By Michael Oliveira
Since the age of 8, Isabella Carlisle has been an active member of the North Attleborough Transfiguration of the Lord Parish.
Carlisle, 18, recently received the Pope St. Pius X Award for her years of service to the North Attleborough church and its community. She and her family have been members for many years, and she began her service as an altar-server.
“It’s an honor and I am very happy that I got it,” said Carlisle of the award. “I love my church, and I love the people in my community that I go to service with.”
On Monday, May 6, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V. presented the award to 44 youths from parishes throughout the Diocese of Fall River.
The annual award was first presented in 2001 and it recognizes teens who serve their parish community with selflessness, commitment, and dedication, according to an announcement for the award. Pope St. Pius X Youth Award recipients must have already received the Sacrament of Confirmation, be at least a sophomore in high school and not older than 19.
The award itself is a medal bearing the image of St. Pius X along with his motto, “Restore all things in Christ.”
Recipients for the Pope St Pius X Youth Award are nominated for their honor by their pastor and support their parishes and community through a variety of ministries and activities.
Some are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, religious ed teachers, and youth group leaders; others have worked on food and clothing drives and volunteered to assist children with disabilities.
One pastor noted his parish recipient had organized a fundraiser to support war relief efforts in Ukraine.
“It means a lot, I love it, I feel like it brings me closer with my church and everyone in it,” Carlisle said. “It brings me closer to God and really makes me happy being able to help out, and get to know people. It’s just amazing.”
