Sprit of Hecker Award
Each year the Paulist ministries across the United States and Rome identify someone who embodies the spirit of the founder of the Paulist Fathers, Servant of God Isaac Hecker,
He was driven by a classic two-fold mission of personal perfection and zeal for souls. At his time, he felt America was ready to explode with faith from the riches of the Catholic Church. So he founded a men’s religious order to help him carry out this mission instilled in his heart by the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit of Fr. Isaac Hecker continues today, as the Paulists honor folks around the country to live that spirit in their particular context. The recognized are folks or groups who lives a spirit-filled evangelical life, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the love of God to the world.
Below are the past winners of the Spirit of Hecker Award
at Old St. Mary’s.
2026 Spirit of Hecker Award
Congratulations to
Kevin Dusek
Old St. Mary’s Cathedral & Chinese Mission’s parishioner for 2026 who embodies the Spirit of Hecker is Kevin Dusek.
For decades, Kevin has freely volunteered his time almost every Saturday as our 5pm cantor. For him, it is all about service, sharing one’s gifts with others. Though an excellent tenor singer, Kevin shares his transparent and pure voice in a gentle manner, so as to allow the community to share their voices. His voice does not drown out the community singing. Though it’s common to rush through church music, like we’re at the races, Kevin gives our hymns a contemplative walk. He is inviting folks to slow down and be present to our Lord.
Besides volunteering at Old St. Mary’s, every Friday he volunteers at St. Anthony’s Dining Room, serving the poor and the houseless. He volunteers with his RCIA Sponsor and a person he has mentored since that friend was in the 8th grade.
Fidelity, humility, gentleness, and a drive to share his gifts – this is why Old St. Mary’s is honored and humbled to recognize the Spirit of Hecker alive in Kevin Dusek.
Kevin Dusek receiving the 2026 Spirit of Hecker Award from Anita Mendoza (our 2025 Spirit of Hecker Award recipient)
Sprit of Hecker Award
for Old St. Mary’s
Congratulations all our parishioners who have been honored with the Spirit of Hecker Award
2026 - Kevin Dusek - model of humble generosity
2025 - Anita Mendoza - model of hospitality
2024 - Ron Ng - troubadour of music and meals
Since 2021:
Cecilia Leung - sacristan who quietly
makes Mass go smoothly
Mary Kimmes - wisdom matriarch,
shining God’s joy on everyone
Tina Panelli - Church mother,
caring for everyone she meets
John Schmidt - a model gentleman
and devout Catholic
2025 Sprit of Hecker Award for Old St. Mary’s
Congratulations Anita Mendoza!
We awarded the 2025 Spirit of Hecker Award
to Anita Mendoza.
Anita is a long time member of Old St. Mary. She is constantly helping us reach out to visitors and supporting parishioners through our after-Mass hospitality. Throughout Lent this past year, she made soup for our after-11am Mass hospitality. She is always welcoming young adults and connecting them with the parish.
She is also active with our 11am choir and cantors often at our Friday daily Mass. She used to be a regular employee of the Paulist Bookstore.