Father Warren Harvey presented the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics’ 2007 Daniel Rudd Memorial Award to Phil and Edwina Thierry of St. Augustine Church in North Little Rock. The couple were recognized at the close of the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass Jan. 13 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock.
The honor is given each year to celebrate a black lay leader who exhibits a great love for the faith and community leadership.
This year the Thierrys were recognized as a couple for their parish and diocesan leadership as well as ministry at the Little Rock Air Force Base. They have also sponsored an African family to the United States and supported them financially and spiritually for two to three years.
“They both work closely with the Air Force transferees in becoming adjusted to a new environment, by welcoming them and introducing them to others in their cultural, religious and economical background,” said Verdell Bunting, vice president of DCBC, who introduced the Thierrys. “Through their military travels and jobs, they help to draw all races together in mutual harmony.”
They have served on the parish prayer team, drive the parish van for youth retreats and have been extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. They have also served on the DCBC and support other diocesan ministries.
Father Harvey, pastor of St. Augustine, St. Patrick and St. Mary churches in North Little Rock, celebrated the Mass along with Msgr. Scott Marczuk, cathedral rector. Father Harvey, who is the bishop’s liaison for the DCBC, presented the award on behalf of Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, diocesan administrator.
Prior to the award presentation state Sen. Tracy Steele of North Little Rock spoke to the assembly about the Old Testament’s Nehemiah and his example of faith, leadership and service in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem while, like King, facing great opposition.
Steele is the former executive director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission.
Reflecting on the examples of Nehemiah and King, he said today’s young people need to be taught that they will always face opposition, especially when trying to do good.
“If we could teach our young people how to deal with disappointment and how to overcome obstacles, our society would be so much better off,” he said.
Steele concluded by reflecting on his experience of visiting King’s tomb at the King Center in Atlanta. The tombstone reads 1929-1968.
“Dr. Martin Luther King never saw his 40th birthday, yet he was one of the greatest leaders of our time,” he said. “Yet the only thing between the date he was born and the date he died was just a little dash. That’s all we have is just a little dash. The question I want to leave you with as we celebrate this King holiday on Monday is: What are you going to do with your dash?”
During the homily, Father Harvey praised King for his faith and service.
Wearing black dresses with white sashes, six liturgical dancers from St. Peter Church in Pine Bluff performed following Communion and choirs from St. Augustine, St. Bartholomew and Our Lady of Good Counsel churches provided music for the Mass. A reception for the honorees followed in McDonald Hall.
