Sr. Fran, or la Hermana Panchita, as she is affectionately known, has served the Hispanic community locally since 1993 through the Centro Latino ministry. Inspired by her deep faith in Jesus and strengthened by the Sacraments, Sr. Fran puts her faith into action through her daily service to the needy. She uses her gifts in service to the Hispanic community in a selfless way, always responding to the needs she sees around her. This includes leading the Spanish choir, providing interpretation, transportation, helping with Sacramental preparation, counseling adults and endless other areas of service and ministry to Hispanics. Sr. Fran emulates Jesus’ mandate to see him in the poor and marginalized.

Father Tucker will always be remembered for his dedication to the sick and elderly. His Communion calls took him many miles, with close to 30 stops each Friday. Most of the time he went on these calls alone, but in bad weather he would enlist the services of other parishioners. Father Tucker also served as hospital chaplain for what was then called Owensboro-Daviess County Hospital. He was on call 24 hours a day, and sometimes made multiple calls in one night. His simple lifestyle made him easily recognizable to the community as he made his rounds on his bicycle or moped.

Shortly after she began her career as a primary classroom teacher, Sister Agnes Catherine, OSU, made her decision to enter the religious life. For 62 years, until 1987, she dedicated her life to educating God’s children, many of whom went to Sts. Joseph and Paul School. During her time at Sts. Joseph and Paul, she also supervised student teachers from Brescia and coordinated the speech clinic. Even after retirement, one of her most treasured possessions was a small book that contained the name of EVERY student who was placed in her care. She also had many students remain in contact with her, which showed how much she was remembered, respected and loved. Many of her students kept in contact with her for decades after she taught them.

The parishioner recognized and honored by this award consistently demonstrates and provides a shining example of exceptional commitment to the principles of good stewardship to every person with whom he/she comes in contact. This individual routinely endeavors to build and to draw others to build the kingdom of God through their gratitude to God for the gifts God has loaned him/her. This is evident in the fact that he/she consistently and noticeably uses the time, talent and treasure that God has entrusted to him/her in ways that return these gifts to God, with an increase, while at the same time inspiring others to do the same. It is evident to all who encounter him/her that he/she strives daily to discern and follow the will of God in his/her life. This gives others the confidence that they too can enjoy the peace and happiness in this life, and -- more importantly -- in eternity, that only a close relationship with Jesus provides. A close and enduring relationship with Jesus is another way of saying “Stewardship as a Way of Life”.

This award will be given to a school age youth, 19 or younger, who regularly attends Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish and demonstrates, through a spirit of generosity and service, some of the following characteristics/activities: 1. Exhibits leadership capability through serving others. 2. Serves in a parish Ministry, such as Altar Server, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Faith Formation Catechist, Cantor, Choir Member, etc. 3. School related activities/awards/recognitions, such as academic, extra-curricular, and service projects.

Monsignor Braun was given the task in 1948 of combining the Irish parish of St. Paul with the German parish of St. Joseph, located one block away from each other. The project also included “integrating” the 615 children from the two parishes into one school and this was seen as the first and easiest step to take. Monsignor Braun’s ministry to Sts. Joseph and Paul spanned a total of 30 years. He remained in this parish until 1969. Because of his ability to successfully merge the very different ethnic groups into one unified parish, this award is named in his honor.