Young Catholics recognized with diocesan St. Timothy Awards

Twenty-nine high school teens have been extolled for their service and witness to the Catholic faith with the Diocese of Trenton’s 2025 St. Timothy Awards.

Given by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the St. Timothy Award recognizes youth in grades 9-12 who have demonstrated outstanding acts of charity, ministry and additional outreach to their parishes and wider communities. The teens are nominated by parish youth ministers, pastors and catechetical leaders.

The young Catholics have enriched their communities in various ways, including serving as readers, sacristans and altar servers and sharing their musical talents at Mass; assisting with parish religious education; volunteering at parish and school fundraisers and community building events; helping with meal preparation at local food banks; involvement in youth ministry, faith formation and much more.

The St. Timothy Award is named for the disciple, St. Timothy, a close associate of the Apostle Paul who played a vital role in early Christian communities by spreading the faith. He is often invoked as a patron saint for young people, students and those seeking guidance in their studies and careers.

Winners for 2025 and their nominating parish or school are as follows:

Alexandria Veltri

St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville • Senior, Central Regional High School, Bayville

Alexandra is “a fun person with a big heart who is friendly and caring to everyone she meets,” said Timothy M. Blumensteel, St. Barnabas youth minister, who nominated her for the St. Timothy Award. “She’s intelligent, [and] mixes in well with all those around her. Alex is a loving older sister to her siblings, a blessing to her family, friends and parish.”

Alex will attend Marymount University in the fall where she is looking to pursue a career in sports management. “Don’t be fooled, she is a fierce flag football player behind her smile!” Blumensteel said.

Antonio Caio Silva Neto

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly • Junior, Burlington County Institute of Technology

Described by his pastor, Father Jorge Bedoya, as “a dedicated young leader, who enjoys a good reputation in our parish community,” Antonio was nominated for the qualities for which he is well-known: his kindness, humility and joyful spirit.

In addition to English, Antonio is fluent in Portuguese and knows some Spanish, thanks to his Brazilian parents. He is currently learning how to play the piano.

“His peers consider him as a trustworthy and loyal friend,” Father Bedoya noted. “In the parish, he has been involved with the youth group, altar servers and Passion Play.”

Ava Minall

St. Rose of Lima Parish, Belmar • Senior, Wall High School, Wall Township

Beginning with Children’s Choir in second grade and having served 10 ½ years in music ministry for St. Rose of Lima, Ava Minall was nominated by Elizabeth Hartnett, the parish’s director of music ministry.

Ava graduated to the Youth Choir in sixth grade and joined the Cantor Ministry in seventh grade, leading the assembly in sung prayer monthly.

“The music ministry and the assembly at St. Rose have benefitted immensely from Ava’s musical participation and from all the time she has generously volunteered to serve and lead all throughout these years,” Hartnett said. “She is a lovely, faith-filled young lady who is a shining example of a youth committed to and living her Catholic faith and is most-deserving of the St. Timothy Award.

Ava will be attending DeSales University in the fall, majoring in education.

Ben Constance, St. Mary Parish, Middletown • Senior, Middletown North High School, Middletown

Ben is an avid cyclist, golfer and surfer, but the only thing he is more passionate about, according to St. Mary’s youth minister Matej Zivkovic, “is serving God and his Church. He is looking forward to becoming a deacon one day.”

Ben has been “an exemplary young disciple, modeling faith, leadership, and service throughout his years in our parish youth ministry programs,” said Zivkovic, who nominated him.

“His presence is not only consistent, but impactful. He is a young man whose faith is deeply rooted and whose witness inspires both peers and adults alike,” he said, calling him “a young man of integrity, servant leadership, and deep Catholic faith [who] exemplifies the values of the St. Timothy Awards.”

Caeley Smith, St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville • Junior, St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel

Reviewing worthy candidates for the St. Timothy Award, SJVHS campus minister Patrick Smith said that “Caeley stood out, having secured close to 400 Christian Service hours in her first three years of high school.”

Smith described Caeley as having “a big heart” and consistently giving back with a contagious positivity, representing SJV at the annual Catholic Athletes for Christ Leadership Summits.

