The award serves as a recognition and affirmation of another’s service that directly affected the beginning, development, or expansion of pastoral care to separated, divorced, and remarried Catholic families.

The award recognizes that service can be expressed in a variety of ways, such as: support group ministry; program development; transformational leadership; research; teaching; outreach at the parish, (arch)diocesan, regional, national, and international levels; movements; organizations; writing, etc.

The award strives to identify some critical contributions that directly benefited the community of separated, divorced, and remarried Catholics and ministry to these families.  While the original contribution may have been intended for a specific community, the award acknowledges that such a service has impact for the larger community as well.  Such impact may be known either before the award or as a result of the award.

The award is open to any person, organization, movement, etc., that fulfills the requirement of the criteria stated above.  The award shall be awarded to those who have contributed to this ministry’s growth or development whether they are or are not members of CDM/NACSDC.

The award process should include flexibility and variety so that the type of person(s) selected and the rationale for the award vary from year to year.  Such a process would, over time, educate the community to the full range of significant actions and persons who have helped to shape this ministry since its beginnings.  Candidates should have contributed to this ministry in as many of the following areas as possible: international, regional, rural, metropolitan, etc.

The award process should not replace recognition at the local level and will not be based on the number of votes (letters of recommendation) accompanying each nomination.  The award is not based on popularity.

All nominations should provide the following information in six separate sections as noted (download nomination forms at top of right sidebar):

1. Name and complete contact information of award candidate.  Include telephone number and e-mail address if available.
    
2. Name and complete contact information of nominator(s).  Include telephone number and e-mail address if available.
    
3. On what levels (international, regional, diocesan, etc.) of this ministry and in which roles has the candidate participated?
    
4. What significant contributions (please be specific) has the candidate made to this ministry and in what period of time were these contributions made?
    
5. What skills does the candidate possess that has made him or her effective in this ministry?
    
6. How does the candidate most exemplify the mission of CDM/NACSDC?

Email, FAX, or mail nominations to the CDM/NACSDC Central Office (see left sidebar).  Nominations received after January 31 are held for the following award year.