Msgr. Augustine to receive Lafferty Award

Sept. 28, 2006

The Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education annually recognizes a person or persons who have played vital roles in the welfare of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City with the Monsignor James K. Lafferty Leadership Award. This year, the Msgr. Lafferty award will be presented to Monsignor Roger J. Augustine, a priest and former administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City. The presentation to Msgr. Augustine will be made at the Tenth Annual Bishop's Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Sioux City Convention Center.

Msgr. Augustine is a native of Geddes, South Dakota. He is a graduate of Holy Name School in Marcus. He attended Loras College in Dubuque receiving a degree in History. His theology training was at the North American College in Rome and he also received a degree in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Msgr. Augustine also holds a Master of Science degree in Education from Creighton University in Omaha.

Having been ordained in Rome in December 1959, Msgr. Augustine has been serving the Diocese of Sioux City for nearly 47 years. During these years of ministry to the Church he has served in many capacities in our Catholic schools. He served on the faculty of Emmetsburg Catholic High School and Carroll Kuemper High School. At LeMars Gehlen Catholic High School he taught and served as principal before he became the principal at St. Mary's High School in Storm Lake. Msgr. Augustine was also involved in the school activities while being pastor at Holy Spirit in Carroll and Nativity Parish in Sioux City. While pastor at Church of the Nativity, the Mater Dei Educational Center was built for the educational needs of the children in Morningside. He has served as a member of the Catholic School Foundation since 1985 when he was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless, Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City, says the selection of Msgr. Augustine as the recipient of the Lafferty award is a perfect way for the diocese to recognize him for the many contributions he has made to the faith formation of countless young men and women. "Msgr. Augustine's priesthood has been highlighted by his strong advocacy for Catholic schools," said Bishop Nickless. "Whether as a faculty member or administrator, Msgr. Augustine always placed the needs of the students first and those who worked with him will tell you that he never failed to proclaim the great work being done in Catholic schools."

"Receiving an award named after Msgr. Lafferty is truly humbling to me," said Msgr. Augustine. "I acknowledge that this honor is given because of past achievements, but I must honestly say that any accomplishments I have enjoyed are the result of God's grace. I was blessed with the support of our Bishops, priests, religious sisters and dedicated laity who worked with me."

Msgr. Augustine also credited his parents for his lifelong passion for Catholic schools. "The willingness to support and promote a strong Catholic education for children was instilled in me by the many sacrifices that my parents made to ensure that my family was able to attend Catholic schools," said Msgr. Augustine. "For that, I am most grateful and I consider it be a privilege to be able to do the same."

Pope John Paul II honored Msgr. Augustine in 1988 as a Prelate of Honor with the title Monsignor. He current serves as Senior Priest at Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City.

The Tenth Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education will feature EWTN journalist and award-winning author Raymond Arroyo. Tickets for the October 22nd event are $125 each and may be purchased by calling the Central Catholic Office at (712) 233-7524. Dinner proceeds support the work being done at all Catholic schools in the Diocese. There are more than 6,000 students enrolled in the Catholic schools of the diocese.