“She has inspired her volleyball teammates to give back and serve in a litany of ways,” Smith said. Thanks to her involvement, “There is never a shortage of ‘Cathletes’ at SJV willing to step up and give back!”

Catherine Prioli, St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson • Senior, Prioli Academy (Homeschool)

At any St. Aloysius youth ministry event, said parish catechetical leader and youth minister Jennifer Petrillo, “whether using her artistic talents to brighten another’s day, spending time in prayer with peers, or enjoying a fun afternoon of pumpkin carving, Catherine gives her whole self.”

Among the reasons Petrillo nominated Catherine for the St. Timothy Award were her love of faith and serving others. “When I think about what it looks like to be in love with Jesus Christ, I think of Catherine Prioli,” Petrillo said. “Her deep devotion to the Eucharist, and her great desire to be in the Lord’s presence, are inspiring. Catherine continually pours herself out through prayer and service to the Lord whom she so deeply loves.”

Petrillo considers it a “great privilege” to get to know Catherine through her youth ministry involvement. Besides designing the ministry’s themed t-shirts, “She welcomes her fellow teens with joy and compassion and has been a wonderful representative of our parish at diocesan events, as well as NCYC in 2023. She has also been a tremendous help in our Religious Education program, sharing her love and knowledge of our Catholic faith with our younger students.”

Elizabeth Toppi, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach• Senior, Ocean Township High School, Oakhurst

An “overall leader in our parish community,” says St. Teresa of Calcutta youth minister Kathleen McGrorry, Elizabeth has been an active participant in the parish’s high school youth group, attending weekly meetings and assisting with service events to help neighboring communities.

“She has been a teacher’s assistant for faith formation during her high school years,” McGrorry attested. “Throughout the years, she also attended and participated in other various activities offered for the youth in our parish.”

The middle of five children, Elizabeth “has always excelled academically and athletically,” she said. Elizabeth will be attending Ursinus College in the fall, where she will pursue a degree in biology and compete for the women’s gymnastics team. After college she will go to veterinary school to become a doctor taking care of large farm animals.

Emma-Grace Olson, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton • Senior, Camden Catholic High School

Emma-Grace has been volunteering at St. Joan of Arc since her freshman year of high school, beginning as a classroom aide, and later a catechist in 2023, a ministry she continues at present, according to Jessica Donohue, parish director of religious education.

“Emma-Grace has also been involved in our summer program during these years, serving as a cantor for our Masses as well,” Donohue said. “She has been a wonderful role model for our children and volunteers.”

Participating in theatre at Camden Catholic and remaining an “excellent student,” she continued, Emma-Grace plans to study environmental science in college.

“She has somehow been able to balance being a student with her other activities and has done so with joy and grace,” Donohue noted. “We will truly miss Emma-Grace in our religious education program but are excited for her as she embarks on a very bright future!”

Francesca Schiano Moriello, St. James Parish, Pennington • Junior, Hopewell Valley Central High School, Pennington

Francesca has been involved with The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley’s IGNITE Youth Group since eighth grade.

“She is an active participant in our youth group and regularly attends Mass with her mom at St. James Church,” said Lisa Ann Limongello, parish catechetical leader and youth minister, who nominated Francesca. “IGNITE helps to keep her grounded, support her faith, and has guided her to understanding the value of serving her community.”

Francesca, Limongello said, “is a role model to the younger generations; and we pray she will continue to make good choices and put her faith first.”

Francesca plays soccer and basketball and is part of the Model United Nations; she also works at her family’s restaurant, La Mezzaluna. Other hobbies include cooking, baking and trying new recipes.

Gabrielle Bosco, Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle • Senior, Shawnee High School, Medford

“Gabby truly lives a vibrant and enthusiastic faith in Jesus Christ and puts her faith into action, especially though her expression of love for the Blessed Sacrament,” said Jeff Siedlecki, Holy Eucharist’s coordinator of youth ministry. He nominated Gabrielle for “her extraordinary commitment to HERO youth ministry,” which is evidenced by “her broad commitment to the many ways we serve our parish and our community.”

Siedlecki noted that Gabrielle “has stepped up to become a tremendous leader and wonderful example of living an authentic Catholic life. Gabby is amazing at leading prayer. She has become our official prayer warrior and opens every meal we share together by saying grace for our youth ministry.”

