Reverend Erik Arnold, Recipient of the Evangelization and Liturgy Medal

Pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park for more than five years, Reverend Erik Arnold exemplifies what it means to build a vibrant faith community. Under his leadership, St. John is home to more than 2,000 families and numerous ministries that reach members of the faith community at all ages and stages of life. Father Erik, who recently celebrated 25 years of priesthood, is known to the faithful of St. John as a humble servant leader who is “wonderfully welcoming,” “consistently present” and offers homilies that are “always filled with treasures.”

Mario Jerónimo, Recipient of the Evangelization Medal

A parishioner at Sacred Heart in Glyndon for almost 20 years, Mario Jerónimo is an active catechist who has held leadership roles in Hispanic ministry, including through his service on the parish’s “Esperanza Latina” and the Archdiocesan Hispanic Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. He offers popular Sunday morning social media commentaries on the Gospel that are regarded as creative and dynamic. He is also known as a bridge-builder who connects our brothers and sisters in Christ across dividing lines.

“I want to let people know that life is beautiful and God loves them no matter what,” Jerónimo said.

Kathleen Filippelli, Recipient of the Education Medal

Kathleen Filippelli retired in 2021 as principal of Holy Angels Catholic School after 44 years working as a teacher and administrator in Catholic schools in Baltimore and Philadelphia. Her inspiration to become an educator came from her own third grade teacher – and she never wavered from the call that she said was to prepare students for both college and heaven. Ms. Filippelli continues to be an active supporter of the Archdiocese’s Partners in Excellence Scholarship Program and the Women’s Educational Alliance that supports children in Baltimore City.

“Kathleen knew each student by name, their strengths and weaknesses, their families and background,” a former colleague said. “She interacted with the students every day, made them feel important and loved and supported their families in whatever ways she could by involving others in the community. She was involved in every aspect of each student’s education and would always impart God’s love for them.”

Reverend Ako Walker and Andrew Middleton, Recipients of the Service Medal

Reverend Ako Walker and Andrew Middleton acted with urgency in the aftermath of the disaster that killed six construction workers, upended livelihoods tied to the Port of Baltimore and stranded the crew of the containership Dali after its collision with one of the bridge pilings.

Father Ako, a Redemptorist priest, is the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood that offers a spiritual home for many Latino immigrants – including friends and loved ones of the six workers who were killed in the bridge collapse. He organized a candlelight vigil that drew hundreds in the days after the tragedy, offered pastoral care to the families of the workers who died and helped to support others whose jobs were affected by the port closure.

Mr. Middleton, director of the Apostleship of the Seas, responded within hours of the Key Bridge collapse to offer support to the Dali crew whose “mayday” signal allowed officials to act rapidly to close the bridge to traffic. The ministry Mr. Middleton leads offers welcome and provides safe haven to seafarers.

Paula Maria Gentile, Recipient of the Service Medal

A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, Paula Maria Gentile is a devoted advocate for survivors of human trafficking and works to raise awareness to prevent future victims. Since retirement from a career in special education, she has served on task forces, worked with law enforcement and facilitated an exchange of information and resources. Besides her work to confront human trafficking, Mrs. Gentile has long contributed to parish life through her efforts on the Respect Life Committee, St. Dympna Mental Health Ministry, Winter Relief Program and Family Apostolate.

A fellow parishioner said, Mrs. Gentile “embodies the true spirit of service and compassion. … Paula Maria demonstrates a profound commitment to safeguarding the life and dignity of every human person.”

Ike and Uju Okwesili, Recipients of the Stewardship Medal

A couple whose sincere and generous charity truly bears witness to Christ, Ike and Uju Okwesili have been parishioners at Holy Family in Randallstown for more than 25 years. They have served on various councils and committees for the church and Archdiocese. As leaders of the Nigerian Igbo Catholic Community, they have served as godparents to many children and provide a welcome to new Americans.

“Faith means everything to us,” Mrs. Okwesili said. “Our faith in God is what keeps us going. Without that faith, I don’t know where we’d be today.”

Tamara Beigel, Recipient of the Catholic Social Ministry Medal

As the founder of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Ministry at St. Mary’s in Annapolis, Tamara Beigel has provided advocacy and service to thousands of immigrants, migrants and refugees, accompanying them to court dates and medical appointments, reuniting families and activating a volunteer network to help meet the urgent need for housing, material resources and legal aid.

“Mother Teresa said, ‘If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.’ Tammy recognized that we belong to one another, and that we cannot adore our Lord in the Holy Sacrament if we do not see Him in other fellow human beings,” a fellow parishioner said. “Tammy definitely nurtured those less fortunate the best she could, advocated for them and spent countless hours to get them the resources that they so desperately needed. She created a whole ministry from scratch.”

