Diocesan Council of Catholic Women honors Women of the Year for 2025 at banquet

Friday, May. 02, 2025

SALT LAKE CITY — Women from parishes and missions throughout Utah were honored at the 2025 Women of the Year banquet hosted by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women on April 26 at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

The awards were presented by Bishop Oscar A. Solis and Father Ariel Durian, who is the DCCW’s spiritual advisor. Reading the nominations were Jennifer Streker and Margaret Sanchez, who co-chaired the Woman of the Year committee.

In his comments, Bishop Solis expressed his “profoundest gratitude” to the DCCW members for their “tremendous contributions to the word of evangelization and your constant service to your faith communities, especially to the pastors.”

He is impressed by the service that the women render not only to their pastors but to their parish and the entire community, and for the way that they promote a culture of encounter with Christ, he added.

“Your unwavering strength, dedication, and faith have been a true blessing to your parishes and communities,” read the congratulatory note in the banquet program. “Through your hard work and devotion to God, you have inspired those around you, setting an example of service, love, and commitment. May you continue to be a light for others, and may God bless you abundantly for all that you do. Thank you for your faith-filled leadership and for answering His call with grace and perseverance.”

The 27 honorees undertake a variety of ministries, from serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, lectors and directors of religious education in their parishes, to helping with parish and deanery projects, to being involved in activities in the wider community. 

A few examples of those who were honored follow.

The hard work and dedication of Libby Ketchem of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy “is seen in CCW, Parish ministries and her community,” her nomination reads in part. “In CCW, she has served as treasurer, hospitality chair, and boutique crafter committee chair. Additionally, she assists with the Easter egg hunt, garage sale and bereavement luncheons. She is an active Eucharistic Minister and supports the Religious Education and Youth Group. She has also completed the Jail Ministry training. Libby can be frequently seen helping her neighbors in need with yard work and household chores.”

Since moving into Saint Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville four years ago, Guadalupe Vazquez Gonzalez has “helped the CCW take off by being the vice-president for over a year until she accepted the position of Faith Formation Director, doing what she loved the most, which is cultivating and nourishing the minds of the children,” according to her nomination. “She also helps cleans the Parish hall, serves at bereavement luncheons, and at Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.”

A member of Holy Family Parish in Ogden for 40 years, Marsha White has taught religious education to first-graders for 14 years, her nomination states. She also is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, takes communion to those who are homebound, is a member of the Altar Society, has served on the parish finance committee and as president of the Parish Council and also oversees the Giving Tree.

At Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Magna, Rocio Trevizo’s “positivity and charisma have brought people together for activities such as car washes, food sales, and major Parish celebrations,” her nomination states. “Additionally, she sings in the Sunday Choir, participates with the cleaning crew, manages the Salad Booth at our annual Spaghetti dinner, assists with special Masses, and helps with the 4th of July Breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Rocio is always ready to help wherever she is needed. Her dedication for community involvement is a cornerstone for our Parish.”

During her 62 years at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Tammy Sherman “has chaired our Parish Carnival, donated items for the big raffles and sold script,” according to her nomination. “She is past Vice-President of the Altar Society and Parish Council and ran the youth group for many years,” and she continues to be an active member in the parish. 

Jenni Fazio was asked to help temporarily with the Sunday choir at Christ the King Parish in Cedar City when she was 13 years old; she now has served as choir director for more than 22 years, her nomination states. She also is an assistant teacher for the second-year confirmation class, serves as president of the parish CCW, volunteers as an usher for the Shakespeare Festival, assists at the Catholic Thrift Shop and crochets items for Saint Martha’s Baby Project.

Jenni Fazio, Christ the King Parish

Suzanne DeMaio, St. George Parish

Jennifer Jenkins, Holy Spirit Mission

Shirley Chapoose, St. Helen Parish

Tammy Sherman, St. Anthony of Padua Parish

Leonor Ayon Munguia, St. James the Greater Parish

Alayne Carrillo, Notre Dame de Lourdes Parish

Manufualu Suliafu, St. Patrick Parish

Carole Olsen, St. Olaf Parish

Natasha Gallegos, St. Ann Parish

Debbie McManaman, St. Marguerite Parish

Amanda Govea-Rodriguez, Cathedral of the Madeleine

Rocio Trevizo, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Magna)

Gerri Mackey, St. Vincent de Paul Parish

Barbara Ferrara, St. Ambrose Parish

Narda Nordell, Catholic Woman’s League

Renee Stacy, St. Rose of Lima Parish

Marsha White, Holy Family Parish

Jessica Jurkowski, St. Mary Parish

Yvonne Moore, St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Vianey Camarena, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

Roslyn Gunderson, St. Joseph the Worker Parish

Nancy Hardy, St. Thomas More Parish

Guadalupe Vazquez Gonzalez, St. Martin de Porres Parish

Angelica Ramos, St. Peter Parish

Julie Carlson, St. John the Baptist Parish

Libby Ketchem, Blessed Sacrament Parish