The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey recognized 64 individuals, couples, and families in appreciation for their outstanding service to the Church and the world with the Vivere Christus Award. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney thanked the recipients for their “generosity of time, talent, and treasure” as he presided at the awards ceremony in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., on Oct. 19.
Families, friends, fellow parishioners, priests, and religious filled St. John’s to watch the honorees receive this special award — a brass medal, three inches in diameter. The medal is embossed with the Latin inscription “Vivere Christus Est,” meaning “To live is Christ.” Recipients were nominated by their parishes.
“Today, we celebrate missionaries and mission with the Universal Church,” Bishop Sweeney said in his homily. He made a pastoral connection between the local Vivere Christus ceremony and a Mass the diocese held that day for World Mission Sunday. He told the award recipients, “The harvest is rich and the laborers are few. We’re so grateful for the generosity of time, talent, and treasure of so many throughout our diocese.”
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During the ceremony, Bishop Sweeney blessed the awards. Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, diocesan chancellor and delegate to religious, assisted the bishop with distributing the awards, while Miriam Perez called the names of each recipient and their nominating parish to come forward to receive their medals. The Diocesan Office of Worship coordinated the event.
After the ceremony, award recipients enjoyed an opportunity to take a photo with Bishop Sweeney and a reception.
Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli created the award in 2009.
Many parishes announced their Vivere Christus recipients in their bulletins, praising them for their dedication to their faith communities and the Church. Our Lady of Mount Carmel (OLMC) Parish in the Swartwood neighborhood of Stillwater Township, called its recipient, Tom Rivara, “one of our most reliable ushers at the 7:30 a.m. Mass, a role he fulfills faithfully each week.”
“He’s also become something of a parish handyman, generously offering his time and skills to assist with maintenance and repairs around our buildings and grounds,” according to OLMC’s bulletin. “Tom’s dedication is quiet but constant. He’s always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. We are deeply grateful to Tom and to his family for their active presence and for the many ways they share their time and talents to serve our community.”
