Catholic Charities, Diocese of Camden, has announced their plans to host its annual Justice for ALL Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, April 28, at the Collingswood Grand Ballroom in Collingswood, NJ.
Kevin Hickey, executive director of Catholic Charities, noted, “Our annual awards dinner for social justice is our way of recognizing the incredible dedication and energy of those who have been in the forefront of upholding the dignity of all persons while alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable members of society.”
Last year, Catholic Charities established awards for leadership, social justice, social ministry and parish/community social ministry. This year, the agency has announced the following individuals/organizations as Justice for ALL 2005 awardees: Mary Graziano, coordinator of the social action committee at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Absecon, will receive the Sr. Grace Nolan Award for Social Ministry for her tireless efforts in bringing volunteer resources and emergency assistance to individuals and families in need throughout the Atlantic County area.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of the Camden Diocese, which has 38 parish-based conferences and provides a compassionate ear and financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable throughout the diocese, will be awarded the Monsignor Michael Doyle and Monsignor Robert McDermott Award for Parish and Community Ministry. The Romero Center, a retreat and social justice education center located in East Camden, will be the recipient of the Peter O’Connor Award for Social Justice.
Judge John D’Amico, Jr., chairman of the New Jersey State Parole Board, will receive the Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership. “We are very excited that these four new awardees, who each embody and live the message of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching, have agreed to participate in the Justice for ALL awards and continue the rich tradition established by our inaugural award recipients last year,” Mr. Hickey stated. In addition to the awards to be presented, Catholic Charities also intends to highlight the diversity of the diocese in its meal presentation and Ballroom decor.
The evening will include scrumptious foods from around the diocese, great entertainment as well as the presentation of the awards. For more information, contact Anna Summers at (856) 342-4105.