At our national conferences, Catholic Volunteer Network bestows two awards to honor individuals and communities that have made great contributions through volunteer service.

The Father George Mader Award

The Father George Mader Award honors organizations and individuals that have made a significant or lasting impact on the Catholic Volunteer Network and its member programs. The award is named after the late Father George Mader, of the Archdiocese of Newark who, together with his sister, Patricia Mader Stalker, founded what is today known as Catholic Volunteer Network.

The Bishop Francis Award

Catholic Volunteer Network bestows the Bishop Joseph A. Francis Award on former volunteers that have demonstrated exemplary service to their local communities. Most Reverend Joseph A. Francis, SVD served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark. He was the Episcopal Advisor for Catholic Volunteer Network from 1976 until his death in 1997. His wisdom and guidance helped the organization grow from a diocesan project to a national membership organization and resource center for faith-based volunteer programs. As Bishop Francis gave so much of himself to the Church, society, and Catholic Volunteer Network, the individuals and organizations that are honored in his name will likewise have made great strides in bettering the world around them.