The DYMC Award

The purpose of the DYMC AWARD (for the advancement of comprehensive youth ministry) is to affirm, recognize, and support youth ministry efforts in the Diocese of Davenport. Each year, the DYMC (Diocesan Youth Ministry Committee) will present this award to one youth and one adult who have made an outstanding effort to advance comprehensive youth ministry in the diocese as outlined by the Bishops of the United States in the document Renewing the Vision. Here's a look at our previous recipients:

Crystal DeNeve, left, and Liz Mastalio were recipients of the 2009 DYMC Awards

2009:

Youth: Liz Mastalio of Iowa City - Liz was very active in her parish, St. Mary's, serving as a peer leader on the Confirmation team, visiting sick people in the hospital, making food for homeless people, and lectoring. She was a 3-year member of the DYMC and served as its chair in 2008-9.

Adult: Crystal DeNeve of Grinnell - Crystal is longtime youth ministry and faith formation leader at St. Mary's. She also plays active leadership roles in retreats like Quest, TEC and CIA, and has played key roles in Christian Leadership Institute. She encourages her youth to participate actively in DYMC and NCYC.

Marcy Mueller receives her award from Bishop Amos on November 16, 2008

2008:

Youth - Marcy Mueller of DeWitt. Marcy was an active member of St. Joseph's youth ministry. She shared her gifts as a DYMC member and in leadership and service efforts in her parish and diocese. She's studying to become a youth ministry leader.

Adult - Pat McCauley - Pat is longtime youth ministry leader at St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport. He has made strengthened many youth there to be disciples and leaders, and also has shared his gifts on TEC and CIA retreats, CLI and the DYMC.

2007:

Youth - Rebecca Kauble of Iowa City. Becca was active in building up youth ministry in her parish and a longtime member of the diocesan youth ministry committee, serving as its chair in 2007-8.

Adult - Brian Caslavka of Muscatine. Brian is a vital volunteer at his parish, serving in many roles. He also has served the diocese as a leader in TEC and has participated for many years in the statewide Christian Leadership Institute.

2006:

Youth - Tracy Farrell of DeWitt. Tracy was always there to lend a helping hand to her parish. She participated in her church choir, helped with retreats, and attended service trips. She was also an active member of DYMC.

Adult - Pat Sheil of DeWitt. Pat is a devoted youth minister to her parish. She is always availble to listen and give advice to her "kids." Because she is loved by all her kids, they all just refer to her as Mom.

2005:

Youth - Kate Fisher of Ottumwa. Kate was very active in her parish and served several years on the DYMC, including a year as youth chair.

Adult - Deacon Joe Dvorak of Colfax. Joe is a longtime leader in our diocese, including six years as diocesan youth ministry coordinator. He helped bring "Renewing the Vision" alive in our diocese.

2004:

Youth - Lisa Herman of Davenport. Lisa actively engaged students at Assumption High School in service efforts and has made many trips overseas to help poor people and disaster victims.

Adult - MaryBeth Wagner of Newton. Marybeth was longtime youth ministry coordinator at Sacred Heart parish and a great collaborator.

2003:

Youth - Wendy Walljasper of Donnellson. Wendy was an active member of her parish. Her vision and intiative helped create the DYMC, and she was one of its first members.

Adult - Betty Zimmer was longtime youth ministry coordinator at St. Ann's in Long Grove and a mentor and role model to many leaders.