Gianni Buffalano, St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft • Junior, Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft

Gianni has spent nearly every Saturday morning preparing meals for distribution at local food banks, noted Paula DeStefano, St. Leo the Great’s parish catechetical leader.

“Gianni is an exceptional young man,” she said. “He has been a volunteer with several parish ministries including as a catechist for religious education. He is an enthusiastic volunteer, whether he is working with children, our seniors, or making sandwiches for the hungry. He is the perfect example of discipleship.”

As a catechist, she pointed out, Gianni provided “a warm and fun environment for his students, many of whom asked if he could be [their] teacher next year.”

Grace Florentino, Holy Family Parish, Keyport • Junior, Raritan High School, Hazlet

Currently enrolled in the College Academy through Brookdale Community College, Grace remains not only a committed student who enjoyed playing on the girls tennis team, but also an active young Catholic, according to Barbara Hardiman, Holy Family’s coordinator of faith formation and OCIA.

“Grace is actively involved in our parish faith formation program as an assistant catechist to the younger grades,” Hardiman said. “She volunteers at her elementary school (Lillian Drive) during her days off from the Voyager School, where she helps with their after-school program.”

John Peter Schatzle, St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck • Junior, Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft

As observed by Rosemarie Farrow, St. Mary’s pastoral care leader, “Jack has been serving in parish life for what seems like his entire life. He has been altar serving at the parish for many years, serving for major feasts, holy days and events.”

Farrow, who nominated John Peter “Jack,” noted that the teen “continues to live out his call to faith and Christian serve though his chosen activities, leadership, and personal interactions. Jack’s enthusiasm for his faith and love of Church has brought others to encounter Christ. His energy for Christ has compelled others to “check it out.”

Jack is a member of S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), student council, Mast of Arms – Naval Sea Cadets, Colts Neck First Aid Squad Cadets, United Nations, and participates on the fencing team and Pipes and Drums at CBA.

John Vota, St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold • Senior, Colts Neck High School

Jeanne Marinello, St. Robert Bellarmine’s director of youth ministry, believes that John Vota, the parish’s Youth Group-LIFT youth group team president, deserves to be a St. Timothy Award recipient because “he exemplifies what it means to live his faith always in all ways.”

“In youth group through his many hours of serving the parish and the community; in school [as] captain of the varsity swim team, in the Navy ROTC program, varsity baseball and National Honor Society, John leads by example,” Marinello said. “No matter how busy he is, will always find time to mentor others.”

John’s interest in helping others recently expanded as he became a member of the Freehold Independent Fire Company. He will attend the University of Tennessee in the fall.

“John is an outstanding young man, and he has been a member of the Youth Group-LIFT Team since seventh grade, and has been president for the past two years,” Marinello continued. “We are so honored to have him represent the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine with this well-deserved award.”

Julia Hammer, St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel • Junior, Trinity Hall, Tinton Falls

“Julia is a true witness of our Catholic faith through her dedication and service in her church and high school community,” said Audrey Krastins, St. Catharine’s youth ministry advisor, who nominated her for the St. Timothy Award.

Julia has been on the parish youth ministry executive board for the past two years, a volunteer in the summer religious education program and an altar server at St. Catharine for five years. She will be going on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, to help assist special needs teens and young adults with the American Special Children’s Pilgrim Group.

At Trinity Hall, Krastins said, Julia has been actively involved in community service. She has played on the school’s hockey team for three years and was captain this past fall for the JV team.

“She has been on the SCOPE (Service, Prayer, Outreach, Prayer for Everyone) council for three years, an altar server for two years, a member of the business club for three years and serves as a school ambassador,” Krastins noted. “Julia truly puts her faith into action through service and love for others.”

Kareem McGrath, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River • Senior, Central Regional High School, Bayville

“Passionate about helping others and a great example of a young person putting their faith into action” are how Catherine Werner, director of youth ministry, describes Kareem.

A dedicated CYGNUS youth group member, since middle school, Kareem “works hard to balance his faith and family life with school, work, athletics and service,” Werner said. “He has shown great leadership and faithfulness through his involvement with CYGNUS and we will certainly miss him when he heads to college this fall.”