Olivia Isabella Rotella and Tucker J. DeVack, Recipients of the Jubilee of Hope Medal

In recognition of the Jubilee Year of Hope, Tucker J. DeVack and Olivia Isabella Rotella, both high school students and fellow parishioners at St. Mark in Fallston, will be honored for their ministry and outreach to young adults. Mr. DeVack shares his faith through social media, video production and podcasting. He is also involved with a student Bible study and mentors his peers through St. Mark’s youth ministry. Ms. Rotella has shared her faith with young people through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is also a peer minister at her church and an active volunteer who has worked with many organizations, including Vacation Bible School, Our Daily Bread and the Maryland Food Bank.

Mr. DeVack said he is motivated by “wanting people to know the goodness of God. There is a hunger that young people have, and they are longing for truth.”

To Ms. Rotella, “My faith means my entire life. My faith is the very being of why I exist. I am here to be a testament to God and love Him with my whole life and live every day for Him.”

Sister Delia Dowling, SSND Recipient of the Seton-Sellinger Medal

Sister Delia Dowling, a seasoned and awarded educator and administrator who has inspired countless young people through her dedicated instruction. She co-founded Sisters Academy of Baltimore in 2004, with the goal of educating young women of promise so they could realize their full potential, and she has served as its president since. In 2002, Sister Delia accepted the challenge of directing a feasibility study for a new school in southwest Baltimore. This study led to the decision by the Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Sisters of Bon Secours, and School Sisters of Notre Dame to sponsor a new Catholic middle school for girls, grades 5 through 8. This new school ultimately became Sisters Academy of Baltimore. To say that Sisters Academy, which has provided scholarships for each student since its inception, has thrived under Sister Delia’s leadership is a vast understatement. In 19 years, Sisters Academy of Baltimore has seen 99.5% of its students on track to complete high school or earn their diploma. Many have earned college degrees and some have earned master’s degrees.

What Sister Delia’s faith, vocation, and ministry mean to her, in her own words: “My faith, instilled and nurtured by my family, my vocation as a School Sister of Notre Dame, and my ministry as an educator, are the three defining elements of my life, giving me a sense of purpose and mission leading to service…The mission is so much more than any one of us. Each person in our care has been given to us through the Spirit of God. You have been chosen. Be humble. Be grateful. Be prepared to work hard in God’s service.”

Kelly Obermayer, Recipient of the Lange-Mortel Medal

As executive director of Mary’s Home Maryland, Kelly leads her team in providing a safe, prolife home environment and holistic program of services for expectant mothers in crisis and their children in need. “I wanted to move to Maryland to be near my son, so I started looking at jobs here,” Kelly says. “I saw the posting for Mary’s Home, but dismissed it. I did not feel qualified for it – and it scared me in a sense of ‘how can I truly walk with these moms and make a difference for them?’ But God kept putting it in front of me.” “Kelly seeks to truly know and love each mom and baby that come to live at Mary’s Home,” Erin Younkins, director for the archdiocese’s Office of Life, Justice, and Peace, who nominated Kelly wrote. “She tailors a nurturing environment to draw out their best potential and empower them as individuals to discover their value in Christ, always seeking out new ways to support them in their journey to independence.”

What Kelly’s faith and vocation mean to her, in her own words: “God wanted me here, in this position. He called me here for the mothers and the babies, and He wanted me here for me.”

Reverend Francis Ouma, Recipient of the Neumann-Valenzano Medal

As pastor at St. Patrick Church in Havre de Grace, Father Ouma has made evangelization his top priority. In his short time since arriving, Father Ouma has significantly grown the parish’s roster of registered families and increased attendance at Mass by a phenomenal 43%. Additionally, he has re-established daily Mass at the parish and initiated nine new parish programs of outreach and evangelization. Father Ouma’s outreach to the next generation of Catholics is particularly noteworthy as he has invited young people to embrace the roles of lector and usher at Masses and has organized fellowship events where they are encouraged to bring their friends, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. That being said, Father Ouma’s innovative approach to evangelization has flourished throughout the entirety of the St. Patrick parish community. Mens and Ladies groups have been formed, as have support groups for survivors of loss or for family members of those suffering from Alzheimer’s.

What Father Ouma’s vocation mean to him, in his own words: “My vocation means everything to me. Since I was five years old, I have dreamed of becoming a parish priest. To me, the priesthood is about making the mystery of the Incarnation known to the world, a critical bridge to bring Christ and faith to humanity and offer healing to the hurting through the sacraments, prayers, formation, and comforting words of the Lord.”

