June 3, 2011

Mother Teresa Service Award recipients announced at dinner

Editor’s note: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Evansville honored parish-nominated recipients of Mother Teresa Service Awards May 19. The Message continues a series of articles, with biographical material provided by Catholic Charities.

Diane and John Bassemier

St. Joseph Church, Vanderburgh County

Through the years, Diane and John Bassemier have given the physical and financial support to many different causes that have served those in need. They have been an integral part of our parish’s Habitat for Humanity Efforts.

Over the last several years Diane and John have joined a growing number of folks who have worked with our sister parish in Haiti, St. James. Diane has taken on the special role of being one of the coordinators for our Haiti Student Sponsorship Program.

In his own quiet, behind the scenes way, John has given much of his time and effort to help the people in the neighborhood he grew up in.

In these efforts, John and Diane take to heart the words of Mother Teresa “to seek, to respond to those in need who are in the midst of your world.”

Gordon and Mary Jo Bennett

St. Mary Church, Evansville

Gordon and Mary Jo Bennett have been parishioners of St. Mary for about nine years. They have been faithful stewards of time, treasure and talent since joining.

They both became active in St. Vincent de Paul and continue as directors of this group. They are both true advocates of the poor and those dealing with injustices.

They are also active in Congregations Acting for Justice and Empowerment (CAJE), which speaks for matters of injustice within our city.