2025 St. Maria Goretti Youth Distinction
When: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 2:00 pm CST (recipients should arrive by 1:30pm CST)
Where: St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville
Who: Recipients of this distinction along with their family members are encouraged to attend
Where: St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville
Who: Recipients of this distinction along with their family members are encouraged to attend
Due Dates/Deadlines:
- Parish representatives should complete the online registration form (below) by Tuesday, February 3, 2026 to ensure that a plaque, letters, and certificate are available for the ceremony. See online application link below.
- All letters (4 for each participant, see instructions and info below) for each recipient should be received by the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry by mail or email (see instructions below) by Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Purpose of this distinction
The purpose of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize young people for their outstanding faith, service, and dedication to the mission of the Catholic Church in their local community. This distinction is meant to recognize youth and encourage them on their path to holiness. The distinction is celebrated with Mass along with a ceremony to recognize each individual that receives it.
The purpose of the Saint Maria Goretti Youth Distinction is to recognize young people for their outstanding faith, service, and dedication to the mission of the Catholic Church in their local community. This distinction is meant to recognize youth and encourage them on their path to holiness. The distinction is celebrated with Mass along with a ceremony to recognize each individual that receives it.
Eligibility
Any high school student who actively strives to live out his or 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 determinant in selecting those to be honored.
It is highly encouraged that each parish nominate no more than two individuals, preferably one boy and one girl. You may also have just one or no nominations in some cases. If there are any additional people that you wish to give the award to, please contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult ministry. Also, any parish with a Hispanic population is encouraged to have additional award recipients from those respective parishes (up to two more, so a recommended four total from that parish).
Involvement that each youth has at their home parish should be heavily considered as a criteria as well. However, this award includes a recognition of the youth’s activity in other areas, including involvement with family, parish, community, and school.
It is highly encouraged that each parish nominate no more than two individuals, preferably one boy and one girl. You may also have just one or no nominations in some cases. If there are any additional people that you wish to give the award to, please contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult ministry. Also, any parish with a Hispanic population is encouraged to have additional award recipients from those respective parishes (up to two more, so a recommended four total from that parish).
Involvement that each youth has at their home parish should be heavily considered as a criteria as well. However, this award includes a recognition of the youth’s activity in other areas, including involvement with family, parish, community, and school.
A parish representative must complete the registration form prior to submitting any letters. The deadline to submit a recipient is Tuesday, February 3, 2026. All letters for recipients should be submitted electronically or via mail on or before Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - more info below. Click the online registration button below to submit recipients from your parish.
Letters
Please read carefully.
Four letters in total are required for each recipient. Please do not submit more than 4 letters per person (e.g., extras from grandparents, Godparents, aunts, uncles, etc.). Additional letters should be shared with recipients as part of a private celebration.
Four letters in total are required for each recipient. Please do not submit more than 4 letters per person (e.g., extras from grandparents, Godparents, aunts, uncles, etc.). Additional letters should be shared with recipients as part of a private celebration.
- One Required Letter From: Pastor or Pastoral Life Coordinator (PLC)
- 3 Additional Letters From: ANY of the following parties: Priest, parent (one or both is fine), Catechist, PCL or Youth Minister, scoutmaster, school teacher, coach, advisor, principal, etc.
- Letters should be submitted via email or mail by Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Cost: There is a $25 fee for each individual recipient. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry asks parishes to help with this cost necessary to honor these youth: Please do not ask youth to pay this fee. Thank you in advance for your assistance. Parishes will be invoiced in April.
Recipient Notification: Each of the recipient will be notified that they have been chosen to receive this award on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. A letter from the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry will be emailed to youth recipients and their legal guardian. |