Madeleine Medals awarded

Intermountain Catholic

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Saint Francis Xavier parishioners Ernie Cordova (left) and Tilly Cordova receive a Madeleine Medal of Appreciation for Faithful Service from Father Robert Moriarty, pastor. IC photo/Christine Young

KEARNS/SANDY — Three Diocese of Salt Lake City parishioners were recently awarded the Madeleine Medal of Appreciation for Faithful Service by their pastors. (See below for information about the medal.)

Father Robert Moriarty, pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Kearns, presented Ernie and Tilly Cordova with the Madeleine Medal; and Sharon Jackson received a Madeleine Medal from her pastor, Monsignor Robert Servatius, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy.

The Cordovas have belonged to St. Francis Xavier for 50 years and have given exceptional and outstanding service to the parish, said Fr. Moriarty.

"They started the Spanish choir and sang in it for many years," he said. "They also have been leaders in the Hispanic community from the beginning and were instrumental in supporting the effort to have Spanish Masses celebrated at the parish. Without people like Ernie and Tilly we wouldn’t have the foundation to minister to the Spanish-speaking people that make up about 70 percent of our parish."

The couple has also volunteered to clean the church for the last five years, have coordinated and assisted in numerous repair projects for the parish, and serve as bereavement ministers. Ernie serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and has served as an usher and on the parish council.

"Thanks largely to Ernie’s fine example and recruiting efforts, St. Francis Knights of Columbus Council 5214 has one of the largest numbers of Spanish-speaking members in the state," said Fr. Moriarty. "His new position is as an RCIA leader."

The Catholic faith has always been a large part of the couples’ lives. "I was born a Catholic and raised a Catholic," said Ernie. "We raised our children to be Catholic."

The Cordovas also cleaned St. Catherine of Siena Newman Center for many years when they were members and even after. "I started cleaning the church because I was having problems with my back and I prayed to God during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, saying I would clean as long as he would let me, and he helped me," said Ernie.

"We feel humbled and honored to receive the award," said Tilly.

Jackson became the pastoral associate of Blessed Sacrament Parish seven years ago. Prior to that she was the office manager; she also served as director of religious education after being a catechist. She became a member of the parish 23 years ago after moving to Utah from California, where she grew up.

Jackson has been involved with many of the parish ministries and in administration, said Msgr. Servatius. "She is often the first contact people have when they phone or come into the office, and she was right on top of things in the parish during my recent illnesses," he said. "There are many people who do a lot of service, but she is head and shoulders above the rest. So when Msgr. Bircumshaw sent out the notice about the medal, one-half second later I had made up my mind. The award is kind of the diocesan version of the universal church’s papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, so to have something local is a good decision."

Jackson was humbled and completely taken by surprise to receive the award, she said.

"I have a strong commitment to parish life as an ideal, to this parish particularly, and I don’t have extended family in Utah so the parish has become my extended family. I put the people first and try not to let paperwork get in the way if someone needs hands-on attention. Both of my parents, especially my dad, taught me a strong work ethic as far as always doing more than you are expected to do and not worry about being paid for it. I don’t think I have ever had a job that I have loved as much as this one."