Annual award honors young people for service to parish, community

July 22, 2024 at 11:05 a.m.

When parish staff members, such as youth ministers or catechetical leaders, decide on who to nominate for the annual St. Timothy Award form their respective parish communities, there are certain qualities they would expect their chosen young person to possess — demonstrates leadership; has an interest in positively serving their parish or school communities or the neighborhoods in which they live; has genuine compassion and respect for others.

Once again, the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is proud to announce that the 2024 St. Timothy Award, which is named after the disciple Timothy, has been awarded to 30 high school-aged young people representing all four counties of the Diocese.

Charles Reilly

St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach

Kathleen McGrorry, the youth minister in St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, cites many attributes about this year’s St. Timothy Award winner, Charles (Charlie) Reilly.

Charles, she said, possesses the qualities of loyalty and commitment, kindness, quiet strength, strong moral values and humble leadership.

“He is kind, respectful and always speaks to his peers and adults in a way that reflects that he values others and himself,” McGrorry said. Charlie’s fellow youth group members appreciate his continued friendship. Charlie loves to learn about his faith and enjoys serving his parish and surrounding community.

While Charlie’s favorite activities are surfing, working out, golf, being a music lover and going to concerts and movies, what he enjoys most are being with friends and family.

A fun fact about Charlie is that he built his own computer when he was just 14 years old. And he still uses that computer today.

Travis Edgeworth

St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

“Travis is a quiet child who doesn’t have to say much to make a huge impact.”

That sums up what Jessica Little, the youth minister in St Pius X Parish, Forked River, has to say about Travis Edgeworth, this year’s St. Timothy Award winner.

“Travis is a well-rounded, incredible kid,” who is a very active member of the youth group. He is also a member of the parish choir and helps his mother in the parish religious education program.

“Travis is always being to be a great help at church,” Little said.

Karoline Geslak

St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel

Audrey Krastins, the youth minister in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, can’t say enough about Karoline Geslak, the parishioner to receive the 2024 St. Timothy Award

Krastins said that Karoline, who is preparing to head off for college to pursue a degree in teaching, “is a true witness of our Catholic faith through her dedication and service in her church and high school communities.”

Karoline, Krastins said, has served on the executive board of youth ministry for three years where she has been a vital role model in her leadership skills for the incoming freshman and current youth ministry members.

“Her encouraging personality allowed other members to participate and feel at home during meetings and events,” Krastins said, then added that Karoline has also been a catechist for the summer religious  education program for one year and taught fifth and eighth grade religious education for the past two years. 

Karoline has also been active in the annual DYC and Mission Jersey programs; she’s participated in the Living Stations of the Cross which is annual Lenten service in her parish  for the last four years, and in her school she is a member of both the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, as well as a member of the Mock Trial Club. She has participated in the Light the Candle Club, which creates cards for foster children and cancer patients. She was accepted into a teaching internship program and was able to help her town’s elementary schools during her senior year.

Rebecca Anne Scheffold

St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford

In St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, Rebecca Anne Scheffold has been active since she started grade school, according to Frank Babinchock, parish youth minister. He stated that Rebecca has attended the parish grade school for all eight years and she still continues to be an altar server and  a member of the youth group.

Regardless of an event, Rebecca willingly volunteers, not only with youth group activities, but also along with her parents in their ministry events,” Babinchock said.

“As an adolescent, Rebecca is serious about her faith, is responsible and able to appropriately engage with both adults and peers,” Babinchock said.

Ava Cammarata

St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro

Of Ava Cammarata, the 2024 St. Timothy Award recipient in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, Marie Massiello, parish youth minister said that Ava joined youth ministry as an eighth grader and “we have been blessed with this special young lady.”

 Ava is a member of her parish’s Confirmation Retreat team, where she has served as a role model and leader. She has also  volunteered with the Gabriel's Angels program for students with special needs, where “she has a gift with making these students feel comfortable,” Massiello said.

“Ava has always been there, with a smile on her face, to help plan events.”

Massiello has observed Ava to be a warm and caring person who cares very deeply about her family.

Donald Muller

St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson

“At youth ministry events, Donald has continually given of himself in service to others,” Jen Petrillo, parish catechetical leader in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, said of Donald Muller, the 2024 St. Timothy Award recipient.

“Donald has been one of our most consistent, committed members of AYM,” which stands for St. Aloysius Youth Ministry) throughout high school.

