– 2026 Bishop O’Neill Award –

                                                              

Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of his/her Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness for the Gospel.  It also provides the faith community an opportunity to celebrate the gifts and dedication of those who serve as formal catechists in parish faith formation programs for all ages.  Catechetical Sunday is celebrated in September each year.

The Diocese of Rockford invites Pastors and Catechetical Leaders to honor their volunteers by nominating deserving catechists for Diocesan recognition awards: the Bishop O’Neill Award in Catechetics and the Long-Term Catechist Award.  These awards can be presented to outstanding catechists by the Pastor during a Commissioning Ceremony on Catechetical Sunday.

Guidelines for the Selection of Recipients

GENERAL CRITERIA

Recipients for the Bishop O’Neill Award in Catechetics should be faithful Catholics who deserve recognition for outstanding service.  Normally, to be to be eligible, a catechist should have served a minimum of 3-5 years.

A person can receive the Bishop O’Neill award only once.  Before submitting selections, check parish records as to whether a person has already received the award.  If you are uncertain, please contact the Faith Formation Office at [email protected]  or phone at 815-387-3389.

Names of husbands and wives who minister as a team should be submitted together; these couples will be awarded one certificate on which both names will appear.  If husband and wife are each submitted for a different ministry, they will be awarded separately.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPECIFIC CRITERIA
  •  Parishes

Number of Recipients:  One to three at the discretion of the DRE/CRE/DYM and pastor, in keeping with the size of the total catechetical staff. Remember to consider catechists, youth ministry volunteers, or student leaders of all ages and backgrounds.

 Selected by: Parish DRE/CRE/DYM, in consultation with pastor.

 Criteria: Outstanding service in the catechetical/religious education/youth ministry of the parish on any level; normally, over a period of at least 3-5 years.

  •  Catholic Elementary Schools 

Number of Recipients:   One to three, at the discretion of the principal and pastor, in keeping with the size of the total school faculty.

Selected by: School principal, in consultation with pastor.

Criteria:  Outstanding service in religious education and evangelization both in and outside the academic classroom; normally, over a period of at least 3-5 years.

  • Catholic High Schools

 Number of Recipients: One member of Religious Studies Department.

 Selected by:  Department chairperson, in consultation with principal.

Criteria: Outstanding service in religious education and evangelization both in and outside the academic classroom; normally, over at least a 3-5 year period.