Frances Mann, who has been teaching the faith to young people for 28 years, is this year’s CCD Teacher of the Year, an award given by the Knights of Columbus New Jersey State Council.
Mann has spent the past 12 years teaching at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gibbsboro, where she teaches three days a week conducting five sessions of Sacred Scripture, both Old and New Testament. She teaches children ages 8-11.
“In a typical week, she personally touches the lives of approximately 70 children in this program. Frances’ reach goes beyond those children in her classes because she also prepares other catechists to ‘follow in her footsteps.’ She trains and instructs other teachers to handle the enrollment of over 800 children in the program,” the Knights said in announcing the award.
“Fran’s love of the Gospel and her desire to spread the love of the Lord extends to other areas of Lifelong Faith Formation since she makes regular presentations to RCIA candidates and catechumens throughout the Liturgical Year,” the statement continued. “Her goal is to help others to discover the true meaning of the Gospel texts. Each week she ‘breaks open the Word’ and helps others to connect the meaning of the Gospel to their lives.”
Mann is also an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and lector at St. Andrew, and an assistant troop leader and liaison for all religious awards for the Girls Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey.
The award was announced during the Knights’ annual convention in May in Wildwood. The Knights also announced that Mann’s pastor, Msgr. Louis A. Marucci, was named Chaplain of the Year.
The award was based on his accomplishments as pastor, chaplain of St. Jude Council 6551 Knights of Columbus in Gibbsboro and his work as executive director of the Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra.
In announcing the award, the Knights singled out Msgr. Marucci’s Christmas Eve Mass broadcast to troops overseas.
While corresponding with a parishioner serving his third tour in Afghanistan, Msgr. Marucci learned he was in a remote location and would not have access to a Christmas Mass. The priest developed a partnership with NBC10 to do a live webcast of a Christmas Eve Mass.
“The Pentagon advised troops worldwide of this viewing opportunity and the Mass brought spiritual comfort to troops all over the world,” the Knights said. This Mass, dubbed “Operation Christmas Eve” can still be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUc40iXqavw.
Mann’s award was presented to her by Jim Brennan and Msgr. Marucci at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish. Msgr. Marucci received his award at a dinner celebrating his 25th anniversary as a priest by Jim Brennan Grand Knight of St. Jude Council.
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