Diocese of Marquette seeks nominations for 2025 Catholic Service Award

UPPER PENINSULA, MI – The Catholic Diocese of Marquette is seeking nominations for the prestigious Catholic Service Award, which recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the Catholic Church within our diocese. This award was developed in the spirit of the Legacy of Faith endowment fund, aimed at preserving and fostering the Catholic faith throughout the Upper Peninsula.
 
“The Catholic Service Award offers us the opportunity to recognize those who have exemplified a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to the Catholic Church,” said Megan O’Connor, executive director of the Office of Stewardship & Development. “We seek to celebrate individuals who have faithfully carried out the mission of the Church in word and action, offering inspiration through their service to their parish and beyond.”
 
The award recognizes those who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the Catholic faith through acts of service, leadership, and evangelization. Nominations will be accepted for priests, deacons, women religious, and lay people of all ages.
 
Criteria for Nomination:

• Must have demonstrated significant service to the Catholic Church, including but not limited to, the Diocese of Marquette.
• Nominees must show exemplary leadership in the Church, community, and beyond.
• Individuals who have committed their time, talent, and treasure to the Church with generosity and joy.
• Must be a respected member of the parish and community, enjoying the confidence of both parishioners and diocesan members.

 
Award Recipients:

• Recipients will be contacted directly by the bishop with a personal message of gratitude.
• Recipients will be recognized locally at their parish and presented with a special medallion in honor of their service.
• Their service will be highlighted in diocesan publications and social media.
• Recipients are invited, along with their pastor, to the annual Bishop’s Ambassadors Mass and Dinner for further recognition.
• The recipient’s parish will also receive a $250 grant for faith formation.

 
Last year’s nominees who did not receive the award will automatically be re-considered for the 2025 Catholic Service Award. It is not necessary to complete a new nomination form for these nominees, but additional information may be submitted or requested to reinforce their application.  
 
For additional information on the Catholic Service Award criteria and a nomination form, visit upcatholicfoundation.org/catholic-service-awards or contact Megan O’Connor at [email protected]. The nomination deadline is May 1, 2025.