Catechetical Ministry
Mary Dowling Master Catechist of the Year Award
The Mary Dowling Master Catechist of the Year Award honors the contributions made by Mary Dowling to the Diocese of Raleigh by promoting the formation of catechists. The Diocese designates as Master Catechists individuals who are prepared to train other adults. Master Catechists are experienced catechists with skills for adult faith formation and theological study beyond the basic level.
Mary Dowling, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was a visionary who dedicated her life to empowering those in catechetical ministry by helping them to realize their full potential. The high standards she maintained were an inspiration to those who knew her. Always searching for better ways to catechize adults, Mary had a special gift for helping the new person in ministry. Her service in the Diocese of Raleigh included teaching at Cardinal Gibbons High School; parish ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Newton Grove, and Sacred Heart, Dunn; service as Fayetteville Deanery Coordinator; and leadership of the Diocesan Faith Formation Department.
Instituted in 2006, the Mary Dowling Master Catechist Award is presented annually to a Master Catechist who exemplifies a commitment to excellence in catechesis and a dedication to service. The recipient possesses a solid background in Catholic teaching and spiritual formation and is nothing short of a role model in ministry. The award is presented annually and includes an award presentation at the winner’s parish and a $1,000 cash gift. However, to the recipients the most important part of the award is the recognition by the Master Catechist’s peers, who see in the nominee a vocation well served.
Past Award Recipients
Read about past winners or click the name below to read more about the individual.
2011 - Dianne Rogers Young, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rocky Mount
2010 - Camille Grupy, Good Shepherd, Hope Mills
2009 - Sr. Barbara Marie Cady, S.U., Infant of Prague, Jacksonville
2008 - Mary Hood Hart, Saint Brendan the Navigator Parish, Shallotte
2007 - Carole Sears, Saint Mary Parish, Goldsboro
2006 - Helen Hudson, Holy Cross Parish, Durham