Nearly a dozen Catholic families were recognized in November, 2010 at the 19th annual Family Life Awards dinner for their contributions to the community.
Sponsored by Catholic Family Services, the Nov. 7 event celebrated the importance of family life and recognized the contributions of those who have made a difference in the lives of area families. Organizers note that promoting a rich family life is a key element in raising healthy and successful children, leading happy and productive lives and building strong and thriving communities.
2009 Family Life Award Honorees
Recipients of the Family Life Award included:
► Charles and Sharon Barber, members of Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish in North St. Louis, are parents of two daughters, Shari and Shayla. Charles Barber is the former president of the Parent Teacher Organization at the Cathedral School, coach of the Cathedral School's basketball and T-ball teams, and served as president and vice president of Sts. Teresa and Bridget's parish council. He also is a lector and server at Mass. Sharon Barber has served on the Cathedral School board, is currently a Cathedral School room parent and is on the Sts. Teresa and Bridget finance committee. She also is an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, a former choir member and former ladies auxiliary member.
► Lorenzo and Erika Castro, members of St. Cecilia Parish in South St. Louis, are parents of a son, David, and daughter, Andrea. The Castros, natives of South America, have contributed to the former Hispanic Center for the archdiocese and serve at the parish as lectors and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist. They also have worked with immigrant families new to the parish by assisting them in finding a place within the church and community and helping them with furniture, financial assistance and welcoming them with a meal at their homes.
► Michael and Kelly Day, members of All Saints Parish in St. Peters, are parents of four adopted children, Jennifer, Joshua, Nicole and Nicholas. Michael Day has served for a dozen years on the parish finance council and helped with the Annual Catholic Appeal, the parish Athletic Association, Stewardship Sunday and is a participant in Christ Renews His Parish retreats. Kelly Day is the parish Girl Scout troop leader, a teacher's assistant in the Parish School of Religion, school volunteer and crafts coordinator for Vacation Bible School. She helps with other parish activities, including a Halloween Trunk or Treat fundraiser and a youth group mission trip to Mexico.The Days also are active as volunteers with Future Adoption Agency.
► Jim and Sue Eveker, members of St. Mark Parish in Affton, are parents of five children, Elizabeth, who died in a car accident in 2005, Steven, Mary, Michelle and Annie. Jim Eveker is an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and has been involved with the Boy Scouts since the mid-1990s. Sue Eveker was involved with the Girl Scouts for 15 years and was the Marian Award moderator. The Evekers have been instrumental in getting their children involved as volunteers with the parish Vacation Bible School and other activities, including Scouting, dance, youth group and music.
► Joseph and Margaret Judge, members of St. Pius V Parish in South St. Louis, are parents of a daughter, Bridget, and grandparents of granddaughter, Megan. Joe Judge has served as a volunteer with the Annual Catholic Appeal for 35 years, 15 as parish chairperson. He has served as an officer in the Holy Name Society, is involved with the Sponsors Club, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Stewardship Commission and helps with the parish picnic. Margaret Judge has been a member of the Mothers' Club, auxiliary Legion of Mary, parish picnic committee and helps with the St. Patrick Center casserole program and Meals on Wheels. She is a leader in the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and has been a parish laundress for more than 20 years.
► Richard and Kathleen McCoy, members of St. Cletus Parish in St. Charles, are parents of five children, Sean, Marie, Edward, Brian and Keith. Five years ago, the McCoys' youngest son, Keith, was badly injured in a car accident, and doctors recommended that they discontinue his treatment. Instead, the McCoys chose life for their son and currently take care of him with the help of their daughter, Marie. The McCoys are involved in the parish through their support of the Annual Catholic Appeal, parish picnics and trivia nights.
► Alejandro and Emma Ojascastro, members of St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Sappington, are parents of seven children, Louis, Alicia, Robert, Maria, Christina, Victoria and Anna, and grandparents of 13 grandchildren. Andy Ojascastro is an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and Emma Ojascastro was involved with the Girl Scouts and is active in the parish Bible study group and was an active auxiliary officer to area hospitals. The couple also participates in medical missions to the Philippines.
► Richard and Mariann Wedel, members of Annunciation Parish in Webster Groves, are parents of five children, Paul, Tracy, Stephen, John and Joshua, and grandparents of 14. The Wedels have served on the parish council, school board and parish beautification committee, have served at Mass, hosted a weekly Rosary group for men, organize fish fries and parish picnics and attend daily Mass. They also contribute their time to Habitat for Humanity and Al-Anon. During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the Wedels and their older grandchildren deliver gifts and food to the poor.
► Phil and Hilda Willman, members of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Soulard, are parents of three children, Alec, Genny and Daniel. Phil, Hilda and Alec Willman serve as lectors at the parish, and Alec and Genny Willman are servers and sing with the Young Catholic Musicians. In the past, Hilda Willman served on the parish council as the social services commissioner. She continues to help with other activities at the parish, including meal events, parish guests, visitors who tour the church and the parish meal program for the poor. Phil Willman has served as the parish council's finance commissioner and is founder, past president and current member of the board of Sts. Peter and Paul's Housing Corp., which rehabs abandoned parish schools buildings into housing for low-income individuals.
Article Featured in the November 27, 2009 edition of the St. Louis Review.
