Catechetical Ministry
Winners of the Mary Dowling Master Catechist Award
Dianne Rogers Young - Master Catechist of the Year 2011
Dianne Rogers Young is the Director of Religious Education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rocky Mount. Ms. Young has been involved in faith formation for 45 years, 17 of those as a Master Catechist and DRE. A fellow catechist stated that “Dianne is called to her work by God, and faces all obstacles with the love of Christ in her heart. Dianne is a person who loves her Catholic Faith.”
Camille Grupy - Master Catechist of the Year 2010
Camille Grupy of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills has been involved in the ministry of catechesis as a developer, director and educator in multiple ministries in her parish, including the parish bereavement committee, outreach to children in orphanages and women in homeless shelters, the Landings ministry for returning Catholics, RCIA and much more. She is admired for her readiness and commitment to serve the Lord.
Sr. Barbara Marie Cady, SU - Master Catechist of the Year 2009
Sr. Barbara Marie Cady, S.U. serves as pastoral associate at Infant of Prague Church in Jacksonville. She serves as Deanery Coordinator for the New Bern Deanery, an advocate for the Tribunal, chair of the Council of Religious Women and director of Stephen Ministry at her parish. Sister Barbara Marie’s nomination was summarized by stating “She is a faithful believer, an effective teacher and an encouraging companion on the journey of living out our Catholic Faith.”
Mary Hood Hart – Master Catechist of the Year 2008
Mary Hood Hart, Director of Faith Formation for St. Brendan Church in Shallotte. Ms. Hart has been in her position since 2000 after volunteering as a catechist for twenty years in the Dioceses of Raleigh and Charleston. She serves in a variety of ministries at the parish and is admired by parishioners as a joyful witness to the fact that Christ is alive and risen.
Carole Sears - Master Catechist of the Year 2007
Carole Sears recently retired as Director of Religious Education from St. Mary’s in Goldsboro. Her nomination form stated “Carole’s thousands of hours in catechetical ministry and her commitment to share her faith will always be an example for all who have been touched by her.” Carole was a personal friend of the late Mary Dowling, and was honored to have her achievements in catechesis recognized by an award in Mary Dowling’s memory.
Helen Hudson Master Catechist of the Year 2006
Helen Hudson has been a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Durham for nearly 50 years. Education has been her vocation, both as a public school teacher in Durham for 27 years and Director of Religious Education for many years at Holy Cross. Ms. Hudson is known to be “A true woman of wisdom, who has devoted her life to serving her church and community through her vocation and love of catechesis.” She was one of the first Master Catechists in the diocese and the first winner of the annual Mary Dowling Master Catechist award.