Bishop McCarthy Award

Nominate a Returned Missioner for the Bishop McCarthy Award

Help us honor a returned Maryknoll lay missioner who continues to live out their mission vocation, bringing justice, nonviolence, and God’s love to communities here at home.

About the Award

The Bishop John E. McCarthy Spirit of Mission Award is conferred annually to a returned Maryknoll lay missioner who demonstrates ongoing passion and dedication to living out their mission vocation, what Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ Executive Director Elvira Ramírez describes as “the joyful story of God’s love.” The award was first presented in 2019.

The award is named in honor of the late Bishop John E. McCarthy of Austin, Texas. A tireless champion of social justice and Catholic Social Teaching, Bishop McCarthy was a fervent supporter of Maryknoll Lay Missioners and a powerful voice for the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees. He was among the founders of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, launched in 1970 as the U.S. bishops’ landmark domestic anti-poverty effort.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominees must meet all three of the following criteria:

Currently, or within the past three years, have promoted justice and nonviolence in the United States, particularly with marginalized communities.
Returned from their Maryknoll Lay Missioners commitment at least five years ago.
Completed at least one full contract as a Maryknoll lay missioner.

How to Nominate

Nominations are welcome from all returned missioners. You may submit your nomination using the online form below, or download a printable PDF nomination form to mail or email in.

Prefer to submit by mail or email? Download the printable PDF nomination form here.

Mail to: Daniel Lizarraga
Attn: Bishop McCarthy Award
1401 Montana Avenue
Suite B4
El Paso, TX 79902

Submission deadline: June 30, 2026