Kareem was also a winner of the St. Joseph Parish Rosary Altar Society Elaine Roos Memorial scholarship. He is the second eldest of the seven children in his family.

Kristopher Del Toro Urbina, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat • Senior, Southern Regional High School, Stafford Twp.

Calling him an “extremely active” member of the parish, St. Mary’s youth minister Kait Ryan said that Kristopher is “an example of faith and love of the church to all who meet him.”

“Kris helped to create our Spanish Youth Choir and has served in many different capacities, one way specifically as one of our Sacristans,” she continued. “He once said, ‘Being a part of different communities at St. Mary’s has allowed me to connect with my faith and culture simultaneously.’ We have been very blessed to have a young man of compassion and humility here at St. Mary’s.”

Kristopher plans to pursue a career in neuroscience and medicine.

Lena Hogg, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown • Senior, Moorestown High School

Father James Grogan, Pastor

A member of her high school golf team and an altar server since the fifth grade, Lena has served as an altar server at more than 500 Masses, according to Father James Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel, who nominated her for the St. Timothy Award.

“Lena has been one our most experienced servers for some time now, considering that she has served for eight years!” Father Grogan said. “This includes her serving at many, many weddings, and coming to assist with the training of new altar servers each year, to show them the ropes.”

Lena Marie Little, St. Pius X Parish, Forked River • Freshman, Lacey Township High School

Lena Marie Little is “a dedicated and faith-filled young woman who serves her parish with humility and joy,” said St. Pius X youth minister Jessica Little. “She is actively involved in youth group, serves as an altar server, and helps with religious education, consistently giving her time and energy to support her church community.”

Her eagerness to grow in her Catholic faith and her willingness to share her gifts, Little said, make Lena Marie “an outstanding and deserving recipient of this honor. Chosen by a vote among her peers, Lena is a true example of love, faith, and virtue.”

Outside of church, Lena is a high honor roll student, plays in the school band as a trumpet player, and is a member of her high school’s basketball and volleyball teams.

Mallory Lepore, Visitation Parish, Brick • Senior, Toms River North High School

Visitation Parish catechetical leader Joanne Martone considers Mallory “an incredible, talented and compassionate young lady.”

People of the parish have had the pleasure of watching Mallory grow in her faith over the years and witnessing her faith in action, Lepore attested.

“She uses her talent of singing with our youth choir and is a strong leader, always lending a hand,” she said. “Her love of teaching shines through in our religious education program. Despite her youth, Mallory truly understands that her faith is at the center of her life. In addition to all she does to shine her faith with us, she is a member of the BATS youth group at St. Barnabas.”

Mallory is also a member of Visitation’s St. Vincent de Paul Junior Society, one of the first to join. Next fall she will begin college as an education major.

Matthew Brueggemeier, St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Twp. • Sophomore, Allentown High School

An altar server since 2018, Matthew “attends and participates in the celebration of the Mass each week with his family,” said St. Joseph pastor Father Michael P. Lang. “He is eager and happy to serve and is always willing to help. He is also involved in our parish youth ministry.”

Father Lang, who nominated Matthew, said that the teen “loves to smile” and “always seems to be happy.”

“He is cheerful, polite and humble,” the pastor noted. “He is a true witness to the Catholic faith and is a role model for his peers. His cheerful disposition is a blessing to the community.”

Michelle Salvatore, St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River • Junior, Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River

As St. Justin the Martyr youth group coordinator, Deacon Frederick Ebenau observed that “Michelle has been an active and participating member of the youth group for several years. She is also an altar server, a helper with the Holy Innocents Program and has sung in the children’s choir. She also shared her singing and acting talents in the youth group Stations of the Cross.”

A performer in plays since the fourth grade as both cast member and crew, Michelle is also in the International Thespian Society. She has participated in cross country, cheer, track, basketball, tennis and powerlifting. She is also a member of the National Honor Society.

Michelle is “very family oriented and a very loving and caring individual,” Deacon Ebenau said.

Naidelyn Samantha Vicente Cifuentes, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood • Junior, Toms River North High School

Nominated by Sister Gloria Cunha, Our Lady of Guadalupe’s director of religious education, Naidelyn is “devoted in many ministries” she said.

