June 5, 2009
Mother Teresa Christian Service Awards — Accomplishments listed
Top photo: Julie Benton receives a plaque from Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger May 22. Middle photo: Peggy Blume accepts her Mother Teresa Award at ceremonies held at Good Shepherd Church May 22. Bottom photo: Doris Bell is among Mother Teresa Christian Service Award winners nominated by her parish. (Photos by Paul R. Leingang) Click for a larger version.
Editor’s note: Following is a continuation of listings begun May 22, with details for each honoree provided by the nominating parish. Ceremonies were held May 18 at Good Shepherd Church in Evansville.
Doris Bell, St. John the Baptist Church, Newburgh
Doris Bell and her husband Bill have been married for 50 years. They have three children, Richard, Theresa, and Maria.
They have been parents to 34 foster children, many of whom she still keeps in touch with. She worked as a social worker for the Warrick County Dept. of Family and Children for 30 years.
She has retired from there but still cares for many former clients and even saves items for them in her own home. She volunteers to gather and distribute, to around 150 families, gifts at Christmas who would not re-ceive anything if not for her.
Julie Benton, St. Bernard Church, Rockport
St. Bernard’s Parish is honored to recognize Julie Benton as a recipient of the Mother Teresa Christian Award. Indeed, Julie mirrors the faithfulness to the Gospel and commitment to God’s poor that Mother Teresa lived.
Rather than list the many projects that she initiated and led for our parish and community, we point to this fact in nominating her: Julie has inspired and em-powered us to do the same, that is, to live out in action what Je-sus asks of us in His teaching.
We deeply thank Julie for helping us become more faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus.
Peggy Blume, Holy Spirit Church, Evansville
Peggy Blume has been a member of Holy Spirit Parish for 15 years and has been ex-tremely generous to the Parish and School.
Peggy has reduced the financial burden for our school families. Each year she purchases most of the school supplies needed for our students, taking care of over 100 families.
Teachers and staff are encouraged by Peggy to send her their classroom needs throughout the school year and she purchases most of their items requested and provides supplies for the offices.
Peggy utilizes our Scrip program for her donations, once again supporting the parish and school. She is the chairperson for our Angel Tree during the Advent season. For the Summer Social she bakes and decorates over six dozen themed cupcakes each night.