RENEW International celebrated its 10th Annual Gala on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ. Each year, RENEW honors remarkable individuals who exemplify the spirit and mission of RENEW by living out the Gospel in everyday life, and this year that tradition continued with two outstanding honorees.
Sr. Terry Rickard, OP presented the Spirit of RENEW Award to Harry Farrell who demonstrates Catholic values through his work with the Utility Workers Union of America, Local 1-2 and his involvement with Veritas Villa, a substance abuse treatment facility. Harry also supports the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne and Rosary Hill Home, their palliative care facility for cancer patients.
Msgr. Thomas Kleissler presented the President's Award to Sr. Alice Yohe, SSJ who spent 23 years on the RENEW staff as his Executive Assistant. Sr. Alice is a strong proponent of small Christian communities and played a significant role in the early growth of RENEW as an organization. Even in her "retirement", Sr. Alice remains committed to RENEW by volunteering as archivist.
Another of the evening's highlights was the blessing said by Archbishop Emeritus, Peter L. Gerety. The original RENEW process owes its beginning to the Archbishop, who is the oldest bishop in the United States and is celebrating both his 70th anniversary of ordination and 97th birthday this year.
A special note of thanks goes to the Gala Committee for helping make this year's event a truly memorable evening: Carol Williams, Chair; Elizabeth Koch; Lynda Mamone; Robert McGovern; Patricia McLaughlin; Nancy Nardelli; Sr. Honora Nolty, OP, Peter Nolty; and Carol Sileo.
View our online Gala photo album here.
RENEW International on Jun 19, 2009 8:30:00 AM
Written by RENEW International
RENEW International, a Catholic ministry organization, is the leader in parish spiritual renewal and evangelization. For four decades, RENEW has served as a trusted partner to parishes and dioceses in 24 countries around the world.