Congratulations Tom and Colleen Tighe, 2015 Winners of the Archbishop’s St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation Longtime parishioners Colleen and Tom Tighe were nominated by me to receive the 2015 Archdiocesan St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation. St. Joseph is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Hartford which is why our Cathedral in Hartford bears his name as well as this Award.

The annual award given by the Archbishop of Hartford in a ceremony at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph recognizes either one parishioner or a married couple for their outstanding service over a long period of time to their parish. This is a difficult task for the pastor—to select one person or one couple to receive this award—especially in a parish like ours where many folks spend their time, their talents and the their gifts for the betterment of our parish and faith life. In addition to the task of narrowing down to one person or couple, there are also other Archdiocesan requirements: a person/couple must be at least 50 years of age; if married they must be in a Catholic marriage; they must actively practice their faith and regularly attend Mass; they must be involved in a ministry(s) over a period of time; and, must demonstrate a devotion to their parish as well as their faith.

Tom and Colleen easily meet and fulfill those requirements. For Colleen, this Award is given in recognition of her “dedication as a lead Religious Education catechist for more than 15 years teaching Grade 1 providing dedication and expertise to improve and enliven our curriculum. Colleen is always seeking and developing new ways in which to pass on our Catholic faith in a dynamic and interesting way,” noted Kathi Bonner, director of religious education. In addition to her religious education work, Colleen has provided leadership and direction on the arts and crafts for our annual Breakfast with Santa held each December, and has assisted with youth ministry projects as well as how Colleen and Tom have brought their three children—daughters Megan and Kara and son, Jack—who have all become leaders in our Youth Ministry program here at Saint Catherine of Siena. In addition to all this, their children have worked as catechical assistants in our religious education program; Jack is also a senior acolyte.

In addition, Tom Tighe has been an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion for more than seven years and is himself a very active member of the Men’s Club Ministry. Both Tom and Colleen are also active in helping our parish to grow its outreach to new members and to involve our new parishioners in a host of ways to involve our members in new and exciting programs and ministries, a constant goal of this parish. “Tom supports so much of our parish, from his involvement in Youth Ministry Mission trips to helping me with preparation for the Mass, Tom never stops to providing help with an open and generous heart,” noted Fr. Michael.

These are just a few examples of the generosity of heart and the involvement of Tom and Colleen Tighe’s gifts and talents to our parish—and a few reasons why they are perfect candidates for the St. Joseph Medal of Appreciation.

Congratulations, Tom and Colleen for all that you do to make our parish such a vibrant and wonderful home for so many!