"A great teacher is a great artist;
his medium is not canvas, but the human soul."

-Anonymous

The Through Our Witness awards are designed to honor Catholic teachers and parish catechists currently serving in the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.  Teachers and catechists will be honored through an excellence award as well as through the number of years served in Catholic education or religious education, both inside and outside the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.  Education in the faith, whether in schools or the parish, aims at developing the growth of the whole person spiritually, physically, intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically.  Teachers and catechists play a vital role in the growth of the students. These awards are designed to recognize their outstanding efforts and service to Jesus Christ and His Church.   

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.  Come, share your master’s joy.” 

Matthew 25:21 

The Faithful Servant Award honors teachers and catechists for their years of service in Catholic education and faith formation within any Catholic parish or diocese. Service awards will be granted at twenty years of experience, and then at five year intervals (e.g. 20, 25, 30, etc.). Those who have served for forty years or more will be recognized on an annual basis.  Recipients will be invited to attend the annual Through Our Witness celebration.

 The Our Lady of Providence Excellence Award honors a distinguished teacher for his/her dedication to providing a holistic, Catholic education for students. Criteria include:

• Enhances school mission and vision
• Integrates Catholic Faith into curriculum and instruction
• Encourages student faith formation
• Contributes to school improvement initiatives
• Collaborates with colleagues and other stakeholders
• Models service to others
• Utilizes resources to aid in student achievement
• Consistently sets high expectations for students and provides feedback to ensure students meet those expectations
• Contributes to the school outside of the classroom
• Creatively engages and motivates students
• Commits to professional growth

The Nomination Process

Three Parts to Complete:

1. Nominee information and professional experience
2. Essay questions (one paragraph for each question; completed by sponsor)
3. Two letters of recommendation (500 word maximum) from:
   • Pastor, school administrator or colleague
   • Parent of student who has had the nominee as a teacher

Nomination Form

Please download and complete the nomination form below:

2019 Our Lady Of Providence Excellence Award Nomination Form

Deadline to Submit Nomination: February 8, 2019

Recipient To Be Nominated for National Recognition

Our Lady of Providence Excellence Award recipient will be submitted to NCEA for the Distinguished Teacher Award by the Office of Catholic Schools. 

The St. Charles Borromeo Award, named for the patron saint of catechists, recognizes a parish catechist, youth minister, RCIA team member, or other staff or volunteer catechetical minister. One award will be given for each deanery.

The St. Charles Borromeo Award is administered by the Office of Catechesis.