At the end of each school year, teachers and catechists in parish schools and religious education programs in our diocese are honored for special service anniversaries.

This year’s list includes several 35-year veterans of in Catholic education. They include Mary Helen Kossina from the parish school of religion at Ss. Peter and Paul in Collinsville; Linda Baker, Mary Lynn Byers and Patti Devall, teachers at St. Anthony Grade School in Effingham; Rose Marie Bates, a teacher at St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield; and Helen Dulle, long-time volleyball coach at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield.

Honorees have each received a certificate signed by Bishop George J. Lucas. In addition to Bishop Lucas, certificates for teachers were signed by Jean Johnson, superintendent for schools.

“I appreciate so much the service and talent of all those educators recognized on this list,” Johnson said. “It is their dedication to Catholic education that guarantees the quality of our schools and ensures that faith is integrated into every student’s life every day of the school year. I extend a sincere thanks to all of our educators.”

Certificates for catechists were signed by Chris Malmevik, associate director for catechist formation on the Office for Catechesis.

“Congratulations to our Catholic school and parish schools of religion catechists who are celebrating a milestone year,” Malmevik said. “God has truly blessed our diocese with such wonderful faith-filled people who have generously shared their faith with our children and youth. Thank you for your gifts, your dedication and your years of service.”