By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted January 16, 2024

Archbishop Pérez celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving Jan. 13 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul to recognize over 150 volunteer catechists along with several directors, coordinators, and administrators of Parish Religious Education Programs (PREP) who work in parishes throughout the five-county region. Awards were also presented to those who have served in those roles for 10 to 30 years and from five to 40 years. Retired Auxiliary Bishop Michael J. Fitzgerald received the Saint Paul VI Award in recognition of his leadership and many contributions to evangelization and catechesis over the course of several decades.

The annual Mass and awards ceremony is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Catechetical Formation and the Association of Parish Directors, Coordinators, and Administrators of Religious Education. (Photos: Sarah Webb)