RAMDOLPH -- The youth ministry award recipients are a sign of a bright future for the Archdiocese of Boston, said Kathy Stebbins, the archdiocesan coordinator of youth ministry. The annual banquet for youth ministry, CYO athletics, scouting and young adult ministry was held Nov. 17 at Lombardo’s in Randolph.

“Tonight is a testament to the fact that even though our Church, our parishes and even our diocesan offices have experienced change, we look forward to a hopeful and strong future,” she said.

“Thank you for being beacons of light for us as you have lived out your faith in your parishes and communities in the Archdiocese of Boston,” Stebbins told the recipients.

The evening’s keynote speaker, fourth year seminarian at St. John’s Seminary Daniel Kennedy, said the witness of Catholics in his youth helped him to discover his vocation. Those Catholics passed on their desire to serve Christ’s Church, he said.

“Our youth responds to our example,” he said. “Words may go in one ear and out the other, but it is what we do that endures.”

“On a night like tonight I thank all of those dedicated to youth ministry and young adult ministry for the countless hours, the valuable instruction and the powerful witness that you so selflessly offer,” he added.

The awards presentation followed and many youth and those who work in youth ministry were honored.

Youth were honored with the Discipleship Award, the St. Timothy Award or the Cardinal’s Award.

Winners of the Discipleship Award were: Emilie Coakley, Mary Kate Flynn, Christine Hammond, Megan Hawkins, Victoria Hill, Patrick Jamieson, Kathryn Keane, Steve Keefe, Kurt Kugel, Bethany McEleney, Jessica Parisi, Marc Piscitello, Tom Prybot, George Withman and Caroline Yamartino.

Samantha Alves and Brian Michael Studer received the St. Timothy Award.

Cardinal’s Award winners were Nicole Elliot, Alicyn Gilberto, Joan Kwietek and Kathleen McElhiney.

The other awards were presented to those who work in youth ministry.

The recipient of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award were Stella Jun, Ben Kadamus, Judy Mullin and Nicole Pascarelli O’Brien.

Light of the World Award recipients included Maria Cabrera, Michael Flynn, Bill Lovallo, Gene O’Brien, Amado del Rosario, Father Udaya Kumar Xavierchapitel and Dorothy Yang.

In addition, Rick Chasse received the Companions on the Journey Award; Father David Barnes received the St. Don Bosco Award; Regina O’connor received the Norm Plante Award; Matthew J. Kowalski received the Christifideles Laici Award; Father William T. Schmidt received the Pope John Paul II Award; and Pat McDonnell received the St. Sebastian Award.

CYO hall of fame nominees included John Horan, Paul Hourihan and Ned Tobin.

J. Kenneth Foscaldo, James Barrett, Kevin Lally and Frank Suma were recognized for their 30 years of service in youth ministry.

Scouts were honored in three award categories -- Marie Erwin received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal; Bruce Alexander, Michael Johns, Kate Kominsky and James MacDonald received the Bronze Pelican; and Father Thomas Dunne and Ron Stewart received the St. George Award.

Father Arthur Coyle, secretary of pastoral and ministerial Sservices said of those honored, “As I reviewed the nomination papers some weeks ago and heard the testimonies offered this evening, I couldn’t help think that this is the best workshop we can ever offer our youth and young adult ministers -- a real sharing of success stories and ideas that not only work but indeed enliven the young Church of Boston.”