Individuals who serve the needs of their parishes and the communities in which they live were honored Jan. 31 at the ninth annual Partners in Service Dinner sponsored by Catholic Charities Ventura Region.

The 37 honorees, representing 16 Ventura County parishes, were selected by their pastors and recognized for their exemplary dedication. Two of the awards were given posthumously.

In addition to long-time service in parish ministries that include religious education, Eucharistic ministry to hospitals and the homebound, respect life, youth and senior ministries, the honorees spend countless hours caring for the needy through services including Family to Family, Habitat for Humanity, Child SHARE, Many Meals of Camarillo and the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Catholic Charities initiated the annual fundraising dinner nine years ago in an effort to become more present in local parishes, recognize the exceptional contributions of parishioners and, in turn, raise more awareness and resources for the work it does on a county level for the needy. This year's event, held at Blessed Junípero Serra Church in Camarillo, drew 360 attendees, and included a live auction and raffle.

"We at Catholic Charities look at this annual event as an inspiration and an affirmation of the work that the church is doing," said John Rak, resource development administrator for the Ventura Region. "It's about helping needy people to get on their own feet; this is the hope of all who donate to Catholic Charities. Each pastor is asked to come up with their honorees on the basis of their part in parish ministry, longevity and any other qualities that set them apart. We don't limit the number of honorees, and sometimes even a group is honored."

Most of the honorees have served in numerous capacities in their parishes, where their love of God and their brothers and sisters is clearly evident. A quality that they all share is their willingness to put others first and give of themselves freely. Whether they are feeding the homeless, providing presence and support for abused or abandoned children, or dedicating time and talent to build the body of Christ in the parish community, the honorees live the Gospel in their daily lives by example.

Johnny Amaro of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Paula, has served as parish wedding director and coordinator, religious education and confirmation teacher, altar server and part time sacristan, a youth minister and youth group leader.

"Johnny's remarkable spirit, his dedication and his tremendous devotion to Our Lady and to this church mark him as a special man," said Canons Regular of the Immaculate Conception Father Charles Lueras, pastor. "He is here almost daily and always willing to help and to serve in any capacity. The fruits of his faith continue to bear witness to his fidelity and love."

A highlights of the awards dinner is testimony from someone who has been able to turn his or her life around with the help of one of the honorees. This year's speaker, Dennis Dolan, once homeless, was a client for meals at Family to Family in Ventura. Honoree Pat McLean, who enjoys engaging clients in conversation, noticed "something special" in Dennis and encouraged him to help out as a volunteer before and after meals. Eventually he was hired part time, and then later hired by Turning Point, where he now works full time.

"No longer homeless, Dolan's is one of the success stories that give us continued hope," Rak smiled.

Rak added that for those who are those who are chronically homeless, Catholic Charities is committed to providing them food, clothing and referrals for shelter and other services, and advocating for social justice. By collaborating with the various cities and county and with the support of parishes, they will continue to provide services to the poor and vulnerable, he said.

The "Partners in Service" honorees:
Blessed Junípero Serra, Camarillo: Rita DaCorsi, Pat Nielsen, Gene West

Holy Cross, Moorpark: John Cleary, Filomena Shaw.

Our Lady of the Assumption, Ventura: Peg Sullivan.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Oxnard: Paola and Irma Hernandez.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Santa Paula: Johnny Amaro, Alice Vigil, Herminio and Sally Menchaca (posthumous).

St. Anthony, Oxnard: Emilia Esquivel, Robert I. Cruz.

St. Jude, Westlake Village: Steve and Pam Yantzer.

St. Julie Billiart, Newbury park: Robert and Yolanda Thornton.

St. Mary Magdalen, Camarillo: Deacon Larry and Betty Modugno.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Westlake Village: Norman Lamarra, Christine Reale.

St. Paschal Baylon, Thousand Oaks: Yvette Renner, Deacon Jim Robinson.

St. Peter Claver, Simi Valley: Dan Lang, Al McKinley, Manny Rausch, Jack Scroggins, Melecio Zamora.

St. Rose of Lima, Simi Valley: Pauline Aguinaga, Guadalupe Tamayo.

St. Sebastian, Santa Paula: William and Debra Wakdowski.

San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura: Patricia McLean.

Santa Clara, Oxnard: Richard and Mary-Anne Ceniseroz, Frank and Stella Godinez.