When reflecting on Donald’s achievements and presence in the youth ministry, Petrillo said the Scripture passage from 2Cor 9:7 comes to  mind.

“St. Paul tells us that ‘God is a cheerful giver.’

“The phrase ‘cheerful giver’ is an apt description of Donald Muller who has served others by his involvement in a variety of parish activities over the years,” which includes regular altar serving, participating in youth ministry service projects such as making cards for nursing home residents and sorting donations for the moms and babies of Good Counsel Homes, and simply offering a welcoming smile and positive presence.

Crystal Saar

St. Barnabas, Bayville

Timothy M. Blumensteel, youth minister in St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, has high praise for award recipient Crystal Saar, saying that the is “an incredible young woman who lights up every room she enters, quick to bring a smile to those around. She is a loving, caring lady with the joy and love of Christ in her heart. She has recruited more teens to our youth ministry, BATs , then any other member!”

Crystal is preparing to head to college where she will major in social work with a minor in music.

Caitlin Zaccardo

St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft

“Caitlin is powered by the Holy Spirit and encourages others to do the same,” exclaimed Joan Kret, youth minister in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft. “She is always willing to volunteer and can count on her to be responsible and to get things done.”

The lengthy list of tasks Zaccardo assisted with include cemetery clean up and helping with the younger teens. She also handled the boxes of joy several for years; she sewed a few hundred masks for nursing homes she was in charge of Instagram for Ignite, and she portrayed the Blessed Virgin Mary for two years in the Ignite Living Nativity.

Kret said Zaccardo’s generosity extends into the community. She has cut her hair and donated it to Pantene great lengths. She organized a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital in which she made potholders and solicited donations.

Luke Roth

Holy Cross Parish, Rumson

Luke Roth has been a member of Holy Cross Youth Ministry since his freshman year, according to youth minister, Matt Butler, adding that Luke was named the ministry’s vice president for the 2023-2024 school year. In addition, Luke was captain of the basketball team “where we won our first Monmouth County CYO Championship,” Butler continued, and Luke helped organize multiple food drives, diaper drives and helped collect items for blessing bags. He works well with other youth ministry members and served as a source of inspiration.

Outside of the parish, Luke is a member of FBLA, Italian Culture Society, Irish Cultural Society and Sports and Debate Club.

Cooper Bilsland

St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel

Ciro Saverino, the coordinator of Youth & Young Adult Ministries in St. Benedict Parish, said that Cooper, who has been a junior lector since he was 11 years old, “takes great pride and effort to proclaim God's Word loudly, clearly and he also dedicates his time to sing in the contemporary praise Choir that rehearses and “blesses our parish with song and prayer each month.”

A couple of interesting factoids about Cooper that Saverino pointed out, was that Cooper is a certified scuba diver; that he is very interested in fish and marine biology; he loves to do projects with 3D printers, and Cooper is taking courses in aviation and hopes to fly a plane with his dad one day!

Sofia Donello

St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro

Student in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel

In St. John Vianney High School, Sofia is a lector at all of school-wide Masses and she is an active member of the school’s Catholic Athletes for Christ and she represented SJV at the Diocesan Leadership Summit, according to Patrick Smith campus minister in SJV.

“She has volunteered on a litany of Campus Ministry Service projects,” Smith added, noting that Sofia helped recruit her SJV Girls Soccer team to visit the Diocese of Trenton's Blessed Carlo Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit. She also has made pilgrimages to the Diocesan Shrine for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration for Holy Hours with other SJV students.

Smith noted that once the school-wide Masses were resumed post-Covid, “no one in our then senior class volunteered to be a lector.

“I then opened it up to underclassmen and a little freshmen girl stepped up!” Smith recalled. “Sofia showed great courage and leadership embracing this noble task in front of our entire school.

“Super Proud of Her! “ Smith said.

Florian Michelis

St. David the King, Princeton  Junction

Matthew Simms, youth and young adult minister in St. David the King Parish, said that each week, Florian is an active leader and participant in the youth group in which he invites others to actively engage in all activities.
Beyond youth ministry, Florian assists liturgically as an altar server. He leads by example in sharing the responsibilities at Mass and in reinforcing the training the new altar servers received.

“We are all inspired by his example and congratulate him on all his hard work for the youth of our parish,” Simms said.

