MARIETTA--Three parishioners were honored for outstanding service and Christian witness during a Mass celebrating the 19th anniversary of Transfiguration Parish community, Sunday, Sept. 29.

The Mass was celebrated by Father Pat Bishop, pastor, and Father Joseph Morris, parochial vicar, assisted by Deacon Bruce Publicover.

The Lumen Gentium Award, the highest award a parishioner can receive, was presented to Bill Garrity. The award recognizes an individual with an exceptional understanding of the Christian Gospel, living in such a way that he becomes a light to the people. Garrity has served the parish in many ways, including membership on the board of education and finance council, teacher of high school religion and president of the parish council. He was particularly honored for leading the Order of Christian Initiation program.

"He has organized and heads one of the most successful (OCIA) programs in the archdiocese or anywhere for the Christian initiation of those wishing to become Catholic," Father Bishop said. "His gentle, Christ-like spirit and his deep grasp of very complicated theological and ecclesiastical matters are an inspiration not only to those inquiring of our faith, but also to those of us who regularly work with him."

The Christian Service Award, given annually to a parishioner who displays a unique insight into the Lord's call to serve one another, especially the abused, forgotten or powerless, was presented to Bill Corrigan. Corrigan in his seventies recently served a two-month jail term for his participation in a peaceful demonstration at the School of the Americas military academy at Fort Benning where military from other nations, primarily Central America, are trained.

"His witness should be a vivid reminder to all of us that we are called not only to hold deeply Christian values, but also to live them in witness to the Gospel of love," the pastor said.

The Pastor's Award, given annually to a parishioner who has demonstrated a special dedication and talent for building the community for Christ, was presented to Tom Devaney.

According to Father Bishop, Devaney has directed careful management of parish resources and planned for projected growth. "For seven years that management has been carefully watched over in this parish by one with incredible talent and a deeply loving heart," Father Bishop said. Devaney is now serving on a committee to twin Transfiguration with a parish in Haiti.

After Mass parishioners witnessed the unveiling of the cornerstone for Transfiguration's new parish center by the pastor and Jack Shriver, committee chairman. The 41,000 square-foot, multi-purpose building is to be completed by August, 1997, for about $4 million.

Sister Barbara Baker, MHSH, pastoral associate, prepared a time capsule with items representing parish and secular life in 1996 to be buried behind the cornerstone.