Catholic youth receive recognition at convention
Holy Family Catholic Youth Organization members attended the Diocesan Convention in Wichita April 5 and 6. They are: Jared Kirkpatrick, Neil Waner, James Bina, Brian Bina, Tyler Stubenhofer, Amanda Kleiber, Andrea Kleiber, Sarah Davidson, Rachael Davidson, Laura Klenda, Jackie Klenda, Emma Parli, Amy Tajchman, Ashley Secrest, Shaina Makovec, Raschelle Jirak, Dana Depo, Cecilia Rziha, Kristin Mueller, RoxAna Covarrubias, Alison Cady, and Alisa Fernandes. Sponsors were Laverne and Harriet Bina and Terry and Cindy Vinduska.
Several of the members received Region II and Diocesan Recognition. Cecilia Rziha and James Bina were selected as The Light of Christ recipients and were presented their awards by Bishop Thomas Olmsted. This award recognizes a member's four-year involvement in CYO.
One young man and young lady are chosen from each region to receive the Outstanding Catholic Youth Award. Brian Bina was selected for Region II. Brian also was chosen as one of the two winners of the Diocesan Outstanding Catholic Youth Award. The Wichita Diocese is comprised of over 68 separate parishes. This award recognizes members who exhibit outstanding spiritual and moral qualities as well as scholastic accomplishments, leadership, and extracurricular activities.
Sarah Davidson was elected Chairman of Communications and Andrea Kleiber was elected Region II Representative. They both will serve on the Diocesan Youth Board.
On the regional level, Amanda Kleiber and Laura Klenda were chosen to be on the Region II Board.
Holy Family CYO received the Parish Recognition Award, which is given to groups that incorporate the eight components of youth ministry into their programs. These eight components include Advocacy, Catechesis, Community Life, Evangelization, Justice and Service, Leadership Development, Pastoral Care, and Prayer and Worship.
They also received the On Fire With Faith Award recognizing youth groups that are especially involved with children and families.
Holy Family CYO was one of only six groups that received both awards. The local CYO was one of only four that was recognized for contributing to the Venezuelan Missions for nine years. The group's scrapbook also was awarded third place.
