AURORA— At the annual end of the year luncheon for catechetical leaders of the Aurora Deanery, two men received the annual St. John XXIII Appreciation Awards.

The award is given in appreciation for support of the catechetical mission in the deanery through an individual’s work in religious education, youth ministry or the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This year’s voting ended in a tie, so two awards were presented.

Father Timothy Piasecki received the award for his ministry in religious education at Sacred Heart and St. Mary parishes in Aurora and for his deanery efforts in RCIA training and institutes.

Mark Fletcher received his for ministry at St. Peter and Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parishes in Aurora and for his deanery efforts in Camp Rock retreats and RCIA Institutes.

Both were also honored for the example of their life of prayer and in caring for others.

As they gathered, cards were passed around for all to send prayers and best wishes to those who would be leaving this summer.

Sister Rose Marie Weber from Blessed Sacrament Parish in North Aurora is retiring after many years of ministry in her parish.

Also leaving is Skip Bacon who is moving from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Aurora to a new ministry site in California.

Claire Perez reminded everyone of any last minute tasks and handed out end of year-end reports to several parishes.