Two parishioners of St. Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon were praised for placing themselves in service to the church and living their call to be good stewards of time, talent and treasure.

Ray and Beth Hanley received the Catholic Charities’ Communities of Salt and Light award for philanthropy.

"Ray and Beth have worked tirelessly to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a faith-based education, regardless of their social status, religious affiliation or race," said Msgr. Raymond E. Riffle, managing director of Catholic Charities, who introduced them.

In addition to their parish, the Hanleys provide philanthropic support to Queen of Angels Catholic School, North Huntingdon; Greensburg Central Catholic High School; Catholic Charities of Greensburg and Pittsburgh; the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Greensburg; Saint Vincent College, Latrobe; the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, Greensburg; and Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, Ray’s alma mater.

"Ray and Beth Hanley have given generously of their leadership and financial resources to their parish, the diocese and the universal church," Msgr. Riffle said.

"Beth and I are honored and humbled to be recognized with this special award," Ray said.

He acknowledged current and past Salt and Light honorees and lauded the dinner as a wonderful evening of good food with friends, a critical fundraiser that directly helps the poor and marginalized, and an inspiration for everyone in attendance to see the examples of stewardship recognized every year.

He said they were blessed to have had great examples of stewardship in their lives.

"Each of our parents demonstrated a generous spirit and compassion," Ray said, adding that he was also fortunate to be taught by Christian brothers, women religious, dedicated laypeople and fine priests in Catholic schools.

"As Beth and I raise our family, we’ve been fortunate to have fine Catholic schools in our diocese that truly support parents’ efforts in the formation of their children," Ray said.

All five of their children are Catholic-school educated, from elementary school through high school and university.

Catholic schools are filled with dedicated administrators, teachers and staff who embrace a mission, Ray said.

"It supports and nurtures children and brings faith in God’s word into the educational mission in a way that the whole person is developed in an authentic manner," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of supporting clergy and women religious.

"Priests and sisters have devoted their lives to serving God and to helping all of us live good proper lives and fulfill our purpose in life, which is to help others and, of course, to get to heaven."

Ray urged participation in "Today’s Challenge ~ Tomorrow’s Hope" Capital & Endowment Campaign for the Diocese of Greensburg, explaining that Catholic education, retired priests and Catholic Charities will benefit from endowments the campaign funds.

He concluded with a quote by Andrew Murray, a 19th century South African minister, who said: "The world asks, ‘What does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?’"