YOUNGSTOWN — Nominations are being sought to recognize outstanding Catholic school upperclassmen with the Diocesan Eagle of the Cross awards.

The Rev. John Zuraw, chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, said the Eagle of the Cross Award was originally created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and is the highest honor the Diocese of Youngstown presents to youth who “show particular zeal for the improvement of their parish youth ministry program, high school ministry teams or other ministries within the diocese.”

He said those who know a high school junior or senior active in their parish and / or diocesan Catholic school who is a role model of Christian leadership can nominate them for the 22nd annual Eagle of the Cross Award.

Criteria is the nominees must be a practicing Roman Catholic and exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayerful / spiritual life, personal outreach to church and community, contribution to parish and / or school programs, and Christian leadership. Involvement in diocesan programs also will be considered.

Zuraw said teens are nominated by adults who complete short essay questions regarding the nominee’s participation in parish and / or Catholic high school youth ministry programs as well as providing specific examples of the qualities.

Nominations must be postmarked by Feb. 12 or delivered to the diocese no later than 3 p.m. Feb. 14. The nomination form is available at: http://youngstownoyyam.

weebly.com/eagle-of-cross-awards.html.

All nominators must obtain the signature of the nominee’s pastor / administrator as well as the high school principal / president for Catholic school nominees prior to submission.

Nominees in the Catholic high school category must attend one of the six Catholic high schools within the six-county Diocese of Youngstown: Warren JFK, Ursuline and Mooney in Youngstown, St. Thomas Aquinas in Louisville, St. John in Ashtabula and Canton Central Catholic.

For more information, contact the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, 330-744-8451, Ext. 280.

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