
Gilda Johnson, St. Joseph, Ronkonkoma (with her son Gerard and pastor Father Michael Maffeo): Having served the parish for over 40 years, Gilda is currently in choir, an adult leader for the parish’s venturing crew, works on living stations of the cross on Good Friday, is a member of the parish council, and is always ready to help at parish functions.

Robert Yeomans, St. John the Evangelist, Riverhead (with his wife, Genevieve and pastor Father Lawrence Duncklee): Bob has been a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion for years. He is also a very reflective member of the parish vision council, and an active member of the social ministry program. His greatest contribution, however, has been as parish coordinator of right to life activities.

Joseph Pontieri, Maria Regina, Seaford (with Father Stephen Morris): A parishioner for over 25 years, Joseph has been a member and officer of the Holy Name Society, an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, worked on several parish outreach efforts, and coordinated the family festival. On average, he volunteers between 30 and 40 hours per week for the parish.

Lois and Walter Magistro, St. William the Abbot, Seaford (with pastor Father Robert Hayden): Walter and Lois taught high school CCD for 12 years, and have been on the RCIA team for 30 years, most of them as chairpersons. They have been active in the in-parish retreat, small Christian communities, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Lois has been a member of then liturgy committee, the Christmas fair, and bingo. Walter serves on the golf outing committee and the buildings and grounds committee.

Mary Haberkorn, St. Mark, Shoreham: Mary was a dedicated religious education teacher for over 20 years, and has also served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. She has taken a leadership role in CYO and the parish adult faith sharing community. She has also taken loving care of her special needs son, Jackie, for over 60 years, and despite the loss of her loving husband, Charles, remains a strong faith inspiration to the parish.

Margaret Reardon, St. Louis de Montfort, Sound Beach (with pastor Father Charles Papa): For more than 25 years Peggy, one of the pillars of the parish, has volunteered in parish outreach. She has assisted in the preschool since its inception in 1996. She is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a religious education catechist, and has served on the stewardship, hospitality, picnic and stamp stewards committees.

Fred Weinfurt, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Southampton (with pastor Father Jeffrey Madley): A “great support” to the parish and pastor, Fred has served as chairperson of the parish council; trustee; member of the finance committee; co-chair of the journal and member of the organizing committee for the church’s 100th anniversary; helper at the parish barbecue; and chairperson of the annual $10,000 church raffle.

Jean and Victor Valente, SS. Philip and James, St. James (with pastor Father Anthony Stanganelli): Besides involvement in various liturgical ministries over the last 20 years, Victor and Jean established a program called “Beyond our Borders,” providing outreach to poverty stricken areas both locally and abroad. Recently, their outreach has built libraries, clinics and educational facilities in Ghana. They have consistently connected the parish to the needs of the poor and destitute in Africa.
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