Each spring, Bishop Edward J. Burns celebrates Mass to honor the lay men and women whose faithful, selfless service sustains parish life across the Diocese of Dallas.
Streaming live on the diocesan YouTube channel
The Bishop's Award for Service to the Church was inaugurated in 2012 to recognize the great work and true sacrifice of lay men and women in the Diocese of Dallas.
The award is presented annually. The Diocese of Dallas sincerely thanks every recipient for their tireless work in our diocese and in their parishes.
Recipients are nominated by their pastor, parish administrator or a diocesan staff member.
Each recipient accepts no compensation for their service and is recognized for specific, virtuous good works.
Practicing Catholics and exemplary volunteers, known for their public witness to the Catholic faith.
Mass is celebrated at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Dallas Arts District. Plan to arrive early.
The gate is open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with no cost if you exit between those hours.
Recipients arrive by 9:00 a.m. to pick up their packet and medal.
Hospitality Ministers guide recipients to reserved seats. Guests may sit in any unreserved pew.
Take your medal out of the packet and place it around your neck.
Hold your medal in front of you as the Bishop sprinkles it with holy water.
Follow the directions of the MC to approach the Bishop.
When you are directly in front of him, the Bishop will bless your medal with the sign of the cross and congratulate you.
Please do not carry a purse or other item when you leave the pew to be congratulated by the Bishop.
Questions? Contact the Ministries Office at [email protected] or call 214-379-2800.
From serving daily Mass and scheduling liturgical ministers to running the parish livestream camera and visiting the sick, Carlo Cueto quietly answers every call at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Garland.
On April 11, 2026, Bishop Burns honored 136 parishioners from 70 parish communities at the National Shrine Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.