The Sister Grace Nolan Award for Social Ministry

ALYCE PARKER is the Vice President of Public Affairs for Harrah’s Entertainment, the world’s largest gaming and entertainment company.  She is directly responsible for all media, governmental, and community relations for five locations in Atlantic City:  Harrah’s Resort, Bally’s, Showboat, Caesars, and the Atlantic City Country Club.  Throughout her career Alyce has supported many people and agencies in South Jersey.  She has worked with hospitals, youth organizations, and government agencies.  Through her community involvement, she has developed a special relationship and devotion to Catholic Charities where she sincerely supports their mission of service to over 40,000 individuals and families throughout South Jersey.  She especially sees the value of Catholic Charity’s service to the poor and needy on an inclusive, non-discriminatory, non-sectarian basis.

The Msgr. Michael Doyle and Msgr. Robert McDermott Award for Parish and Community Ministry

SISTER HELEN OWENS A native of the Bronx, Sister Helen worked as a mission nurse in Bolivia in the 1960s and 1970s before joining Lourdes in 1979 as director of community health education. That year, she established the Lourdes Wellness Center, the first hospital-based health program geared to improve residents' health and lifestyle. In 1980, she founded The Bridge, a nationally recognized program that positively supports the psychological, social and spiritual needs of adolescents. In 1993, Sister Helen developed the Lourdes Institute of Wholistic Studies, and in 2003 was instrumental in opening Lourdes' integrative family medicine practice, which blends complementary care with mainstream medicine. Vice president since 1986, she is responsible for promoting Lourdes' mission, vision and values throughout the organization.

The Peter J. O’Connor Award for Social Justice

CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA In honor of 100 years of helping others!  Since 1910 Catholic Charities USA has been providing service to people in need, advocating for justice in social structures, and has called the entire church and other people of god to do the same. Through their leadership Catholic Charities USA has assisted  it’s membership, particularly the diocesan Catholic Charities agencies and supporting group members, in their mission of service, advocacy and convening.  Believing in the presence of God in their midst, they proclaim the sanctity of human life and the dignity of the person by sharing in the mission of Jesus given to the Church. To this end, Catholic Charities USA works with individuals, families and communities to help them meet their needs, address their issues, eliminate oppression, and build a just and compassionate society.

The Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership

ROBERT T. HEALEY Robert T. Healey has brought his entrepreneurial spirit to many philanthropic ventures. He combines a commitment to Catholic values with the drive of a business executive who has been part of many successful ventures.

In addition to practicing law for 25 years in New Jersey’s state and federal courts, Bob joined his brother, Bill, in founding Viking Yacht Company. With Bob concentrating on the financial and business sides and Bill focusing on the design, engineering, production, and performance side, the brothers grew their partnership into the Viking Group, comprising the Viking Yacht Company, Viking Sport Cruisers, and five other marine businesses.

A lifelong, deeply felt commitment to Catholic values has led Bob to devote considerable time and resources to effecting positive change with the Church, especially in the field of education. He considers the revitalization of Catholic schools to be his personal ministry and eventual legacy.