Nominations for the 2027 Awardee are now closed.

The Bishop Roger Gries Heart of a Servant award recognizes an individual or group for a specific effort or cumulative efforts over the years to broaden, enhance, educate, and connect the Catholic community of Greater Cleveland. 

The nomination period ended Thursday, October 1. The award will be presented at the Bishop’s Luncheon on Thursday, February 4, 2027.

click here for more details on the criteria

Previous Heart of a Servant Awardees

Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, accepting the award on behalf of her order at the 2026 Bishop’s Luncheon

2026 – Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine

2025 – Sr. Juanita Shealey, CSJ

2024 – John FitzGerald

2023 – Sr. Rita Mary Harwood, ND

2022 – Bishop Roger Gries