invited.

Mrs. Dickenson was nominated for, among other works, more than 26 years of service to our parish’s children and their parents through our religious education and Confirmation programs. “Through all life’s challenges and family and work schedules, Agnes has been there as a dedicated and selfless individual when it comes to the children and youth of our parish and the passing on of our faith to them, in both words and deeds” said Kathi Bonner, Director of Religious Education.

More than 26 years ago Agnes began teaching in our RE program as a Catechist for Grade 5 and was well-known for teaching the children The Lord’s Prayer in American Sign Language. She has grown with the programs into a dedicated Confirmation teacher—offering Christ’s and His Church’s teachings to new generations of believers. “In this effort, Agnes has not just given herself to the
children but also to their parents and this parish in assisting us all in our individual and collective callings by Christ to ‘Go out to all the nations (peoples) and preach the Good News,’” said Fr. Michael. “In addition to all this work, she attended and earned a graduate degree in Catholic Theology. That’s dedication,” Fr. Whyte noted.

The Archdiocese of Hartford awards the Saint Joseph Medals each year on the feast of St. Joseph to a filled Cathedral representing the appreciation of our Archdiocesan Church family and her many parishes. “I, too, would like to add my appreciation and good wishes to Agnes, and all our parish volunteers, who say ‘yes’ to Christ and then by His Grace give abundant life to our parish and the Church of Hartford: Thank you, thank you, thank you! We would not be here without you all!” -- Fr. Michael