ST. CLOUD — Since 1996, the St. Cloud Diocese has publicly honored parishioners and parishes for “opening their doors” to the people of God by building handicap-accessible ramps and elevators, installing sound systems for the hard of hearing, and helping developmentally disabled persons participate as fully as possible in the life of the church.

These “door-openers” were recognized with the annual “Opening Doors Awards,” a collaborative initiative of the diocese’s Catholic Education Ministries and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Now, after a dozen years of raising awareness about accessibility and honoring facilitators of accessibility, the doors are closing on the “Opening Doors Awards.” However, another door is simultaneously opening to usher in a new award that, while retaining the spirit of the the former award, adds another dimension to it.

Behold, the OPENING HEARTS AWARD.

by Joseph Young
Visitor Associate Editor