Illuminators: Steward Spotlight “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
Illuminators are stewards of faith in the Archdiocese of Atlanta who put their faith into action to advance the mission of the Church.
Carolyn Johnson Helps Preserve Art at the Vatican for Future Generations
The Vatican Museums are home to approximately 70,000 works of art. While millions of visitors pass through every year, few know the amount of support needed to keep these priceless pieces safe from the passage of time. Carolyn Johnson saw this important initiative of preserving our faith and decided to take action. As co-chair of the Georgia Chapter of Patrons…
Carolyn Anderson and Elaine Bishoff Care for the Land, the Living, and Those Laid to Rest at Honey Creek Woodlands
Both Carolyn Anderson and Elaine Bishoff will tell you they love what they do. This might be surprising, given they work as the manager and the senior steward at the largest green burial preserve in the United States: Honey Creek Woodlands in Conyers, Georgia. Yet as they share moving stories and bouts of laughter, it’s clear the approach towards caring for…
Frances Mason and Team Answer the Church’s Call to Care for Creation
Frances Mason has devoted much of her life to caring for her community and the natural world. She earned a degree in Forestry from the University of Florida and moved to Blairsville, Georgia to work for the United States Forest Service. When she arrived, there was no St. Francis of Assisi parish yet, just a mission supported by priests of…
Tom Spencer Shares How Feed My Starving Children Unites the Georgia Catholic Community
Over ten thousand spirited basketball fans can fill the Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, but this April, Tom Spencer brought the community together in the spirit of Christian giving. For the third year in a row, Tom has organized a mobile event for Feed My Starving Children – a Christ-centered charity whose mission is to address and uplift children facing…
How Rachael Friedman Helps Build Young Adult Community in Atlanta with the 20/30 Somethings Ministry
The postgraduate, young professional stage can be a significant life transition. Starting a new chapter, potentially in a new city or away from family and friends, can make young adults feel isolated from both the community and their faith. The Cathedral of Christ the King (CTK) recognizes the need for Catholic young adults in metro Atlanta to have a spiritual…
Heritage Ministry and Service Ambassadors Discuss Life-Changing Year at Retreat Center
This past year at Heritage, God set three post-graduate young adults’ paths to converge as they became Ministry and Service Ambassadors. The internship program rang in its first year this past fall, intending to infuse radical hospitality and emulate the teachings of the Catholic Church across the 200 acres in Sharon, Georgia. “I was really feeling drawn to [Heritage]…This…
Neil Johnson Shares His Experience Volunteering with Holy Spirit’s Homeless Ministry
During the coldest part of the year, it is difficult for homeless men in Atlanta to find the necessities to survive. Shelters around the city become beacons of hope as the men work during the day and find refuge from the natural elements at night. Neil Johnson has been serving dinner with the Holy Spirit Catholic Church’s Homeless Ministry at…
All Saints’ World Famous Fish Fry Displays the Archdiocese of Atlanta’s Growing and Diverse Catholic Community
“Luke Skywalker, your food is ready!” Grand Knight E.J. Couvillion announced into his microphone to the packed-out tables scattered throughout the All Saints Catholic Church gymnasium. His voice is loud and booming as he calls each diner to wave their miniature American flag, a signal that allows the Knights of Columbus to navigate through the crowd and hand-serve each…
Pregnancy Aid Clinic’s Sarah Weikert on Saving and Changing Lives in the Atlanta Area
Somewhere in our Archdiocese is a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. She may be homeless, financially struggling, facing domestic violence, or not have the support of her family. Frightened and overwhelmed, she may feel her only option is to terminate her pregnancy. Sarah Weikert has devoted her career to these expecting mothers and families as the Executive Director of the…
How Tessa Liles Supports Campus Ministry at KSU, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“Because of your support to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, the Catholic Center has truly been a space to be myself and be prepared to continue running after the Lord and seeking His will for my life after college. Be assured your support is bearing tremendous fruit.”
Meet Thomas Fagbamiye, Active Member of Black Catholic Ministry, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“By giving to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, you are truly making a difference and embodying the spirit of faith and love as one family. The person who gives with a smile is the best giver because God loves a cheerful giver. Thank you for your support and generosity.”
How Andy Nguyễn Supports the Catholic Vietnamese Community, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“God has given every one of us the biggest gift: “The gift of Life”, His Unconditioned Love and the freedom to choose how we live our lives, by giving to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, we have the opportunity to say to God: “God, I am living and practicing what you are giving and teaching us, use me to spread your words and love to all people”.
Meet Delaney Faas, a Former Campus Ministry Leader at Georgia College & State University, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“When you give to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, your support helps communities like the Georgia College Campus Catholics Ministry which reaches out to students who may be struggling or alone, and give them a place and a family where they and their faith will be nurtured and able to thrive!”
How Kevin Supports Catholic Charities Atlanta with Mental Health Counseling, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“We rely on the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal donations to be able to help the families and individuals we serve. You are being a faithful follower of Christ in showing such generosity to those in need, and you have my deep gratitude and prayers”
Meet Ms. Anderson, Teacher and Alum of Saint Peter Claver Catholic School, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“We nurture in each student a sense of uniqueness—an awareness of his/her self-worth, self-esteem, and God-given talents. Each student is seen as an integral member of the total church, school, home, and civic community. We strive to develop each child’s greatest individual potential and put God at the forefront of all we do.”
Meet Suzie Blaydes, Sacramental Coordinator at the University of Georgia Catholic Center, Funded by Archbishop’s Appeal
“Little did I know God had this opportunity for me all along to do what I have felt strongly called to do: walk with others in their journey to become Catholic or return to their Catholic faith.”