2024 St. Teresa of Calcutta Faith in Action Award Recipients

We are pleased to announce the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board’s St. Teresa of Calcutta Faith in Action Award recipients! The St. Teresa of Calcutta Faith in Action Award recognizes exemplary service to Catholic education. This year’s award recipients represent the 19th generation of winners. The nominees for this award represent all stakeholder groups in the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board community – employees, parents, caregivers, volunteers, clergy, and parishioners. These remarkable volunteers demonstrate their faith, contribute to their community, and inspire us all.  Congratulations!

The award recipients were recognized at the Catholic Education Week Mass on Monday, May 6, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Church in Dublin.

Joseph Patrick Ryan has been a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for 33 years. He currently works as a Noon-Hour Monitor at St. James School in Seaforth and serves as an altar server at St. James Church in Seaforth. While he was previously a Eucharistic Minister before facing health issues, he continues to actively contribute to the community, such as running the 1/2 Chicken Dinner for 11 years to raise money for the community. He has also opened his home to 15 international students from Italy, Spain, and Brazil since 2014, embodying a welcoming spirit. Joe regularly interacts with students, supporting their holistic growth. Joe demonstrates a steadfast commitment to his faith by attending Mass regularly and contributing to church community activities. He served as Grand Duke for six years and later as Fourth Degree Admiral. At St. James School’s Fun Fair Night, Joe generously provides free bacon on a bun to all attendees. Known for his readiness to assist, Joe is a reliable presence whenever help is needed within the St. James community.

Melanie Levinson is an exemplary school volunteer at St. Boniface School, in Zurich whose contributions are characterized by humility and selflessness. She played a vital role in forging connections with community partners for a playground project, dedicating herself to tasks like preparing the yard for a primary playground and memorial prayer garden without seeking recognition. Melanie’s commitment extends to daily involvement in school affairs, where she fosters partnerships between parents and the school, embodying its mission and vision. Serving as the Treasurer of the CSAC, she actively participates in school events and celebrations, exemplifying teamwork and dedication.

Beyond school commitments, Melanie’s compassion extends to social justice initiatives and supporting the local food bank. Her actions reflect a genuine commitment to the well-being of others, transcending religious affiliations. Despite not being visibly active in her parish, Melanie’s quiet service and encouragement of her children’s involvement in the choir exemplify her commitment to living out her faith.

Melanie’s demeanour, characterized by kindness, respect, and humility, radiates joy throughout the community. Her infectious smile and genuine care for others make her a cherished figure within the school community. She embodies the spirit of Mother Teresa through her daily actions and words, consistently demonstrating love and generosity to all she encounters. Melanie Levinson’s selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to serving others make her a true asset to her community.

Karen Teahen has been an invaluable presence as the Office Assistant for 37 years at St. Ambrose School in Stratford. She got this job after seeing it advertised in the church bulletin! She extends her care beyond her job description, treating students and staff like family by providing meals during times of loss or celebration and offering a warm welcome to everyone who enters the school. Karen’s compassion extends to attending to injuries and illnesses with extreme care and helping families in need, such as securing housing for a refugee family and stocking their fridge upon move-in. She ensures students have access to food and clothing without judgment .  She freely shares her depth of knowledge, supporting  colleagues, while always maintaining privacy and trust.

Karen’s dedication to student-focused learning is evident in her interactions with students who have special education needs and her willingness to provide support and attention to those in need. She upholds high expectations for student behaviour insisting they provide a proper greeting exchange before requesting anything from her! Karen plays a vital role in promoting community engagement through initiatives like food drives and organizing transportation for retreats and Masses.

Karen approaches each day with gratitude and finds joy in spending time with her family. Through her actions, she exemplifies the belief that everyone is deserving of love and care, reminding others of their inherent value as gifts from God. Karen Teahen’s selfless dedication and unwavering compassion make her an indispensable member of the St. Ambrose School community.

Marc Bauer-Maison has dedicated many years to selflessly serving as a volunteer, particularly in organizing and leading retreats for children in Catholic elementary schools in Stratford and within the Avon-Thames Catholic Family of Parishes. His commitment to nurturing the faith community and fostering the spiritual growth of young learners is evident in the lasting impact he has had on countless children and youth. Through his gentle and humble approach, Marc creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, and valued.

Marc’s deep faith is central to his life, guiding his professional, personal, and spiritual endeavours. He prioritizes the needs of others, giving countless hours of service without seeking recognition. His engagement with people of all abilities and backgrounds reflects his belief in the inherent dignity of each person. Marc’s involvement in various social justice initiatives, both locally and globally, underscores his commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

As an artist, Marc uses his talents to support charitable events and initiatives, such as the House of Blessing “empty bowls” event. He is actively engaged in supporting the Father David Bauer Charitable Trust and participates in Catholic social justice initiatives, including Jewish-Christian dialogue and Holocaust awareness. Additionally, Marc plays an active role within the parish community, offering his time and ideas to support parish events and initiatives.

Marc’s involvement extends beyond the parish, as he has been an active member and leader within the L’Arche community in Stratford. He also serves on the Avon-Thames Catholic Family of Parishes Pastoral Council and contributes to the development and implementation of the Pastoral Plan. Through his quiet leadership and behind-the-scenes contributions, Marc has left a lasting legacy, particularly evident in his involvement in the creation of the chapel at St. Michael CSS and his support of his wife, Barbara, during her tenure as Religion Department Head.

In sum, Marc Bauer-Maison’s unwavering dedication to serving others, his deep faith, and his commitment to social justice make him a cherished member of the community, embodying the values of compassion and service.

Angela Carter is a teacher at St. Joseph’s School in Clinton and a parishioner at St. Peter’s Church in Goderich, who demonstrates exceptional dedication to her students and community. She takes on numerous responsibilities, including leading Mass setup with her class, organizing graduation and out-of-school trips, and coordinating faith development between the school and church. Angela ensures inclusivity by providing opportunities for all students to be leaders and champions inclusive education practices both in and out of the classroom.

As a mentor, Angela supports struggling students and guides high achievers to reach their full potential, advocating for those who may not have a voice and ensuring ongoing support within the Catholic education system, even after graduation. She fosters a Christ-centered environment and teaches students to see each other as gifts from God.

Angela’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she leads school-based fundraisers for local charities and food banks, providing students with opportunities to lead and contribute positively to the community. Her faith is evident in her daily interactions with students and her active participation in Mass and confirmation preparation at her local church. Angela’s years of service and unwavering advocacy for her students exemplify her dedication to their well-being and success, earning her respect and admiration within the school community.