Annual Thanksgiving Awards

Accountability | Tom Sear
For over 15 years, Tom Sear has exemplified steadfast service to St. Joseph Parish through leadership on the Finance Council and Parish Pastoral Council. His guidance strengthened the parish’s financial stability—eliminating over $1 million in debt while funding vital upgrades such as new roofs, LED lighting, sound equipment, and enhanced safety systems. Partnering with parish leadership, he ensured smart stewardship that improved both parish and school facilities. Today, thanks to Tom’s dedication, St. Joseph’s remains debt-free and well-positioned for continued growth in its mission.


Community Building | Jeanne Bertaud
We recognize Jeanne Bertaud for her outstanding dedication to building community within St. Joseph Parish. In 2024, Jeanne launched the Fellowship Fridays ministry, creating a welcoming space for connection and faith-sharing that continues to thrive. She has also served faithfully in the Women’s Ministry, as a Small Group leader, and as a long-time Proclaimer. Through her leadership, warmth, and tireless service, Jeanne has strengthened the fabric of our parish and embodies the true spirit of community building.


Faith Formation | Rachel Williams
Rachel Williams is a St. Joe’s parishioner and school mom whose faith and joy shine through in all the ways she enriches our parish family. A key member of the small group leadership team, she hosts a small group for young moms and serves as a coach, helping new hosts grow in confidence and set their groups up for success. Rachel's service and leadership are making our parish family stronger and more closely connected. Thank you, Rachel, for helping to make small groups part of the culture at St. Joe's!


Prayer & Worship | Maurice & Cathy Griffin
Maurice and Cathy Griffin are devoted leaders of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. With care and dedication, they guided the parish through the reintroduction of the Precious Blood following COVID, organized training and communication for both new and existing ministers, and helped plan the Advent and Easter liturgies. Their faithful service enriches the worship experience of all who receive Holy Communion at St. Joseph. We are deeply grateful to Maurice and Cathy for sharing their spirituality, leadership, and love for the Eucharist with our parish community.


Social Justice | Carol Walsh
We recognize Carol Walsh for her decades of faithful service and compassion toward others. A parishioner since 1974, Carol has dedicated her life to supporting the dignity of life through her 37 years of service with Aid for Women of Northern Lake County, where she has served as Director for the past 16 years. Alongside her late husband Joe, she ministered to grieving families for 25 years through the Bereavement Ministry. A member of the St. Joseph Women's Ministry for 45 years, Carol’s steadfast faith and devotion have been a blessing to our parish and community.


Youth | Peer Leadership Team
The Peer Leadership Team is a devoted group of 8th graders and high school students who help lead and shape St. Joseph Youth Ministry. Camden, Ella, Jojo, Kaity, Katalyn, Kate, Liv, Lola, Luca, Mackenzie, Natalie, Quinn, Rocky, Ryan, and Tommy plan and lead all youth ministry events and initiatives, welcome and invite new teens to our youth ministry, minister at Mass, and serve as role models within our parish community. We are so grateful for their leadership and dedication to the young people in our church.