Bishop Mark Bartchak has announced the 2026 recipients of the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award, a prestigious recognition for individuals who mirror the “evangelizing spirit” of the Prince-Priest and Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin. After many nominations were received, the following individuals were selected as this year’s recipients of the Gallitzin Cross Award:
Rebecca Babik and Christine Goch – Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Johnstown
Louise Brezovic – Church of the Transfiguration Parish, Conemaugh
Walter Brown – Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Everett
Monsignor Stanley Carson – Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona
Tony DeGol – Proclaim! TV Ministry/Proclaim! Magazine
Donald McMullen – Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ashville
Jonathan Nagy – Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto
Gerald Neugebauer – Saint Aloysius Parish, Cresson
Ann Pershing – Saint Bartholomew Parish, Wilmore
Helen Saylor – Saint Demetrius Parish, Gallitzin
Michele Varner – Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Johnstown
Terry Wilt – Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Hollidaysburg
The awardees will be presented with the Gallitzin Cross by Bishop Mark at an award ceremony on Friday, October 9, at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg, sponsored by the Independent Catholic Foundation. The ceremony is preceded by a social at 5:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to purchase a ticket to attend the event for the cost of $30 per ticket.
To pay with a check, please contact Suzanne Barry at 814-695-5579.
To purchase tickets online and pay with a credit card, click HERE.
When registering over the phone or online, please note if the ticket holder will be attending the Gallitzin Cross Awards in honor of a particular awardee so that seating arrangements can be made. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, September 25.
The 2026 Gallitzin Cross Award recipients will also be featured in the fall edition of Proclaim! Magazine, which will be mailed to registered households in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown this October.