Office of Urban Affairs holds annual awards dinner

Mr. Patrick Joseph Smyth was honored for his long term of service as Executive Director of the Office of Urban Affairs.

(10-16-2008) - The Office of Urban Affairs' 40th anniversary dinner and awards ceremony held at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville was highlighted by the presentation of honorees by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell. A special award was presented by the Archbishop to Dr. Charles Schlegel for his 40 years of volunteer service to Cooperative Parish Sharing. The Most Reverend Joseph F. Donnelly Memorial Award to an outstanding individual was presented to Patrick Joseph Smyth, former longtime executive director of the Office of Urban Affairs. The Most Reverend Joseph F. Donnelly Memorial Award for an organization was given to St. Martin de Porres Academy in New Haven, and accepted by Mr. Jay Bowes, President. The Reverend Drew Christiansen, S.J., Editor of America Magazine, gave the keynote address.

Mr. Jay Bowes, President of St. Martin de Porres Academy, New Haven, accepts the Most Reverend Bishop Joseph F. Donnelly Memorial Award on behalf of the academy from Archbishop Mansell.	Archbishop Mansell presents special award to Dr. Charles Schlegel for his 40 years of volunteer service to Cooperative Parish Sharing.
Keynote speaker Reverend Drew Christiansen, S.J., Editor-in-Chief of America Magazine, delivers address to attendees.	Cori Thibodeau, Executive Director of the Office of Urban Affairs, welcomes participants during her executive report.