Dr. Mark Moitzoa

SAN JOSE, CALIF. – Dr. Mark Moitoza, Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), accepted a national award Thursday night for his outstanding contribution to youth ministry to families in the U.S. Military.  The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) presented its National Youth Ministry Award to Dr. Moitoza at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in San Jose, California.

According to the NCCYM, the National Youth Ministry Award is given annually to “a Catholic/Christian adult who exhibits a behavior that serves as a model to other adults involved in ministry with youth. The recipients must be recognized at the international, national, regional, or diocesan level for their contributions to the field of youth ministry or to work with youth. Their life and their work should reflect and support the ideals established in A Vision of Youth Ministry (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1976) and Renewing the Vision (USCCB, 1997).”

Dr. Moitoza was one of ten (10) Catholic youth ministry leaders throughout the United States to receive a 2016 National Youth Ministry Award in various categories.  For each category, individuals are nominated by colleagues in the field of youth ministry. The award committee reviews each nomination and carefully selects the recipients through a discernment process before presenting its choices for final approval to the NFCYM board of directors.

Dr. Moitoza holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts degree from the Catholic University of Leuven, and he is currently working on a second doctorate in theology at LaSalle University in Philadelphia.

“Having grown up in an Air Force family,” Dr. Moitoza said, “I remember well all the people in so many places who shared their love of the Church by making time for others. Collaborating with leaders in the military today continues that tradition of encouraging faith in the midst of frequent moves and deployments. To all who continue to propose that we live, and move and have our being in Christ (Acts 17:28), I remain grateful for their willingness to serve with joy. It is an honor to receive this award on behalf of those who have shared the faith with me as well as those who dedicate their gift of time to do the same with military youth, families, and young adults around the world today. The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA are primary supporters of this endeavor. It is due to their willingness to embrace and advocate for the particular pastoral needs of those in the military that this recognition is possible.”

His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, commented on the award: “Dr. Moitoza is an extremely generous, valuable, and trusted co-worker in the global vineyard of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. I value his advice, avail myself of his carefully considered judgments, and have appreciated his company on at least two World Youth Days. I am deeply grateful to the NFCYM Board of Directors for recognizing his talents and contributions.”

For more information about the biennial awards, please visit www.NCCYM.info.