Coventry Man to be Honored for Service to the Church

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has announced that Ralph Lawrence, a parishioner of SS. John and Paul, is among many who will be recognized for their service to the Church and community at a dinner to benefit Emmanuel House, a diocesan ministry that provides critical services to the homeless on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Providence Marriott.

Lawrence has a great love for his Church and demonstrates his dedication by serving as a parish trustee. For the past 12 years he has administered the parish and school’s finances. He was instrumental in guiding the construction of a new parish rectory. Lawrence also shares his time serving on several diocesan committees including Stewardship and Development Council and the Catholic Foundation.

The Lumen Gentium Award formally recognizes those who ‘toil in the vineyard’ in service to the Lord and minister to those in the greatest of need in their parish or community.

“The Catholic Church in Rhode Island is blessed with many who carry out the work of the Church throughout the Diocese,” said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin. “The nominees and those selected for a Lumen Gentium award, through their selfless efforts, represent outstanding examples of Christian service here in Rhode Island. This award provides a unique opportunity to recognize those who work tirelessly in service to the Church and ask for nothing in return.”

A total of 167 nominations were accepted from January through March of this year in 10 categories for consideration of the first-ever Lumen Gentium Awards in the Diocese. Groups, organizations and individuals whose work is consistent with the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church were eligible for an award.

A committee of clergy and laity, chaired by Msgr. Albert Kenney, reviewed each nomination then submitted recommendations to the Bishop. The committee assessed each nomination on criteria such as personal dedication and service to their local parish communities, those who demonstrate a commitment in the Church or broader community related to the mission of Catholic Charities or community service, member of the Church who has demonstrated a sincere commitment to promoting and defending the sanctity of human life by word and deed, by personal example and public witness and other factors depending upon category.

The awards recognize those who have provided outstanding service to their parish, the diocese and/or the local community at-large. They will be presented in 10 specific categories, including Administration & Stewardship, Catholic Charities and Community Service, Catholic Education, Communications, Distinguished Catholic Youth, Evangelization, Friend of the Diocese, Parish Service, Public Service and Respect Life.

Lumen Gentium, the namesake of the awards, means ‘Light of the Nations’ and refers to a principal document promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1964 during the Second Vatican Council that describes the life and nature of the Church.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the diocesan emergency homeless shelter. Responding to the urgent need for additional emergency winter homeless shelters in December of 2010, Bishop Tobin donated the use of a former day care center to house homeless Rhode Islanders overnight. Emmanuel House serves 35 guests each night. Through the Catholic Charity Appeal, the Diocese covers the costs of insurance, maintenance, heating, electric and other utilities for Emmanuel House.