In top photo Jessica Donohue, director of the Department of Catechesis, left, Msgr. Thomas Gervasio and Michelle Angelo Santoro, surround Mariyam Francis who was named the 2026 Rosemarie “Chick” McGinty Award recipient. Mary Stadnyk photo
Mariyam Francis can’t emphasize enough that catechetical ministry is more important today than ever.
“We live in a digital age where technology can sometimes take away from family time, relationships and the practice of our faith, and our children and families face many influences and challenges every day,” Francis said.
“We need to strengthen our catechetical programs so they do more than simply teach the Catholic faith. They must support families, engage students and help them build a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” she said.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2026 Catechetical Sunday in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton
Humbled Servant
Francis, parish catechetical leader at Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish in Hamilton, shared her thoughts about the ministry of catechesis after learning that she had been named the recipient of the 2026 Rosemarie “Chick” McGinty Award for Excellence in Catechetical Ministry.
Francis was humbled to receive the award, saying what moved her most was “knowing how our catechists feel about me and hearing their words of appreciation for the work we do together.”
Francis said she was not expecting to receive the award, especially since it is her mantra to serve “not for awards or recognition, but for the Lord.”
However, she added that the award is also “a beautiful affirmation that the ministry I have dedicated myself to is appreciated and has touched the lives of others in our parish community. I receive it with a grateful and humble heart.”
Jessica Donohue, diocesan director of the Department of Catechesis, presented Francis with the award Sept. 20 during a Mass that coincided with the parish’s Catechetical Sunday observance.
The award, which recognizes an outstanding parish catechetical leader, is named for the late Rosemarie “Chick” McGinty, who headed the Office of Catechesis from 1986 to 2003. McGinty was the first laywoman to serve as a parish director of religious education in the Diocese and the first laywoman to direct a diocesan office.
Francis works with 24 catechists and 10 volunteers in the religious education program, which serves about 300 students. The program offers a summer intensive track, a homeschool track and regular weekly classes.
Led by Example
Francis’ desire to become involved in catechetical ministry stemmed largely from growing up in a deeply devoted Catholic family “where faith and evangelization were at the heart of our daily life.”
From a very young age, she said her mother’s strong faith had a great influence on her own spiritual journey. Through her mother’s example, she said, “I developed a love for serving the Church and sharing the Catholic faith with others,” Francis said. “What began in my childhood eventually became my vocation and passion.”
Francis’ many years in catechetical and youth ministry include serving in two dioceses in her native Pakistan and later as director of youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Newark. She also served at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Lodi, and St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, in the Metuchen Diocese.
She currently resides in the Metuchen Diocese with her husband, Austin Francis. Their daughter, Faith, is a student at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. Her family attends St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park.
Francis holds bachelor’s degrees in management and administration and in social sciences, a master’s in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and another master’s in theology and ministry from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
Prayer for the Future
Francis said she has treasured the many years, including the 21 spent in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, that she has “been blessed to serve in the field of catechesis, helping children, young people and families grow in their relationship with Christ and deepen their Catholic faith.”
It is her continued prayer,” she said, “that God will continue to send faithful and dedicated laborers into his vineyard, filled with a love for Christ and a passion for sharing the Gospel.”