Adding to Florian’s already packed schedule, Matthews said that Florian also participates on the rowing team at PNRA Mercer Rowing.

“He loves to create music and plays the trumpet in school and occasionally at church,” Matthews said. “Since he is learning to drive, his goal is to pull the family trailer on camping adventures. Florian also has a special love for his dog Ronja, a Schnoodle, and the five chickens that he cares for daily!”

Joseph Lippincott

St. Mary Parish, Middletown

Joseph Lippincott is an exceptional candidate for the St. Timothy Award, according to youth minister, Kenny  Falls. Joseph is actively involved in the parish LifeTeen, he leads small groups for Confirmation retreats and spearheads fundraising activities.

“His dedication to service is matched only by his academic excellence, maintaining honor roll status. Despite a rigorous academic schedule, Joseph also excels in the 400-meter dash and relays. Joseph is always leading those around him closer to Christ embodying the virtues of St. Timothy,” Falls said, adding that “Joseph is a fun loving guy who enjoys hanging out with his friends, and has a big interest in fast cars.”

Therese Medina

St. Veronica Parish, Howell

Mira Welnowska, coordinator of religious education in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, said that this year’s St. Timothy Award winner, Therese Medina “has grown up being involved in parish ministry such as The Missionaries of the Poor food drives in the surrounding parishes.

Therese is a member of the youth group, has been a very reliable altar server, especially during the pandemic; has also volunteered with Vacation Bible School, and has also been a member of the Junior Legion of Mary since her early age.

“Therese is very funny, she is determined, hard-working youth,” Welnowska said. “She is very responsible with her school work. She is good hearted, very helpful and compassionate.”

Genevieve Hermine Hoeffner

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

Richard Pieslak, a member of the youth group adult team in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, said that Genevieve Hermine Hoeffner has been a member and on the leadership team for the parish youth group in which she has actively recruited members to increase fellowship.

The new name and logo, “Soul: sharing our eternal love,” was created and designed by Genny. She has participated in Project Appalachia for the past two years and will be attending again this July. she also demonstrates service to others as the director of community service and involvement for her dance studio’s NHS for Dance Arts Chapter.

Pieslak noted that Genny is a competitive dancer and artist who  loves to try new things and learn about other cultures through art, music and food. She attended St. Gregory the Great Academy from preschool through fourth grade and had the experience of both a Catholic school education and the parish religious education program.

“She emulates the golden rule of love one another in her activities both in the parish and community,” Pieslak said.

Marissa Almonte

Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly

Barbara Kane, the parish coordinator of religious education, said that the St. Timothy Award winner, Marissa Almonte, “demonstrates such care and thoughtfulness of others and made an impression on me when I gave her religious education class a tour of our St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.

“When she saw how bare the shelves were, her concern was evident as she asked what was most needed and brought those items the very next day,” Kane said. “She continued to bring donations and offered to help with whatever was needed.

Kane noted that in addition to helping out at the parish, Marissa demonstrates her love of volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store and is hoping to continue to serve others at a pantry at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she plans to matriculate next year. She is considering social work and criminal justice as majors, “and we are so excited for her,” Kane said.

Christina Grace Fluhr

St. Rose Parish, Belmar

“Christina Grace Fluhr can be found in church with her family every single week,” observed Mercy Sister Donna D’Alia, the parish catechetical leader in St. Rose Parish, Belmar.

“For a teen, this a no easy feat,” she said, noting that as she graduated eighth grade, she volunteered to help with religious education classes, “something she has done faithfully for the past four years.”

Sister Donna noted that when the religious education program was considering canceling a class of two kindergarten students back in the fall, Christina stepped up to teach it.

“She is a highly responsible, faith-filled teacher and the little ones love and respect her,” Sister Donna said.

“Christina quietly practices her faith and shares it generously with others. Whenever Christina was not able to teach on a given day, I not only was informed in advance but she sent ahead lesson plans and copies for the sub,” Sister Donna said.

Christopher Dalby

St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

Joseph Gerardi, director of the altar server ministry director in St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, said that Christopher Dalby has been an altar server since 2018, providing community service time both inside and outside of the parish community.

“He impresses our community each and every day with his dedication and passion to volunteer, Gerardi said. “Christopher is a courageous leader and is consistently working with his peers both inside and outside of the parish community.”

