STATESVILLE — The Jewell Award was presented at Masses during the weekend of Nov. 14-15 at St. Philip the Apostle Church.
The Jewell Award is usually presented to parishioners who have retired, moved or passed away. The award is made for an individual’s dedication and selfless giving to the Statesville parish. This year the award was presented to Ellen Upton, Raul Echevarria (posthumously) and Melda Showfety.
Upton is a long-time parishioner who founded, and until recently, led the church’s altar guild. She also is a lector and has worked with the parish’s RCIA and faith formation classes.
The late Raul Echevarria served as a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, sacristan, and coordinator of the parish’s Spanish Apostolate. Norma Echevarria, his wife and the parish’s faith formation director, accepted the award on his behalf.
Showfety is a long-time parishioner and convert to the Catholic faith.
For years she has served as a dedicated and trusted member of the parish team that counts the weekly collection.
Father Thomas J. Kessler, pastor, is pictured with award honorees Ellen Upton and Norma Echevarria, and Ann McGuire, who helped make the announcement at Mass. Not pictured is award recipient Melda Showfety.
— Connie Ries