On Saturday, Bishop Richard Malone of the Diocese of Buffalo recognized the recipients of the St. Joseph the Worker awards, Joanne Goetz and Rita Moriarty.

Joanne Goetz is a Fredonia resident and member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 45 years. She is often spoken of as quiet, kind, gentle and faith-filled. For a number of years, Goetz worked as church secretary, keeping order within the Parish. She served on the parish council and is still a current member of the new pastoral council. Every week, Goetz tends to the church, straightening books, discarding bulletins and papers, updating the bulletin board and filling votives.

She takes great care in polishing candle holders, washing glass votive holders and washing and filling the Holy Water bowls. For special events, she makes flyers and handles all the bulk mailings on her own, stuffing envelopes, labeling and getting them to the post office. Despite personal health issues and day-to-day life concerns, she can always be counted on for her smile and helping hand. Shut-ins within the parish and those who need a little lift in their lives look forward to her holiday cards and notes — often handmade — that she and other ladies send. She is patient and caring, and loved by her fellow church members.

Rita D. Moriarty of Fredonia has been a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for the past 25 years. She serves as a Eucharistic Minister, was a former bingo worker, is a counter of the Sunday collections and assists with the annual Catholic Charities campaign.

Moriarty gives graciously of her time to care for flowers in the church whenever needed, fill candles and help maintain the votive candle displays, as well as address the alter dressings. Each month, she assists in any way that is needed to help carry out the parish socials, welcoming adults and children to the parish. Her welcoming spirit is cherished by all.