Diocese to present awards

YOUNGSTOWN — The office of youth and young adult ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown has announced 23 recipients of the 2009 Eagle of the Cross Award.

The Eagle of the Cross, created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and introduced to the diocese in 1999 by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, is given each year to a group of high school juniors and seniors who model the dedication, integrity, values and promise for church and society.

The award is presented to teens in the six counties of Northeastern Ohio of the diocese who have shown Christian discipleship and exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works and Christian leadership in their school and parish communities.

Although a limited number of recipients are chosen for the Eagle of the Cross Award, they are just a sample of the many admirable young people of the diocese.

This year’s candidates were chosen from 61 nominations that highlighted parish, school, and community involvement of 55 youths.

A maximum of two Eagle of the Cross Awards are presented for each of the six Catholic high schools and each of the six counties of the diocese.

The recipients will receive their awards at a special liturgy and awards banquet April 29 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 343 Via Mount Carmel.

The banquet is by invitation only; the liturgy at 6 p.m. is open to the public.

For more information, contact the office of youth and young adult ministry at (330) 744-8451, ext. 281.