By Dan Sullivan
Catholic Herald

Schmidt receives Pax Christi Award

SUPERIOR -- During the annual Superior Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Convention, held in Ashland June 14, Bishop Raphael M. Fliss gave the diocesan Pax Christi Award to Elizabeth (Liz) Schmidt of the Cathedral of Christ the King Parish in Superior. Schmidt's helping hand is not only felt in her community, but extends across the globe.

The other 2005 Pax Christi Award finalists were Diana Maki, Holy Family Parish, Woodruff, Rosemary Frisinger, St. Mary Parish, Bruce, and Marge Willkom, St. Joseph Parish, Rice Lake.

"As in the past, this year's winner was difficult to chose, however we had to make the choice," Fliss said.

Schmidt was surprised by the recognition. "Everyone says they feel humbled by it, but that's really true for me," she said. "I think there are so many people that do so much and it makes me feel good. I wish everyone got one."

Schmidt told the Catholic Herald afterward that she was "dumbfounded" upon getting the award. "I felt very grateful and humbled," she said.

Schmidt said she does not look for recognition, but the award shows that she tries to do good. "You don't do things for the award," she said.

Fr. Daniel Dahlberg, cathedral rector, recognized Schmidt at Mass on Sunday, June 19, and presented her with one of John Stack's copper crosses. (See story on page 4.) Dahlberg said Schmidt is a good example of a quiet unassuming person who likes to serve. Like many other parish volunteers across the diocese, Dahlberg said, Schmidt fulfills Blessed Mother Teresa's exhortation, "Do something beautiful for God each day."

Mother Teresa also viewed the world as one of a "Geography of Compassion." "That's all about bringing the healing love of Jesus to all those who are blue and broken," Dahlberg said. "That's what Liz and other church volunteers do."

Schmidt may not want the attention drawn to her, but Dahlberg said that the Pax Christi Award is a time to remember all the volunteer workers across the diocese. "We pray for all those who labor in our parishes that perhaps go unnoticed, yet are a living witness of God's grace in our world," he said. "We are thankful for those wonderful witnesses of Jesus' love."

Cathedral parishioners Alice Stack and Mary Robek nominated Schmidt for the honor. Stack, a former Pax Christi winner, said Schmidt is an appropriate winner. "Liz not only does a lot for the parish, but she does a lot for the community," Stack said.

A portion of the nomination application reads, "Our candidate uses her God-given gifts of leadership, compassion, kindness, generosity and friendliness in everything she does. She not only takes an active role herself, but also encourages others to assume leadership roles."

Schmidt not only received the Pax Christi award, but in 2005 was among a regional group of women honored as a part of International Women's Day celebration. In the Superior area, she volunteers with the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse and with the Harbor House, a homeless shelter. Schmidt not only leads a social justice group at the cathedral parish and is a member of Grandmothers for Peace, but she has also traveled the globe to spread peace and justice.

Active as a cathedral parish trustee, Schmidt is also a greeter, reader, altar server, prayer partner and offers assistance to those in need of grief support. Married in 1945, Schmidt and her late husband, Joseph, raised six children. Her professional career was spent in nursing.

Bishop George A. Hammes instituted the award in 1960, replacing the mother of the year award. Fliss continued with the practice when he became bishop in 1985, but he finds it difficult to select a winner. "Every one of the ladies deserves this award," Fliss said. "One year, only three of the five deaneries presented someone. They were all great and I gave them each one."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2005