2026 Honorees

 Joseph & Karen Jaworski
Diocese of Paterson Bishop's Award

Their journey together began at Karen’s home parish, St. Christopher’s in Parsippany, NJ, where, after graduating from college, Joe and Karen met while serving as part of a team teaching confirmation classes to high school students. They were married shortly thereafter in 1989 at St. Joseph’s Church in West Milford, NJ. 

Recognizing marriage as a sacred sacrament and vocation from God, Joe and Karen first became involved in the Pre-Cana marriage preparation program at St. Lawrence in the 1990s as a young married couple. For more than thirty years, they have continued to lead and support this ministry, helping to guide over 450 couples as they prepare to enter the sacrament of marriage. 

Joe and Karen are blessed with two beautiful and intelligent daughters, Kasia and Krista, who have proudly carried forward their parents’ commitment to Catholic education, graduating from Villanova University and Saint Joseph’s University. 

Karen has devoted decades of faithful service to St. Lawrence Church, serving as parish secretary for more than twenty years and as a cantor for more than thirty years. Through her ministry of music, she has shared her gift of song at weekly masses, as well as at countless weddings and funerals throughout the Diocese. 

Joe, a professional engineer by trade, has generously offered his time and talents to St. Lawrence by providing consultation and engineering guidance for numerous maintenance projects. He has also volunteered his carpentry skills at the Bethlehem Hermitage in Chester, NJ, and serves as coordinator of the annual St. Lawrence golf outing fundraiser. A member of the initial Cornerstone Team, Joe has served multiple times as a witness and helped expand this men’s ministry to parishes throughout the Diocese. 

The Jaworskis further demonstrate their generosity through their faithful support of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal which provides financial support for senior priests in retirement, the education of seminarians, inner-city area Catholic education, and Catholic Charities. They also provide philanthropic support to Villanova University and Saint Joseph’s University and continue to support the many ministries of Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson. 

Sr. Theresa lee, f.m.a.
Fr. Jack Wehrlen Award

In her current role, Sr. Theresa works closely with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on a wide range of diocesan projects. She also serves as a dedicated and compassionate presence for the men and women of religious communities throughout the diocese, acting as a liaison between them and the bishop while keeping Pope Leo, Bishop Sweeney, her Chancery team, and all the people of the diocese in her prayers. 

Born in Korea as the second of four daughters, Sr. Theresa came to the United States at a young age and was raised in parishes in Orange, Jersey City, and Park Ridge within the Archdiocese of Newark. Weekly Mass with her family and her early years in Catholic school helped build the strong foundation of faith that would shape her life. 

After graduating from Williams College in 1988, Sr. Theresa initially considered becoming a teacher. Soon after, however, a retreat at St. Andrew Kim Parish in Orange changed the course of her life. “While praying, I had a moment of clarity,” she recalled. “I felt the call to this vocation, which gave me pure joy and peace that could only be divinely inspired.” During that period, she worked in New York City and devoted time before and after work to God by praying the rosary and attending daily Mass. In 1996, she entered the Salesian Sisters, whose strong prayer life, simple lifestyle, and mission to serve the young and the poor inspired her. 

Before being appointed chancellor, Sr. Theresa served as director of VIDES-East USA, an organization that offers young adults opportunities to volunteer in the United States and in countries around the world where the Salesians serve. She has also ministered in education and formation within her order, including serving as vocations director from 2015 to 2022. 

When announcing her appointment as diocesan chancellor in 2023, Bishop Sweeney said Sr. Theresa “radiates the joy of the Gospel and is well grounded in the charisms of her [Salesian] founders, St. Bosco and Mother Mary Mazzarello.” That spirit is evident in the way she serves each day. 

Information gathered from: 

Michael Wojcik (2023) Diocese welcomes Salesian Sister Theresa Lee as new chancellor February 2, 2023, The Beacon

Jonathan camiolo

"We Care, We Share" Outreach Fund, Church of Christ the King

Msgr. Mark Giordani Award

Over the years, Jonathan Camiolo and the “We Care, We Share” Outreach Fund have been a steadfast partner to Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, providing generous support to numerous programs serving our most vulnerable neighbors. In addition to helping fund the recent renovation of the Fr. English Food Pantry, the fund has supported food pantry initiatives throughout the Diocese, helping provide nutritious food and essential resources to families facing hardship. Its generosity has also benefited the Department for Persons with Disabilities group homes, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and has supported programs for seniors that help older adults remain connected, engaged, and cared for in their communities. Through these investments, the fund has strengthened Catholic Charities’ mission of providing help, creating hope, and building a more compassionate community.

The “We Care, We Share” Outreach Fund was established in 2017 through a bequest dedicated to supporting current and future outreach programs that help those in need. Donations from parishioners of Christ the King Parish, Harding, NJ are matched dollar for dollar from the interest generated by the bequest.

Jonathan Camiolo is pastoral associate at Christ the King and coordinator of the fund, overseeing the management and administration, and is an integral part of the multi-faceted program.

The fund primarily serves non-profit organizations within the Paterson Diocesan boundaries (Morris, Passaic and Sussex Counties) and particularly within the surrounding communities of the Parish. Funding is designated for non-operational needs that enhance an organization’s mission and effectiveness. The application process is open to any organization meeting the criteria regardless of religious affiliation.

Pastor, Father Brian Sullivan reflected on the impact of the fund: “The generosity of the parishioners who participate in this program has its origin in their blessedness. The ‘We Care, We Share’ Outreach Fund is a way for grateful or should I say ‘blessed’ people to share their blessings with others. It is a tangible way for us to love our neighbors throughout the Diocese.”

Founded in love, the fund continues to thrive through the generosity of Christ the King parishioners, serving as a lasting expression of the Gospel call to care for our neighbors and support those most in need.

Source:
Cecile Pagliarulo (November 5, 2020) New Vernon parish invites local organizations to apply for funding, rcdop.org/news/we-care-we-share 

 Paul r. Natoli
Fr. Norman James O'Connor Award

As President, Chief Executive Officer, and Sole Principal of Natoli Construction, Paul is responsible for all company operations. Clients value his hands-on approach and accessibility. 

Paul graduated with Highest Distinction in Construction Management & Engineering from Purdue University in 1989, joined Natoli Construction, and worked his way up the company’s ranks to CEO, President and Sole Owner.  Under Paul’s leadership, the company increased its growth and reputation which allowed the company to be awarded high-profile projects with prestigious clients, including major renovations of the Statue of Liberty and construction of the New York Giants headquarters and training facilities, among other notable buildings. 

An advocate for the construction industry, Paul is an executive board member as well as Chairman of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) and past president of the Building Contractors Association of New Jersey (BCANJ). He has also served as a member of the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Advisory Committee and Rutgers University’s Construction Project Management Certificate Program Advisory Board. 

In 2020, Paul was honored with a Catholic Charities Lifetime Achievement Award for his longtime service to the Department for Persons with Disabilities’ ministry of caring, including his participation on its Long-Term Senior Care and Casey Classic Golf Outing committees. The Boy Scouts of America, Patriots Path Council also recognized Paul’s extensive volunteer efforts with a 2016 Man of the Year Award.  Paul is Past President of the Board of Governors of Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, New Jersey, and currently sits on its Membership Committee. 

Paul resides in Mountain Lakes with his wife, Dawn.  They have two grown children, Nicole and John.