June 19, 2009
Mother Teresa Christian Service Awards — accomplishments listed
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. Photographs by Paul R. Leingang, Message editor.
Terry Drone, St. Joseph Church, Vanderburgh County
Terry Drone has been quite a witness to service through her many years as a member of St. Joseph Parish. This service has taken many different forms in the life of our parish, but it especially extends to those outside of our parish family.
For many years she has been a faithful weekly volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. She has also had a great love for children with special needs, having worked for many years with our SPRED prog-ram providing religious training and fellowship opportunities for adults with special needs.
Terry has also been active in our work with our sister parishes in Vladivostok, Russia and in Haiti.
Rita Gress, St. Mary Church, Ireland
Rita Gress has been a prayerful, active and dedicated member of St. Mary’s for many years. She is currently on the Long Term Planning Committee and a member of St. Anne’s.
In the past, she has served as a lector, leader of various prayer groups, participant in Christ Renews His Parish, recipient of the Bruté Award, and a volunteer at our annual picnic.
There is just no way of knowing how many lives she has touched. Her spirituality is an inspiration for all. As our spiritual lay repesentative on the Long Term Planning Committee, she composed the prayer used at every meeting and during Sun-day Liturgy.
Adam and Delores Gries (both posthumously), Mary, Help of Christians Church, Mariah Hill
Adam and Delores Gries were founding members of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference which was established in August 1961. Adam also served on the Jasper St. Vincent de Paul Council during the early years. He entertained the institutionalized with his music.
He was a quiet, small man who exemplified the humility, the organizational skills, and the prayerfulness of Mother Teresa.
Adam and Delores made SVDP the work of their life, through home visits, and hospital and nursing home visits. Adam died on March 21, 2009; Delores, his beloved spouse, died in 2007, and so both are being honored posthumously.