Walt & Diane Conolley, Recipients of the O’Neill-Baldwin Medal

It is a fitting testament to Walt and Diane Conolley’s profound commitment to their faith that our Medals of Honor Nomination Committee received five completed forms, from five independent sources, in support of honoring them with this medal. Former pastors and fellow volunteers all came forward to advocate on their behalf, with good reason. At St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Ellicott City, where they are parishioners, Mr. and Mrs. Conolley have served as sacristans and on its bereavement committee, which Diane continues today, preparing and distributing hot meals to grieving families after funeral receptions. Their service, however, extends beyond their parish doors, to the Towson University Newman Center. At this hub of evangelization for Towson’s young people, the Conolleys have for years given significantly of their time, talents, and treasure. “Walt and Diane are bright lights in the faith community,” Father Kevin Ewing, Chaplain at the Newman Center said, “with their warm welcoming of all students. They offer inspiring witness, particularly to young people. No task is too small as they work tirelessly to organize, operate, and care for this spiritual home.” What Walt and Diane’s faith and vocation have meant to them, in their own words: “Our ministry gives us the opportunity to share our blessings with wonderful young people. It is a privilege to be able to encourage them and share with them the love of Christ. God gives each of us gifts to share with others. We discovered gifts we didn’t know He gave us through our service to the students. If you seek to serve others, we believe you will discover unknown gifts also.”

Sherita Thomas, Recipient of the Joubert-Miller Medal

Serving as interim director for the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Black Catholic Ministries during the coronavirus pandemic, Sherita held this office together and helped advance the local Church, especially for the Black Community, under difficult circumstances. Sherita organized the archdiocesan Racial Task Force, presiding over community consultations, making informed recommendations, and establishing the Coordinating Council for Racial Justice. Committed to ensuring that the Black Community has a leadership role in archdiocesan life, Sherita often facilitates difficult but necessary conversations if the Church is to continue to evolve.

What Sherita’s vocation means to her, in her own words: “My vocation means to follow God’s call to serve Him in the world. My faith is a gift that brings me in a loving union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This gift enables me to both hear the Word of God and try my best to live it. I enjoy serving God. I came to focus on my ministry after much prayer and reflection. I also had a desire to be a role model for my children and encourage the sanctity and dignity of human life. I felt the call to live the words as described in Micah 6:8 to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God. The words of Shirley Chisholm also always in my heart. “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”

Deacon Edison Morales, Carlos Arias, Jose Ezequiel Melo & Jose G. Ramirez, Recipients of the Joubert-Miller Medal

Early in 2020, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic quickly highlighted the economic disparities that permeate our society. This was particularly evident within our local Hispanic communities. In southeast Baltimore City, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Highlandtown sought to help those in their community who were suffering. This effort was led by 

Deacon Morales, Carlos Arias, Jose Melo and Jose Ramirez. They committed themselves to ensuring that those effected were served. They discerned the need for greater advocacy for the parish’s Hispanic Community and acted. Each as he was able, provided tireless assistance. 

They risked their own health to personally deliver food and other essentials to those homebound, and checked on the less fortunate. They were able to cross language barriers to those they served, and as a result, they were able to earn their trust and forge bonds of safety.

What their service means to them, in their own words:

“For me, personally it means to live the gifts that I received during my baptism. It is to do God’s work no matter where I am. Because all I do through my ministry is the will of God,” Deacon Edison Morales said.

“For me, it means to be closer to God and my neighbors,” Jose Melo said.

“My faith is the strength that God gives me to be able to help my neighbor, to be supportive of their needs, especially in the time of pandemic where there was a lot of uncertainty and need, where many people were not prepared to survive,” Carlos Arias said.

“My faith is what I base my life on, and I have been that way since I was a child,” Jose Ramirez said.

Dr. Joseph Orlando and Mr. Gilbert Hoffman, Recipients of the DuBourg-Pacione Medal

Gil and Joe were both instrumental in establishing The Catholic Men’s Fellowship of Maryland (CMF-MD), which blossomed from a men’s prayer group at Church of the Immaculate Conception in Towson. In those early days, Gil worked tirelessly to establish this group and its board finding early success in reaching consensus on their goals. Utilizing his innate talents of humor, good sense, logic, and generally excellent communication skills, he was able to focus everyone’s attention on one unifying principle: maintaining and promoting Catholicism in these challenging times. Joe, then took what Gil had started, and, as they say, “ran with it,” growing this parish-centered group, into a massive and diverse gathering of devout Catholic men, who strive to preserve and promote the faith. Notwithstanding his busy surgical practice, Joe spent countless hours obtaining speakers and venues for CMF-MD conferences while also recruiting new board members likely to grow the Fellowship and advance its mission.

What their faith and service mean to them, in their own words:

“The plan [for CMF-MD] was for the evangelization of Catholic men and for them to return to their families and parishes to do the same, to share with other men the joy of a personal relationship with Our Lord and with His Church,” Joe Orlando said.

“Faith is really the blueprint for living that reaches into all areas of life that affect a man: his core beliefs, his work, his play and ultimately, his legacy. We must fight the good fight with brothers in Christ by our side, strengthened by the Word and Sacraments,” Gil Hoffman said.