Missouri Catholic Conference Announces 2007 Citizen Recognition Award Recipients

September 5, 2007, JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Catholic concern for social justice in acknowledging that everyone matters is exemplified in all four of the individuals who will receive a Citizen Recognition Award from the Missouri Catholic Conference at the MCC’s Annual Assembly to be held on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the State Capitol in Jefferson City. Each year the MCC recognizes one individual from each of Missouri’s four Catholic dioceses whose actions promote the common good.

Once nominations are received they are reviewed by the bishops of Missouri and selected by members of the MCC’s Public Policy Committee. In the past, individuals have received this award because they operated a soup kitchen for the poor; participated in prison ministry; started pro-life groups around the diocese; took an active role in passage of legislation; or otherwise became part of the solution to a problem in the community. The honorees for this year are:

Mr. Michael Kalist of the Archdiocese of St. Louis receives the award for his dedication to Catholic youth for the last 44 years. Through his involvement with sports, scouting, youth ministry and theatre, Mr. Kalist’s activities affect up to 65,000 children each year. His efforts have promoted the physical, intellectual and spiritual well being of the participants in Catholic Youth Council sports and plays he has directed, and provided moral leadership to help them become givers of their time, talents and treasures. Michael is a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus parish in St. Louis County.

Gerard and Kaye Meiners were chosen from the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph for their tireless dedication to pro-life issues. Each year they coordinate the annual Vitae Society Foundation golf tournament. The Meiners participate in, as well as, lead several diocesan, parish and community pro-life activities. They were heavily involved in the 2006 campaign to ban human cloning in Missouri, and met with several business leaders to discuss the issue. The Meiners are members of St. Thomas More parish.

Dorothy and Rudolph Lemke are the honorees for the Diocese of Jefferson City. Dorothy and Rudolph have capitalized on Dorothy’s knowledge as an optician for almost 50 years in providing eyeglasses for the poor. For the past 30 years the two have traveled to Merida, Mexico to deliver discarded eyeglasses to the rural poor whom the government refuses to help. While the prescription may not be exact, the Lemke’s realize that even a modest improvement can mean a better life for the poor. The Lemke’s are members of St. Joseph Cathedral parish.

Mr. Robert Horton of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau receives the award for his dedication to social justice and action through his work as Executive Director of Springfield’s Urban Neighborhood Alliance. Robert’s work with the inner city has seen him lead the community to resist expansion of payday loan stores while working with banks to provide low interest loans for individuals to improve their homes and neighborhoods. He also provides financial literacy classes to help individuals better understand personal finance issues. Robert is a member of Sacred Heart parish.

The keynote speaker for this year’s Annual Assembly will Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, Bishop of the Diocese of Biloxi, Mississippi. Bishop Rodi, a native of New Orleans, will discuss the role of the Church regarding poverty and society in a post-Katrina era. Bishop Rodi was ordained to the priesthood on May 20, 1978. He served as professor of canon law at Notre Dame Seminary from 1986 to 1995. He was named a prelate of honor (monsignor) by Pope John Paul II in 1992. Bishop Rodi also served as administrator of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in River Ridge, ministered in Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Pius X parishes in New Orleans, and was pastor of St. Rita Church, in New Orleans.

This year’s workshops encompass a wide range of topics including:

• Post Amendment 2: What Now? – This workshop will provide an update on the ongoing campaign to protect human life at its earliest stages.
  
  
• Ruther Opportunities to Regulate Abortion – While most pro-life groups applauded the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a ban on partial birth abortion, some right-to-life organizations criticized the Court for not going further in restricting abortions or even reversing Roe v. Wade. What opportunities does the court’s ruling give pro-lifers at the state level to further restrict abortion and promote a culture of life?
  
  
• What’s Being Done About Alzheimers? – This workshop will include an overview of what is Alzheimer’s Disease, the most recent statistics surrounding the disease, and an overview of the latest research.

• From Medicaid to MO HealthNet – In 2007 the Missouri General Assembly enacted legislation that seeks to transform Missouri’s publicly funded health system from one that focuses primarily on the delivery of medical services to one that actively involves both health care providers and patients in improving health outcomes. This workshop will provide insights and analysis of the bill from an advocate who represents low-income clients seeking access to health care services. Supporters of the bill have also been asked to participate.
  
  
• Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery – The importance of public awareness and community involvement is critical for the outcome of trafficking cases. This workshop will relay the vital role of those who can help rescue victims of human traffickers.
  
  
• HPV Vaccine: Blessing or a Burden? – Legislation has been introduced in Missouri and other states seeking to mandate vaccination of girls at the sixth grade level for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This workshop provides an overview of HPV, transmission routes, side effects, administration and efficacy of the vaccine. Discussion will also be held on the ethical considerations associated with the vaccine.
  
  
• Bullies to Buddies - An estimated 160,000 children stay home from school daily because of bullying. Explore causes and concerns of this cycle of pain, rage and revenge; learn some strategies for cultivating a kinder culture in parishes and schools.
  
  
• Succeeding After Prison: The TurnAround Program – The TurnAround Program offers emergency assistance and case management for men and women leaving prison. Find out how to make our communities safer by helping the newly released and hear the success stories of men and women who have turned their lives around.
  
  
• Reducing Poverty in America – Catholic Charities USA has launched a multi-faceted campaign across the country. Learn how the campaign is combining local experience and issues to advance an agenda to reduce poverty by 50% by the year 2020.

The Annual Assembly is open to Catholics throughout Missouri and is a free service provided by the MCC to help educate voters on current issues. In addition a free lunch is provided and there is a children’s program for ages 5-12. The day concludes with a mass concelebrated by Missouri’s bishops that counts for participants’ Sunday obligation.

Individuals can register by calling toll-free 800-456-1679 or visiting the MCC website at www.mocatholic.org.