Young leaders honoured with Archbishop Student Leadership Awards – The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton

The Archdiocese of Edmonton joyfully celebrated a new generation of Catholic student leaders during the Archbishop Student Leadership Awards, recognizing young people who are witnessing to Christ through faith, service, compassion, and leadership in their schools, parishes, and communities.

Rooted in the mission of Catholic education and inspired by the Archdiocese’s pastoral priorities of Worship, Witness, and Service, the awards honour students who strive to live the Gospel in daily life and demonstrate the fruits of the Holy Spirit through acts of leadership, humility, and faithful service. Students were honoured at an awards ceremony May 22.

In his address to students, educators and family members, Archbishop Stephen Hero reflected on the familiar passage from the Book of Isaiah describing the gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, reverence, and right judgment.

Drawing from the Sacrament of Confirmation, which many of the students received only a few years ago, he reminded them that these gifts are not simply symbolic but are actively at work in their lives.

“We are so impressed because we see that you are responding to these gifts of the Spirit,” Archbishop Hero said. “You are becoming leaders of justice and love, mindful of the poor and those in need around you.”

Archbishop Hero emphasized that authentic Christian leadership begins with recognizing that God is the source of all gifts and talents. He encouraged students to continue nurturing their relationship with Christ through Eucharistic worship, prayer, and parish life as they move into adulthood, university, careers, and new responsibilities.

“God is on our side,” he said. “He not only gives us a beautiful way of life through Jesus Christ, but He also gives us the grace through the sacraments to live it.”

Echoing the Archdiocese’s call to confident witness, Archbishop Hero challenged students to remain rooted in their Catholic faith beyond high school by seeking faithful friendships, participating in Mass and parish life, and courageously bringing the Gospel into their future vocations and communities.

“There are great Catholic scientists, artists, musicians, and saints who have transformed the world,” he said. “There is no contradiction between faith and knowledge. We are called to grow in both.”

Dr. Eugenia Pagnotta-Kowalczyk, the Archdiocese senior lead for mission leadership, noted that the award was inspired by the spirit of synodality promoted by the universal Church — a call for the faithful to walk together, listen to one another, and participate fully in the mission of Christ.

“These students already embody the spirit of Worship, Witness, and Service,” she said. “They walk with others, serve with humility, and witness to Christ through compassion, hope, and joyful faith.”

She explained that the award criteria were intentionally connected to the pastoral priorities of the Archdiocese: deepening formation for Eucharistic worship, encouraging confident witness to the faith, and fostering service to families, parishes, schools, and communities.

Fr. Roger Niedzielski, pastor of Assumption and Resurrection parishes in Edmonton and World Youth Day coordinator, for the Archdiocese, encouraged the students to continue sharing their gifts within parish life and the wider Church.

“As a parish priest, I would love young people to come forward with ideas,” he said. “The Church needs your voices, your energy, and your faith.”

Reflecting on the celebration taking place near the Feast of Pentecost, Father Roger spoke about the movement of the Holy Spirit among young Catholics in the Archdiocese.

“Something is happening,” he said. “The Holy Spirit is animating your love for the faith and your desire to serve.”

Students honoured during the ceremony came from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese and surrounding regions, including Leduc, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Edson, Fort Saskatchewan, Camrose, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Hinton, Lloydminster, Wainwright, and Vermilion.

The celebration concluded in prayer as the Church entrusted these young leaders to God’s continued guidance and protection.

As these students move forward into new seasons of life, the Archdiocese invites families, parish communities, educators, and the faithful to continue praying for them — that they may remain rooted in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and strengthened to live as joyful witnesses of the Gospel in the world.

May these young leaders continue to grow in wisdom, courage, faith, and service, responding generously to God’s call in their lives and inspiring others through their example of Christian discipleship.

The following students were honoured: