Diocese recognizes parishioners living the ‘Joy of the Gospel’

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Bishop Mulvey presents the Evangelii Guadium award to Dulak for her work with parishes as a diocesan employee.

Photos by Alfredo E. Cardenas, South Texas Catholic

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In his exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” Pope Francis said, “A true missionary, who never ceases to be a disciple, knows that Jesus walks with him, speaks to him, breathes with him, works with him. He senses Jesus alive with him in the midst of the missionary enterprise.” Ethel Dulak knows well the meaning of the Holy Father’s words.

So do the other 65 recipients of the “Evangelii Gaudium” recognition bestowed on them by Bishop Michael Mulvey on the solemnity of Corpus Christi. This was the inaugural year for the awards, named for Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel,” which are planned to be an annual observance during the celebration of the titular feast of the diocese.

Elda Olvera, recipient from Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Alice was instrumental in the parish receiving a national award.

“The award recognizes and acknowledges individuals and couples for their exemplification of Gospel values at their local parish.” Bishop Mulvey said.

Forty parishes in the diocese nominated individuals or couples-volunteers or paid employees-for the award. Nominees were required to manifest the Word of God in action through service, be both humble and joyful and be in good standing with the Catholic Church.

“I thank you for taking up that chalice of suffering, the chalice of joy, the chalice of following Jesus Christ in responding in your own ministry and life for responding to the Body and Blood of the Lord,” Bishop Mulvey said in his homily at the Mass honoring the recipients.

Dulak was Bishop Mulvey’s nominee for her work with parishes as a diocesan employee. “Thank you for the witness that you give in your parish as disciples of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Mulvey told her.

“I feel very humbled. It’s a great honor,” Dulak said. “I believe in parish work; it should be done unceasingly as you pray unceasingly. The church parking lot should be full and the church should be full.”

Dulak, a convert to the faith, came to work with the Diocese of Corpus Christi in January 2008 as the associate director of development. Her duties primarily involved assisting parishes with implementing stewardship ministries. During her time with the diocese she assisted some 31 parishes in some manner.

“Pastors who were willing to let parishioners get involved in ministry were the successful parishes,” she said.

Dennis and Carol Mauer, recipients from St. George Parish in George West.

Indeed a number of the recipients of the “Evangelii Gaudium” award were from parishes Dulak helped. Among them was Elda Olvera from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Alice. In 2013, Our Lady of Guadalupe received The International Catholic Stewardship Council’s Parish Stewardship Commitment Renewal award.

“Her way of walking with us through the whole process made it easier to prepare parishioners to accept the notion of stewardship,” Father Julian Cabrera of Our Lady of Guadalupe said of Dulak. “She came across as living out the call to evangelize. It was not theory to her, it was living her faith.”

Also recognized were Nick and Laly Cardenas from Our Lady of Victory in Beeville and Dennis and Carol Mauer from St. George in George West, two other parishes that established successful stewardship programs with Dulak’s assistance.

Father George Johnson, pastor at St. George said Dulak, “played a great role in forming our stewardship committee. She attended all its meetings, was always there when we needed her, she knew everyone on the committee by name.”

“A true commitment to her faith showed in all her actions,” Father Johnson said.

Lupita Gonzalez, a 92 year-old recipient from St. Joseph in Alice was the oldest recipient of the Evangelii Guadium award.

“In the Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis talks about going out...I saw her do it...when she got sick she didn’t let up until her health kept her from going out,” said Cande De Leon, director of Parish Stewardship for the Diocese of Corpus Christi. “She hurt because she could not do it; she didn’t complain once. It was beautiful. She lived it.”

Dulak was afflicted with cancer but remained engaged in her mission while undergoing therapy. “She was relentless, she was inspiring,” De Leon said. It was not uncommon for her to work 50-60 hour weeks. “Not because she had to, because she wanted to.”

“That’s what it takes. She never complained,” De Leon said. “Every parish is unique, she would adapt–there was never a priest that didn’t want her help. We never got a complaint from any priest or parishioner. She helped the diocese look good.”

Due to her health, on March 2014 Dulak asked to be transferred to the Office of Life, Justice and Human Dignity and the Office of Family Life as their administrative assistant. “She brought a wealth of experience to the office which helped us a lot,” Deacon Stephen Nolte said. Dulak’s previous stewardship work with parishes doing couples retreats and assisting with prison ministry was a “good fit” for her new assignment. Dulak retired on May 29, 2015, one week before her recognition.

Nick and Laly Cardenas, recipients from Our Lady of Victory Parish in Beeville.

Those recognized included Robert and Lydia Boemker, Christ the King; Debbie Shea, Corpus Christi Cathedral; Fern Carter, Holy Cross Church; Miguel and Michelle Aguas, Holy Family; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Gomez, Immaculate Conception, Gregory; Patrick Norrell, Most Precious Blood; David Sanchez, Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos, Madre de la Iglesia; Ronnie and Debbie Unterbrink, Our Lady of Consolation; Mary Pena, Our Lady of Good Counsel; Leo and Sylvia Villarreal, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sarita; Elda Olvera, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Alice; Carlene Read, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Portland; Gladys Knott, Our Lady of Refuge; Nick and Laly Cardenas, Our Lady of Victory; Gerad and Miriam Winkler, Our Lady Star of the Sea; John and Leola Walbroehl, Sacred Heart, Mathis; Joe and Patricia Constante, Sacred Heart Mission, Pettus; Marleigh Martinez, Santa Rosa de Lima; Dr. Bill and Minnie Dennis, Ss. Cyril & Methodius; Joseph Alexander, St. Andrew by the Sea; Ted and Virginia Hernandez, St. Anthony, Robstown; Jerome and Johanna Kalinec, St. Elizabeth of Hungary; Belinda O. Rivera, St. Frances of Rome; Dennis and Carol Maurer, St. George; Steve and Kathryn Gulding, St. Helena of the True Cross; Veronica Rocha, St. James, Refugio; Terrie and David Silva, St. John of the Cross; James Coburn, St. John the Baptist; Guadalupe “Lupita” Gonzalez, St. Joseph, Alice; Johnny and Ida Padilla, St. Joseph, Beeville; Robert and Gracie Mirabal, St. Joseph, Corpus Christi; Armando and Alma Lopes, St. Joseph Mission, San Jose; Maria P. Munoz, St. Joseph the Worker, Kingsville; Victor Montez, St. Martin of Tours; Jim and Linda West, St. Patrick, Corpus Christi; Deacon Francisco and Debbie Rodriguez, St. Paul the Apostle; Jo Ella Menn, St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles; Delia Garza, St. Philip the Apostle; Robert and Sue Becquet, St. Pius X, Corpus Christi; Abel and Elizabeth Perez, St. Pius X Mission, Sandia; and Alma Salazar, St. Theresa, Premont.