Each year the Archdiocese of Hartford, under the direction of Archbishop Leonard Blair, presents parishioners across the Archdiocese with the Archdiocesan Saint Joseph Medal of Appreciation for their con-tinued service to the parish and the Archdiocese.  The Saint Joseph Medal is awarded either to an individual or to a married couple.

Ministerial work performed by parishioners ranges from feeding the hungry or service to the Knights of Malta and to serving parishes as Eucharistic Ministers, lectors, on parish or finance councils, teaching in religious education programs, working on parish projects to keep-up the grounds or help with repairs on church property and so much more. This Award is giv-en out in recognition of—and testimony to—Christian Service which is so much a part of the living out of our of Catholic faith.

This year I am happy to announce that the 2018 Awardees from our parish are Christine and Tom Tanski. Christine and Tom Tanski have been involved in our parish’s community and spiritual life in many different ways, including but not limited to:

=>Christine has executed two of our parish’s most successful children’s events which bring in families and friends to our community: our children’s Break-fast with Santa and our children’s Easter Party. Chris has groomed dozens of volunteers, designed the events, arts & crafts and organized all the many, many details necessary to pull off successful parties catering to some 300 people. These two large family events have grown every year and are now “sold out events” annually.  Chris is currently a member of the Womans Club and spent several years singing with the Adult Choir.

-> Tom has served on the Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Council as both a Council Member and as its President; he oversees our parish web site; is a member of the Communication Commitee and Mens Club; he has served as lead on our parish’s recent review and selection process for the new sound system recently installed in our church, teaches Eighth Grade in our religious education program and has been a Confirmation teacher.

=> In addition, both Christine and Tom attend Mass regularly and participate fully in the life of our parish.

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish has a long tradition of volunteerism and Tom and Christine are two wonderful people in a long and distinguished line of folks living out their Catholic faith. Our parish is-what-it-is only because people believe their faith, live their faith, and share their faith with others. In doing so, they create not only ministries and programs that aim to serve God by serving others, but they also continue the building of this parish—and it is much more than just bricks-and-mortar projects—it is the building of a thriving community that welcomes others into the faith and asks them, without strings, to become part of the more than 2,000 year old faith tradition started by Christ—and by their acceptance of His invitation—continue His mission and ministry in our world.

I extend my sincere and profound thanks and appreciation to Tom and Christine—and to all who say “Yes” to Christ—and so make Saint Catherine of Siena Parish a wonderful place to live out our faith. Thank you!