ATTENTION: Due to the social-distance capacity of St. Benedict Cathedral, each St. Maria Goretti Distinction recipient is limited to two (2) guests who reside in the same household with the recipient. Due to the number of recipients this year, we are, unfortunately, unable to accommodate requests for additional guests. The Mass and Conferral Ceremony will be live-streamed via the Diocese of Evansville's YouTube page: Please click here to access the live-stream feed.
2021 St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction
Purpose: The purpose of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize adolescents for their outstanding contribution to the life, mission, and ministry provided to their family, parish, school, and community. The distinction is celebrated as a Local Church at the Celebration of a youth Mass.
St. Maria Goretti Distinction nominations will utilize an online nomination portal in 2021. A parish representative will complete the application form prior to sending nomination letters. This portal will collect the same information from the paper application used in previous years, and all fields are required. The online application must be completed prior to the application deadline of February 8, 2021. All nominee letters should arrive in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry by the same deadline (see below for details). Click the Online Nomination button below to begin an application.
Eligibility
Who is Eligible: A High School student who actively lives out his/her Catholic faith is eligible to receive this distinction. It is recommended that a parish honor Juniors or Seniors in High School; however, grade or age should not be the sole determinate in selecting those to be honored.
No more than two students are to be nominated from each parish: Nominations in excess of this number will not be accepted (applications in excess of two will not be considered).
Does the Youth have to be active in a youth group to receive the distinction? It is strongly recommended that those nominated be active in both religious education classes and the parish youth ministry program. This is a recognition of the youth’s involvement in many aspects of life--family, parish, community, and school. This is an honor that recognizes service, leadership, and involvement as a Catholic in the world. Please recall that the purpose of this award is to recognize those living out their Catholic faith in an exceptional way, so involvement in parish life should be a primary criterion for selection.
No more than two students are to be nominated from each parish: Nominations in excess of this number will not be accepted (applications in excess of two will not be considered).
Does the Youth have to be active in a youth group to receive the distinction? It is strongly recommended that those nominated be active in both religious education classes and the parish youth ministry program. This is a recognition of the youth’s involvement in many aspects of life--family, parish, community, and school. This is an honor that recognizes service, leadership, and involvement as a Catholic in the world. Please recall that the purpose of this award is to recognize those living out their Catholic faith in an exceptional way, so involvement in parish life should be a primary criterion for selection.
Distinction Requirements
Please have one person from each of the following categories write a letter on behalf of the youth:
- Pastor, Priest, or Pastoral Life Coordinator (only one letter, please);
- Parent (one or both is fine);
- Catechist, Director of Religious Education, Youth Minister, or scoutmaster (only one letter, please),
- A member of the civic community: School teacher, band director, coach, scoutmaster, faculty advisor at school, principal, etc. (only one letter, please);
- Please do not submit additional letters (e.g., grandparents, Godparents, aunts, uncles, etc.). Additional letters will be discarded. Additional letters should be shared with recipients as part of a family celebration.
- Letters should be received in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry by the application deadline (Feb. 8, 2021).
What should the letter say?
Please address the letter to: “[Name of Youth], and the Members of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Selection Committee”; In the letter, please state the relationship of the adult to the youth and how long the adult has known the youth; The body of the letter should address how the nominee has impacted the following areas:
Sign your name, state your position, and provide a phone number. Completion of Applications: In addition to the online nomination, four letters must be submitted for each nominee, and these should be received in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry by the application deadline. All submissions for the application process will be bound into a folder, and this will be presented to the nominee at the conferral ceremony. It is important for youth to see that adult members of the community are observing their generosity, service, and leadership. The letters do not determine recipients of the distinction: Each parish selects the recipients of the Distinction. Is there any cost for the application? There is a $25 fee for applications this year. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry asks parishes to help with a small portion of the costs necessary to honor youth: Please do not ask youth to pay this fee. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Checks should accompany the nomination letters sent by parish personnel. Notification of Candidates: Each of the candidates will be notified by letter within a week after the deadline (February 8, 2021). Candidates and families will be invited to the March 7th Mass and ceremony at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville; however, due to COVID-19 precautions, a maximum number of attendees will be permitted. This will limit the number of family members who may attend the Mass and ceremony to two (2) people who reside in the same household with the recipient. Please RSVP to Marilyn Durchholz (mdurchholz@evdio.org) or 812-424-5536 by March 1st. Candidates should expect to arrive at the Cathedral no later than 12:30 CT (1:30 ET). Pastoral Recommendation: ALL youth must have a recommendation from their Pastor, Priest or Pastoral Life Coordinator. No exceptions will be allowed. For a printable copy of the above requirements, please click on the "Award Details" button below. |
Relevant Dates
Due Dates/Deadlines: Parishes should complete the online nomination form by Monday, February 8, 2021 to ensure that a plaque, letters, and certificate are available for the ceremony. Letters should be received in the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry by the nomination deadline. The Online Nomination portal will be closed on February 15, 2021; no nominations will be accepted after this date.
When the Distinction Will Be Conferred: The Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred on Sunday, March 7, 2021, 1:00 pm CT at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. It is highly encouraged that parishes also recognize their recipients at a parish Mass on another date. Family members are encouraged to attend the Mass and recognition ceremony.
When the Distinction Will Be Conferred: The Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction will be conferred on Sunday, March 7, 2021, 1:00 pm CT at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. It is highly encouraged that parishes also recognize their recipients at a parish Mass on another date. Family members are encouraged to attend the Mass and recognition ceremony.