They may be well known only in their parishes, but the 300 individuals awarded on Sunday are also well known to God.

The individuals received the Manifesting the Kingdom award, given every few years by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh to a member or couple in each of its 214 parishes.

The award is given by the bishop to those who "demonstrate the presence of Jesus in their lives and have participated in an exceptional service to the Church reflected in so many different ways in the lives, ministry and work of those who receive it."

Several Catholics in Butler County parishes received the award, but few agreed to discuss it because their service is not for the purpose of recognition.

One recipient who reluctantly talked about the award was Kathy Weleski, a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Cabot for 46 years. Weleski spearheads a quarterly dinner for the homeless and needy as well as church projects such as Salvation Army Angels, Presents for Patients and Helping the Homebound.

Church business manager Karyn Roenigk said Weleski also prepares and provides food to new moms, hospital patients, families in need during the holidays and the bereaved.

"One of the amazing things about Kathy is that she never complains," Roenigk said. "She does double duty, caring for her seven adult children and 16 grandchildren, and provides support for her sister who is battling cancer, all while working tirelessly for the people of St. Joseph's.

"If there is anyone who reflects the light of Christ through valuable service to the Church, it is Kathy Weleski."

Weleski brushes off the heaps of praise with a blush and a shrug.

"Oh my goodness, I thought there were so many more deserving people than I was," she said. "I wonder why I was picked. I just do things because I like to do them. I like to help people, that's all."

Weleski said the awards Mass held at St. Paul Cathedral on Sunday was "amazing."

She said recipients, their families and more than 100 parish priests who jammed the huge cathedral spilled out into the magnificent building's hallways. Weleski said recipients were ushered from their assigned seats pew-by-pew and approached the altar to receive their etched-glass award from Bishop David Zubik, who handed them out individually.

Zubik kissed each female recipient on the cheek, which was when Weleski told Zubik it was her birthday.

"He said, 'Well then, you get a kiss on the other cheek too,'" Weleski recalled. "He made it really special."

Weleski said when she received her award she got the same warm feeling she gets when a project she has been working on at church turns out to be successful.

"It's really a great feeling," she said.

Weleski said the actual 6- by 8-inch award is etched with a statement of appreciation from the diocese along with the date and the words "Nothing is impossible with God" under the diocesan seal.

Weleski said the award will occupy a prominent place in her home.

"I'm going to display it because I'm so proud of it."

Although many winners are reticent about discussing the awards, their parish priests are not.

The Rev. Matthew Tosello, pastor at St. Christopher by the Lake in Franklin Township, said the main reason for Fran Shelatz's nomination for the Manifesting the Kingdom award is her 20 years of dedication to the church's ladies guild.

Tosello said Shelatz has served as the guild president for two decades because she is energetic, dynamic, organized and a cheerful giver.

"They keep voting her back in because she's the best," Tosello said.

The church's ladies guild hosts nearly every function at the church, including the dinner for the annual fundraising festival, brunches for bereaved families, the Mother's Day celebration, Shrove Tuesday reception and the Christmas dinner. It also coordinates liturgy for those to be anointed at a Mass and coordinates the parish picnic along with the men's guild.

"I think she has really been the reason why we have moved from a very small ladies guild to one that's very efficient," Tosello said.

The award winner at St. Ferdinand Church in Cranberry Township, Tim Butler, declined the opportunity to talk about his service to the large parish. But youth minister Andrea Wheeler did not hesitate.

"He is the epitome of that award," Wheeler said. "He's one of those guys that very quietly goes along and does everything for everybody."

Wheeler said Butler's service to the youth of the church is invaluable.

"He is here for our kids 24-7," Wheeler said.

In addition to years serving on the Youth Ministry Core Team and as a Living Stations team member, Butler uses his skills as an emergency medical technician when chaperoning youth trips. He also serves as an adult facilitator in the youth service group and responds to any need by any young person in the church.

"If any of our kids had a crisis and needed someone to talk to, I guarantee you Tim would be the first one there," said Wheeler.

Outside of his church service, Wheeler said, Butler visits hospitals three times a week, helps coworkers in danger of losing their homes and generally comes to the aid of anyone in need. And he does it all quietly.

"He is the most humble person in the world," Wheeler said. "He wanted to cancel the award service. His humility is exactly why he deserves it."