Representing the Catholic Church of Central Texas, Bishop Gregory Aymond presented the Lumen Gentium - “Light of the World” - award to 89 Central Texas individuals or couples.
“Their life and their gifts have made a difference, and continue to make a difference to us. Because by their words and actions, their service and leadership, and also by their humility, we have seen God in them,” Aymond said. “God’s light shines through them, and their attitude, and their work, and their service.”
The Austin Diocese director of communications, Christian González, said these “unsung heroes” contributed their personal skills for just about anything that needed to be done around a parish. They baked and barbecued, scrubbed and planted, financed, wired and filed - all with humility.
“They are very thankful, very delighted, just tickled their pastor nominated them,” González said. “They feel very special, and they should.”
Others were chosen not for a specific reason, rather to recognize a longstanding commitment.
That includes Mary Ann Hoelscher, 77, a lifetime member of the St. Joseph Parish in Cyclone.
Ms. Hoelscher and her husband, James, traded wedding vows at the church in 1949. Daughter Judy Hoelscher said they have been a beacon at the church for her entire life. Although Mr. Hoelscher passed away several years ago, on Wednesday, he was there in spirit.
“I got a sense last night, when she was walking up there, she had my dad there, too. Together they were truly as one,” Ms. Hoelscher said. “I think it’s more of an acknowledgment of a lifetime of dedication to God and support of church members and things going on in the church life. She’s just been a light in that way.”
World War II veteran Rupert Boeselt, 88, lives his faith quietly, fellow parishioner Doris Wright said. Boeselt delivers Meals on Wheels once a week, rings bells at funerals and is a VFW chaplain.
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AWARD RECIPIENTS
-Patricia Beseda, St. Paul Chong Hasang Parish in Harker Heights
-Rupert Boeselt, Visitation Parish in Westphalia
-Mary Ann Hoelscher, St. Joseph Parish in Cyclone
-Darve and Karen Horak, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish in Granger
-Randy and Cherise Jones, Holy Family Parish in Copperas Cove
-David and Cindy Kahlig, St. Ann Parish in Rosebud
-Irene Kaulfus, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Gatesville
-Bruce A. Matous, St. Luke Parish in Temple
-Max Moreno, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Temple
-Charles A. “Bud” Riola, St. Monica Parish in Cameron
-Suzi Rockwood, Christ the King Parish in Belton
-Richard and Mary Helen Schigut, St. Mary Parish in Temple
-Laura Snyder, St. Stephen Parish in Salado
-Vivian Yezak, St. Joseph Parish in Rockdale
