Mr. Joe DeFrier Receives St. Catherine of Siena Award              

Mr. Joseph DeFrier, Marquette Catholic High School’s Theology Department Chair has been awarded the St. Catherine of Siena Award on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at the Indiana Conference of Catechetical Leadership in Indianapolis.

The St. Catherine of Siena Award is designed to recognize and support the significant role of an outstanding person in parish ministry.

The criteria for this award are: model of lifelong faith formation, pioneer in field of parish ministry and/or substantial creative programming; works for the greater good of faith formation and ministry, mentor of colleagues in faith formation/ministry, nominees need to be members of their Diocesan organizations, one can only receive this award once in a lifetime.

In a statement from Bishop Melczek, “I know Mr. DeFrier has worked tirelessly in the field of religious education for the past 30 years in our diocesan parishes and schools as an educator and parish administrator. Most significantly, Marquette Catholic High School, St. Michael and St. Paul Parishes have all been blessed by his dedication and strong leadership to catechetical excellence. In each instance he was able to move the religious education programs to a higher level of improving the quality and effectiveness of their mission and ministry at all levels.”

Marquette’s Principal, Mr. Jim White feels fortunate to have Mr. DeFrier on staff at Marquette Catholic High School and is not surprised that he is receiving this award as Mr. DeFrier bears witness to our faith daily and provides a true example to the Marquette students of living a faith-filled life.