Every year, each parish in the Diocese of Paterson bestows the Vivere Christus Est Award (“To live is Christ”) on an individual, couple or family who live as faithful stewards of God’s grace and generosity.  According to Bishop Serratelli, “The goal of this initiative is to acknowledge the value and importance of the laity and to express gratitude and appreciation to those who unselfishly give of their time, talent and treasure for the building up of God’s Kingdom.”
Our parish family of Notre Dame has chosen Linda and Jim Baratte as recipients of the 2019 Vivere Christus award.  There are countless and important ways the Barattes have given of their time and considerable spiritual gifts to parish ministries, to our faith community of Notre Dame, and even beyond our walls. They exemplify all that Bishop Serratelli intended when he instituted this prestigious award.

Since joining the parish in 2011, Linda has facilitated several moving and impactful mini-retreats and, most recently, our parishwide Hospitality Convocation. She is co-leader of the
Lector Ministry and served on Pastoral Council for 4 years. In addition, Linda is a member of the Board of Trustees at Loyola Jesuit Center and is also an active participant in Literacy Volunteers of Morris County.  The other half of the Barattes, our beloved Jim, speaks volumes about his faith through his humility, compassion and caring ways.  Jim is a Homebound Eucharistic Minister and also serves as EM at Morristown Medical Center. A role in which he has served for 23 years is Hospice volunteer for Atlantic Home Care and Hospice. During those 23 years, Jim has accompanied 120 patients on their journey home to the Lord.

Please join us in congratulating Linda and Jim, and in thanking them for the gifts they continue to share with our parish family!