The recipients and Bishop Medley are seen after the Sept. 10, 2023 Sophia Awards Mass at the cathedral. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Sophia Awards: Celebrating Faithful Stewards
BY RACHEL HALL, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC
Bernadette Mullen and her husband, Norm Wheeler, are cherished members of Sacred Heart Parish in Russellville, Kentucky. Though Bernadette doubted her qualifications for the Sophia Awards, a fellow parishioner was persistent in wanting to nominate her. Last year, their dedication was finally recognized. Together the couple organize the Mass music; Norm is on the financial council, and Bernadette is active on the parish council. Their pastor, Fr. Ken Mikulcik, praised them, “Both go the extra mile in everything.”
Upon retiring from Western Kentucky University in 2015, Bernadette wondered how she would spend her time. She soon found herself busy with grandchildren and church activities. The couple took part in an Acts 2 :42 group. Bernadette happily joked, “We took turns bringing the food, and gave breaking bread a new meaning.” They are hosting the second series of the Acts 2:42 small groups this fall.
Recipients are recognized during the Sept. 10, 2023 Sophia Awards Mass at St. Stephen Cathedral. ELIZABETH WONG BARNSTEAD | WKC
Bernadette is also involved in planning part of the National Eucharistic Revival Pilgrimage, which will be stopping at Sacred Heart in Russellville. She has memorized every part of the perpetual pilgrims’ journey through our diocese and had been looking into the pilgrims themselves too: “These young adults’ credentials are awesome.” She wanted to familiarize herself with the parishes future guests, showcasing her natural hospitality.
In receiving the Sophia Awards, Bernadette said it, “was overwhelming in a good way.” She appreciated coming to the award ceremony Mass held at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro and was grateful to reconnect with old friends from Stanley, where she grew up.
The Sophia Awards have been given out of the diocese’s stewardship office for almost 30 years. It honors those heartfelt stewards in our parishes, who have exemplified the values of stewardship by generously giving their time, talent, and treasure.
Please join us at this year’s Sophia Awards, taking place on August 11 at 2 p.m. at St. Stephen Cathedral. May we all be inspired to faithfully serve God and our community.
Originally printed in the June 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
