Office of Lifelong Faith Formation Honors Five Maine Teens and Two Adults for Excellence

PORTLAND---The Diocese of Portland’s Office of Lifelong Faith Formation is honoring youth and adults in Maine who provide an exemplary model of living the Gospel life through the presentation of St. Timothy Awards and Companions on the Journey Awards.

St. Timothy Awards are given to high school juniors or seniors who exhibit Catholic morals and integrity, demonstrate Gospel values through service to others, and display Christian leadership. This year’s recipients are:

Natalie Charette, Washburn (Parish of the Precious Blood)

Kristen Cox, Presque Isle (Parish of the Precious Blood)

Issac Ming, Cary Plantation (St. Mary of the Visitation Parish)

Evan Berube, Houlton (St. Mary of the Visitation Parish)

Jordan Hebert, Dayton (Good Shepherd Parish)

“These recipients live as disciples of Jesus and set a positive example as outlined in 1 Timothy 4:12, ’Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, your love, faith and purity,’” said Shawn Gregory, the coordinator of youth ministry in the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation.

Companions on the Journey Awards are given to adults who demonstrate excellence in service to youth ministry or help guide young people in faith. This year’s recipients are:

Theresa Bonner, Easton (Parish of the Precious Blood)

Melissa Berube, Houlton (St. Mary of the Visitation Parish)

“Theresa and Melissa have both shown an amazing commitment to young people and their formation,” said Gregory. “They empower young people and draw them into responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. Over the course of many years, they have fostered the spiritual growth of countless young people and displayed outstanding leadership and excellence.”