“She is dependable and assists in teaching religious education,” Sister Gloria continued. “Naidelyn is an altar server and serves our parish community with respect and grace. The students admire her. She is always smiling and jovial with everyone she meets.”

Nicholas Daisey, St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford • Junior, Burlington County Institute of Technology

Frank Babinchock, Youth Minister

Nick has been attending the St. Mary of the Lakes YES Group for three years, according to youth minister Frank Babinchock.

“Over these past three years Nick has been consistent in attending group meetings and events,” he observed. “Even though Nick does not need credit for service hours, he regularly volunteers with projects.”

Babinchock likes Nick’s demeanor because “he can always provide an answer or comment that makes perfect sense. Nick is the person that works behind the scenes, not requiring recognition or praise.”

Nicholas Usmiani, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square • Sophomore, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville

In addition to participating in youth group and as a teen leader, Nick “has attended Project Appalachia doing summer home repair work on homes / trailers in West Virginia,” said Richar Pieslack, Project Appalachia Coordinator for St. Gregory the Great. “He also volunteers at the annual parish carnival.”

Nick is a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ at Notre Dame, which does service projects throughout the year; he participates as a member of the football, wrestling, and lacrosse teams.

“He makes every competitive team player a friend as he’s beating them on the field,” Pieslack said.

Shannon Calsetta, St. Monica Parish, Jackson • Senior, Jackson Memorial High School

St. Monica’s Deacon Christian Knoebel noted that Shannon “is known for her loyalty and discretion to her friends and family; she can always be trusted.”

Shannon has been and continues to be an altar server, a lector, an assistant religious education teacher and a youth group member. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Shannon is now pursuing her Gold Award to assist the Jackson Police Department.

“Shannon also coaches volleyball for Garden State Attack and has enlisted in the US Navy. She plans to leave for boot camp this summer,” Deacon Knoebel said.

She enjoys fishing with her dad, hiking, shooting her bow and arrow, and quad-riding in her spare time. She loves traveling and adventures to distant places.

Sofia Napolitano, St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro • Senior, Marlboro High School

“Sofia has been serving others in our parish since she was in seventh grade,” said St. Gabriel youth minister Marie Masiello, who nominated her for the St. Timothy Award.

“She approaches her volunteer work with a genuine desire to help others and make a difference,” she noted. “Sofia is an exemplary role model, showing Jesus’ to our students. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the children she has mentored and the religious education program as a whole.”

Masiello believes that Sofia “has constantly made her faith, the faith of others, and service to our parish a priority.”

Sofia plans to study psychology at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, in the fall, and hopes to use her degree to continue helping others in any way she can.

Sophia Philip, Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly • Freshman, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount Holly

Sacred Heart’s coordinator of religious education Barbara Kane calls Sophia Philip “a shining example of faith in action and a true witness to the values of our Catholic faith.”

Her commitment to service and ministry “is evident in many areas of parish life,” she pointed out, “including the music ministry, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and our religious education program.”

Beginning her journey as a “Mini Vinnie,” Sophia “has grown into a dedicated Young Vincentian, consistently supporting those in need through Blessing Bag events and by helping to stock the SVDP center, a commitment she has upheld since fourth grade,” Kane said. At the 11:30 AM Sunday Mass, Sophia shares her musical talent, playing the trumpet and “lifting hearts through her music.”

Additionally, Sophia volunteers as a classroom aide in the parish’s summer religious education session and throughout the school year. “Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and patient presence make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children she serves,” Kane said.

While she plays beautiful hymns at Mass, Sophia’s favorite music to play on her trumpet is jazz, and she enjoys going to musicals. Her talents also extend to being the family videographer and making movies and skits with her brother Matthew and her cousins.

Zachary Adamski, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt • Sophomore, Allentown High School

Celeste Grant, PCL

“Zachary is a young man who has volunteered since he was a young boy,” said Celeste Grant, St Isidore the Farmer’s parish catechetical leader, who nominated him for the St. Timothy Award.

“He helps his mom decorate the church all year round, he is an altar server and will also help in any capacity that is needed,” she noted, “all with a wonderful attitude. Zachary loves serving and helping people.”

Zachary is a Cowboys and Mets fan who plays soccer and baseball; he skipped kindergarten, and his favorite subject is math.