Chanche Medal honorees: serve, embrace, inspire

– Continued from page 11 – they both grew up in and implement action to address them. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.

PATRICIA LORENA TEJEDA IBARRA CRUZ – St. Mary, Batesville

Patricia’s beautiful personality is what has helped our Hispanic Community grow. She does everything she possibly can for our parish and is a real example of actions speak louder than words. She encourages all the children of families she knows to attend Sunday School and Mass. She has been asked to be a godmother and Confirmation sponsor numerous times. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy

GLENN AND CHRISTINE INGRACIA – St. James, Magnolia

Glenn and Christine are a devoted Catholic family, always taking care of others. They are truly an ispiration to all in their service to others. It is a blessing to see how they invite others to join with them to serve vibrantly in our community. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy

SHERI KRAUSE – St. Francis of Assisi, Madison

Sheri has been a faithful servant and founding member of St. Francis since 1984. The many ways she has been involved in in the parish cannot be counted. Sheri has been hospitality minister and greeter at the doors of our church since joining St. Francis. Her assistance alongside the Knights of Columbus at all their events and with parish functions has been constant. However, Sheri’s most endearing quality is her humility. She insists on staying in the background and out of the spotlight. She has worked at setting up, tending to, decorating, publicizing, cooking, serving others, and cleaning up at nearly ev ery parish event since the beginning of St. Francis, yet she has never been formally acknowledged or honored, except when the KC’s named her their “KC Angel” with a t-shirt! – Father Albeenready Vatti

MICHAEL LEE – St. Michael, Vicksburg couraging the people to be involved in church activities. They are always available to help with translations when needed. They both assist in educating the Hispanic people on every aspect of the Mass. They are always in attendance at weddings and Mass. Herlinda teaches classes for marriage and baptism. –

Janice Stansell

LINDA AND VINCE MCGRATH – St. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville

Linda and Vince exhibit a quiet leadership. They live out their vocation to marriage together. They keep up with people in the parish community and in the wider community, they pray for them and they witness their faith to them. Together they have a heart for God’s people and display a great concern, especially for those who need prayer in any way. –

Father Jason Johnston

JAIME AND HERLINDA MARTINEZ – St. Martin Mission, Hazlehurst

Dore

Mike evangelizes his faith by the way he lives inside and outside of church. He takes his role as sacristan very seriously and is reliable and consistent in being present as needed to fulfill this role. Mike is always available during Mass as well as outside of Mass times to assist with any need in the church, ranging from assisting with altar servers to setting the altar or cleaning as needed. His compassion and care for others is a true example of Christian faith. – Father Robert

Jaime and Herlinda are instrumental in getting the Hispanic population motivated to be a part of the church, rather than just attending Mass. They are always en-

ED NALKER – Immaculate Conception, Raymond

Ed is the heart and soul of this parish, being the first to get there on Sunday mornings and making sure everything is in place for the parish to function. He lives out his faith in his words and his actions. Ed always has a kind word for everyone at the parish and makes sure they feel welcome.

Immaculate Conception in Raymond is a flourishing small parish that still has a strong sense of mission and identity mainly through Ed Nalker’s love and leadership in this parish. He has really made a difference here as a spiritual leader. As the pastor, I appreciate all he does and know that it makes a big difference in our parish community. – Father Lincoln Dall

MARGOT ORMAN – St. James the Less, Corinth

Margot has been in almost every ministry in the parish with love and service for our community. She is a testimony of faith, love and service in our parish. She is like the tresure of the field, our pearl of great value. – Father Mario Solorzano

MYRTLE JEAN OTTO – Holy Child Jesus, Canton

Myrtle has been a dedicated and generous member her whole life. She has especially put her magnificent voice at the service of the parish and the wider community. She was trained by Sister Thea Bowman in what makes for good liturgy. Good Gospel music is very important in the black community. Each Sunday, her properly prepared music adds so much to the celebration. Her voice helps one to be in the presence of the Lord immediately. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.

RANDALL SCOTT OWEN AND KASEY LANE OWEN – St. Patrick, Meridian

This young couple take God seriously and live out their catholic life in an exemplary way. They have five children and have committed their lives to serve God in all ways possible. I can proudly point them out say that they are the best examples of Christian faith. How ever busy they are, they will have time for church and God. – Father Augustine

– Continued on page 13 –