Gerardi noted that Christopher’s altar server duties include assisting the priest and deacon during the Mass with tasks such as the setup and clean-up of the altar, working with parishioners throughout the Mass, and assisting the clergy during all sacred ceremonies at various Masses and events.

“This responsibility ensures the Mass runs smoothly from start to finish,” Gerardi said.

Christopher has assisted with leading and organizing a variety of community service events and he “is a valuable member of our community through this volunteer work.”

Gerardi said that Christopher is an Eagle Scout and for his Eagle Scout project in 2023, he created and built a bell garden outside of Our Lady of Mercy Church. His goal was to create a beloved sanctuary that would be used for both prayer and reflection. 

“The bell tower brings our parish community together as our parishioners utilize it on a daily basis to pray, reflect and work together on its maintenance, Gerardi said, then noted that upon its completion, Christopher hosted a bell garden blessing “which untied our parishioners together to celebrate this phenomenal accomplishment.”

Gerardi regards Christopher as being a “natural leader and is able to motivate our youth to work in an efficient and effective procedure.

“He has taken the leadership initiative to assist in training our incoming youth who are joining the ministry for the first time,” Gerardi said. “He works extremely well with these individuals who are nervous since they are new and they look up to him as a role model.

“He puts long hours into his volunteer work for his community which is beyond impressive and respected by our families,” Gerardi continued. “Christopher will lead and participate in this volunteer work without any hesitation and will always ensure others are set up for success.”

Shane Vance

St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River

Deacon Frederick C. Ebenau, Youth Coordinator

“Shane is a very enthusiastic youth group member who is at all of the youth group meetings and events and is not afraid to share or help anyone in the group,” according to Deacon Frederick C. Ebenau, youth coordinator in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River.

“Shane has a very close relationship with their family. He is a participant in all related activities and is also part of the music ministry, Deacon Ebenau said, adding that Shane is also very active in outside activities such as karate and participates in track and field.

“He is also a very humble person and sympatric to others,” Deacon Ebenau said, than noted that Shane He also loves music especially Christian rock.

Miranda Fletcher

St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt

Miranda Fletcher has volunteered in the religious education program since she was in the third grade, according to Celeste Grant, parish catechetical leader.

“Once Miranda received her First Eucharist, every year she was determined to assist in any way she could to be a part of the First Eucharist classes. She has remained a dedicated, loving, faithful RE volunteer and she is now a senior in high school,” Grant said, then added that Miranda is shy, funny and very responsible and reliable.

Ashley Wojcik

St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

Catherine Werner, director of youth ministry in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, said that Ashley Wojcik has been a part of CYGNUS Youth Ministry since sixth grade.

“She has a heart for service and continually puts her faith into action both in the parish and the greater community,” she said.

Werner noted that last summer, Ashley spent a week with CYGNUS at Nazareth Farm for a service retreat. She also volunteers with religious education and was an altar server for three  years. Ashley also participated in multiple DYC (Diocesan Youth Conference) and MISSION: Jersey experiences.

“Ashley has been a faithful friend to everyone in CYGNUS and we will miss her very much next year,” Werner said, then added that Ashley has been a competitive dancer for 14 years, and currently serves as a class assistant for younger students.

Ashley will attend Ocean County College in the fall.

Peter Daniel Gioacchini

St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck

Rosemarie Farrow, coordinator of youth and adult catechesis in St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, said that Peter is an active member of the faith community who attends Mass regularly with his family who are multigenerational parishioners.

Not only is Peter present with his weekly attendance but he is always present when there is work to be done. Farrow said. “He models Catholic teaching not only through his faith life but also by practicing the works of mercy and the participation in parish life. He is a great model of faith for anyone but especially for the younger members of the parish,” Farrow said.

“Peter is an under the radar contributor,” Farrow continued. “He knows how to keep his head down and get the work done. Always present but not always noticed, but always with a smile on his face.”

Patrick McAlinden

St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell

Lisa Ann Limongello, parish catechetical leader and youth minister in St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and St. George Parish, Titusville, spoke of how Patrick has been very involved in the parish from a young age. He volunteered alongside his parents until he was old enough to join our IGNITE Youth Group.

“Now as one of the oldest members of IGNITE, Patrick has been so welcoming to our new friends, Limongello said. “Patrick has been an altar server for many years at St. Alphonsus, and he's always there to support parish events by lending a hand. Patrick's faith is on fire for the Lord, and he's constantly sharing that spark with others.

