By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald

Awards presented to outstanding service to ministry

RICE LAKE -- At the annual fall institute for teachers and catechists held at St. Joseph Church and School on Oct. 8, five people received awards for their outstanding service to ministry in the Diocese of Superior.

Sr. Genevieve Schillo and Casey Peterson both received the Bishop George A. Hammes Award for outstanding service to Catholic schools. The award is presented to persons who make special contributions to the vitality and growth of Catholic schools.

Schillo served as director of Christian formation in the Diocese of Superior for more than 16 years. During that time she also served as superintendent of schools on three separate occasions. Schillo, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, retired Dec. 31, 2002.

Peterson has served the Department of Christian Formation for 13 years, 10 of which were in the Office of Schools. She currently serves as administrative assistant in the Office of the Permanent Diaconate and Lay Ministry.

The Father Herald Dodge Award for outstanding service to catechesis was presented to Kristyn Tickler. Tickler is an eighth grade catechist at St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Park Falls. She is also a catechist in the RCIA program.

Robert Beson received the Gloria Lang Award for outstanding support in ministry. Beson serves St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Lac du Flambeau in hospitality and service ministries. In greeting and serving coffee after Mass, Beson, a Native American, helps to break down barriers between Anglo and Native peoples.

The Thomas P. Toohey Award for leadership in catechetical ministry went to Joanie McKeown, who has served the diocese as a professional catechetical leader for over 10 years, serving as pastoral associate, DRE, youth minister, director of adult formation, liturgist, lay leader of prayer, RCIA coordinator and retreat coordinator. McKeown is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Webster.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003