The 34th annual “Catholic Community Foundation Dinner” celebrated Catholic generosity in our community and honored 2019 St. John Paul II Award winner, Peter “Pete” R. Quirk, at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on Thursday, October 10. The award is given annually to a person who exhibits high moral character, exemplary values and unselfish volunteer service to the institutions and programs of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Two videos were presented at the dinner. The first video detailed the good work going on within the archdiocese, which helped attendees to “find themselves within their community.” Interviewees included Fr. Emmanuel Mulenga, pastor of St. Augustine Church; Timmy McCaffery, director of CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministries; Shannon Bland, head of school at St. Thérèse Academy; and Dominican Sisters of Peace Sr. Suzanne Brauer, Sr. Pat Thomas and Sr. Ceal Warner of the Peace Center.
A surprise tribute video honored Mr. Quirk’s years of volunteer service. Several of his friends and colleagues were featured, including the Honorable Jay C. Zainey, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Dr. RaeNell Houston, and Very Rev. Jim Wehner, Rector/President of Notre Dame Seminary and congratulated Mr. Quirk on the award. The highlight of the video were participants of the God’s Special Children’s Mass, which Mr. Quirk tirelessly helps facilitate, giving their thanks.
Mr. Quirk’s wife, Marilyn Quirk, won the award in 2016. Previous award recipients also include Mary Jane and John Becker, Mary Ann Valentino, Michael O. Read, Betty Lauricella, the late Deacon Everett J. Williams, Leon J. Reymond Jr., Dr. Jack A. Andonie, John P. Laborde, Judge Jay C. Zainey, Anne and Jack Dardis, Sharon Rodi, and – in 2018 – Miles Gordon Stevens, III.
The annual Dinner Committee is Co-Chaired by Patricia T. “Patsy” Hotard, Anne Dardis and Cindy Nolan.
Event at a Glance
What: 34th annual “Catholic Community Foundation Dinner”
When: Thursday, October 10, 2019
Where: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Archbishop Aymond, Marilyn Quirk, Honoree Peter “Pete” R. Quirk and Cory Howat
Quinn and Karen Eagan with Mary Jane and John Becker