A tidbit Limongello shared about Patrick is that he a third generation altar server.

Elian Velazquez Molina

Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park

In Mother of Mercy Parish, Mariella Flores, youth minister, said that Elian has been an altar server for more than five years. He is always willing to serve when he is asked as well as when he is not on the schedule. He assists in the training of new altar servers and is reliable to be there to teach and train them. He participates in most parish activities such as in retreats, parish festivals and other celebrations. He does all this while still maintaining excellent grades.

“He is a very responsible, serious youth yet can be caring and sympathetic especially when it comes to helping others, Flores said.

Kyle Esmalla

St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold

Kyle deserves the St. Timothy Award “because he is the epitome of who St Timothy was – a teacher, a mentor and someone who is unafraid to share the Good News of Jesus through his actions and his words,” according to Jeanne Marinello, youth minister in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.

Kyle's joy is found in service to others, Marinello said, then noted that he is a member of the National Honor Society at Freehold High School and he leads by example always. Kyle had committed to one college that was not a Catholic College initially but cared so much for his faith that he felt called to attend Xavier University in Ohio.

In college Kyle plans to double major in finance and computer science with a concentration on cybersecurity.

Marinello added that Kyle and his family are members of the BLD Ministry. His favorite community service is “Game Nights” at Mattison Crossing which is a local assisted living facility in Freehold. “Through that service Kyle has made lasting friends and all the residents he meets there want to adopt Kyle as their grandson,” Marinello said with a smile. “God Infinitely Bless Kyle's road ahead!”

Adrian Perono

St. Luke Parish, Toms River

Lisa Ann Limongello, the parish catechetical leader in St. Luke Parish, Toms River, said that Adrian began his ministry as an altar server, and then quickly found his passion in music ministry. Adrian could be found standing among the adult choir as a kid, she said, and once the children’s choir was formed in 2016, Adrian stepped right in as a cantor. From there he quickly became part of the regular cantor rotation.

“We have been blessed with Adrian’s talent but more so with his great personality and the role model he has become for the younger members of our parish, especially his two younger brothers.”

Adrian attends MATES “and does very well in his studies!” Limongello said.

Kaylee Hidalgo

St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant

In St. Martha Parish, youth minister, Bob Morris said that Kaylee “epitomizes the ideals that the St. Timothy award represents.

“I've known her since she was little and have watched her mature into a faith-filled, joyful young lady  and role model,” Morris said, then cited that Kaylee has sung in the youth choir since second grade and served as a lector since fourth grade. She has been active in the youth group, the Blessed Carlo Acutis book club, youth Bible study and numerous parish activities. She is admired by the younger members and she has a visible infectious love of God and her faith.

Morris said that Kaylee was involved in all of her high school theater productions. She will be attending Seton Hall University, South Orange, next year studying criminal justice and psychology. She has already signed up for campus ministry and will be a lector for campus Mass.

Morris added that Kaylee and her mom get up extra early every morning to pray the Rosary.

Diego Sabrado

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton

Jay Keesler, youth minister, in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, said that Diego has been active in the youth group since eighth grade.

“He brings his enthusiasm to everything we do,” Keesler said, then told of how during Covid, Diego helped to keep the group going by bringing new ideas into the planning.

“He has a love for theater and played Jesus for us twice in our parish Passion Play. He has always been active in all aspects of our group and hopes to return as an adult advisor,” Keesler said.

Jeana Tejada

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood

Cori Scotti, business administrator in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, noted that Jeana teaches two classes for religious education.

“She is a model student and teacher,” Scotti said, noting that Jeana sings in the choir and is dedicated to the parish on every level.

“We are very blessed to have her,” Scotti said, then added, Jeana is bilingual, has a beautiful voice, she loves to dress up and go out with her friends. She loves teaching the children and loves helping others,” Scotti said.

Joel Desanto

St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown

In St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, Joel Desanto is an outstanding example of a teen committed to service,” said Theresa Gibilisco. “From involvement in the youth group, volunteering for vacation Bible school, serving Mas, and assisting without fail every week during Lent for the parish fish fry,  Joel fully dedicates himself to tasks he undertakes and makes himself available for functions while continuing to be active in school with sports and academics.”

Gibilisco said that Joel can often be found during free time during youth group meetings shooting baskets from the three point line or further on the basketball court.