Religion in brief AWARD GIVEN TO CASWELL WOMAN

Marjorie Campbell was given the 2007 Bishop Amedee Proulx Award on July 7 at St. Joseph Church in Hamlin for her “tireless, self-less works of mercy throughout her community,” according to a Catholic Charities Maine press release. State Rep. Bernard Ayotte also presented her with a special proclamation from the Maine Legislature. Campbell was surrounded by family, friends, local Marist priests, Bishop Richard Malone and Catholic Charities Maine staff. “Life in the St. John Valley is not always easy and many people have to go without. Ms. Campbell has become a ray of sunshine to those in need and a sign of hope for the hopeless,” commented the Rev. Maciej Pawlowski, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Church in Hamlin. For more than 43 years, she has served in many different roles in her parish, including sacristan, eucharistic minister and director of religious education for the children. She also started a thrift store and later a food pantry to serve the needy in the community. The award was established to recognize an individual or individuals in Maine whose contributions reflect the mission of Catholic Charities Maine and foster the social teachings of Jesus Christ. It is given for outstanding volunteer service to the parish and-or the community in the past year or years. Artheline Bernier wrote the nomination letter.