Two Mount Seniors Awarded by the Diocese of Metuchen

The Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry presented special awards to two Mount Saint Mary Academy students during a ceremony on Saturday, January 25, at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen. Bishop James F. Checchio congratulated Katherine Byrne ’25 and Manuela Roncancio-Roldan ’25 on being recognized for their extraordinary spiritual and outreach endeavors.

Katherine and Manuela received the St. Timothy Award, which is given annually to high school youth who live as disciples of Christ, set a positive example for other youth, witness to their faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity, demonstrate Gospel values through service to others, and exhibit Christian leadership in parish, school, and/or community settings.

Along with her role as Peer Minister at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Manuela has demonstrated a strong devotion to her faith through her acts of loving service.  Not only does Manuela volunteer with her family at local soup kitchens and clothing drives, she spent her summer as a camp counselor for children with bloodborne diseases.

In addition to the St. Timothy Award, Katherine was presented the St. Teresa of Calcutta Award. Bishop James F. Checchio congratulated Katherine on being one of only 6 students in the diocese to receive the award. This distinction is given to a student who follows St. Mother Teresa's example by their "witness to the faith and fervor in prayer and love" and "demonstration of Christian Charity in service to the poor, lonely, sick, and homeless."

Katherine Byrne has shown a tireless commitment to guiding young people in their faith in her many roles: as a Peer Minister, H.O.P.E. Club leader, and Respect Life Club member at Mount Saint Mary Academy. She also plays guitar at the liturgies held at the Academy. Katherine is an assistant director at Vacation Bible School at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains, as well as a youth volunteer at the parish’s Adaptive Family Faith formation group. With her parish’s youth group, Katherine had the opportunity to attend the Steubenville Youth Conference. Through Buddies on the Hill, she plays games and does crafts with the children. Additionally, Katie has been a dedicated Girl Scout for 13 years during which she has contributed to service projects that help veterans, mothers struggling with addiction, the homeless, and the homebound. 

"I am very honored to receive this award," said Katherine. "Faith has always been an important part of my life. Jesus taught us to love and value everyone, so as a Catholic, I try to do just that. I always try to be welcoming and kind to all, and to treat everyone with respect and acceptance, no matter who they are. It was very inspiring to see so many other young people excited about their faith," she said. "I also try to bear witness to my faith through service to others.”

Katie Schmidt, Theology Department Chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy, stated, “The Mount is incredibly proud of the commitment to service that so many members of our Mount student body exemplify. In particular, this year’s recipients of the Diocesan awards are shining examples of Christian leadership and the values imparted by the Sisters of Mercy. These young women epitomize the spirit of Venerable Catherine McAuley through their determination to go out into the community and serve, while also recognizing the importance of showing care and kindness to those right in front of them.”

“We commend them on their tireless commitment to live out the Gospel and bring Christ to all they encounter, and we congratulate them on this great honor from the Diocese of Metuchen,” concluded Mrs. Schmidt.