Sister Mary Paul McCaughey, OP (Springfield) was named 2011 recipient of the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) John F. Meyers Award at the NCEA’s annual convention and convocation in April. This award recognizes a significant contribution of national import to Catholic education through development, public relations, scholarship programs, financial management or government relations that impacts Catholic education.

Sister Mary Paul was honored for her work as Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Chicago Archdiocese, a position she has held since July 2008. Her efforts greatly contributed to the well-being of the Catholic School system within the Chicago Archdiocese. She developed standards and goals for all elementary schools in the Chicago Archdiocese, founded an Archdiocesan school board, and continues to establish and maintain beneficial relationships among clergy, students and community members. Enrollment in Chicago Archdiocese Catholic schools for 2010-2011 remained stable under her stewardship, for the first time in several years.

Sister Mary Paul’s professional acumen stems from more than 37 years of experience in Catholic education as a teacher and administrator, including 10 years as principal of Marian Catholic High School and six years as principal at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Her commitment to Catholic education shines brightly, and her leadership skills have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for generations of successful students and community leaders.

Sister Mary Trinita Eddington, OP (Springfield)
recognized for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service

Sister Mary Trinita Eddington, OP (Springfield) was awarded the Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Marsha Meeks Kelly Award for Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service at a ceremony held in Jackson, Miss., in April. The award is the highest honor granted by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service in cooperation with the Mississippi Office of the Governor.

Sister Mary Trinita was recognized for making a significant difference to the state and local community through her work as administrator of St. Dominic Community Health Clinic, a free clinic in Jackson that provides primary healthcare services to individuals who are poor, uninsured, unemployed or homeless. Sister Mary Trinita has directed the clinic and provided medical care as a nurse practitioner since it was founded in 1996. Her ministry in healthcare as a nurse and an administrator spans more than 50 years, nearly all of it at St. Dominic’s Hospital/St. Dominic’s Health Services. Her commitment to providing care to people in need has been, and continues to be, a blessing and an inspiration to many.

For more information about the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, visit their web site at www.springfieldop.org.