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CATHOLIC MAN OF THE YEAR

The Catholic Man of the Year Award has a long tradition in the Diocese of Columbus.

 

Nominees must be laymen who, through their daily actions, words, and prayers, exemplify the “good and faithful servant.”

CATHOLIC MAN OF THE YEAR

The Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club (CMLC) will be accepting nominations for the Columbus Diocese 2027 Catholic Man of the Year in December. Nomination forms and instructions will be posted on this page.

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This year's winner received the award at Columbus St. Patrick Church (280 N. Grant Avenue) on Friday, March 6, 2026 during the CMLC luncheon which immediately followed the 11:45am Mass.

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Please visit our past presentations (including the 2025 Catholic Man of the Year) and preview our schedule of upcoming luncheon topics.

2026 CATHOLIC MAN OF THE YEAR
- Jim Gernetzke

On March 6th, 2026, the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club awarded Jim Gernetzke of St. Matthew the Apostle parish with the honor of being the 2026 Catholic Man of the Year. 

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Congratulations to James D. Gernetzke of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, the Diocese of Columbus' Catholic Man of the Year for 2026.


From among a dozen worthy and well qualified nominees, Jim was selected by the CMOY screening committee and will receive the award from Bishop Fernandes at a luncheon in his honor Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Patrick Church. 

Fr. Ted Sill, pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, noted, “Jim is an exemplary servant-leader in our parish, and his love of the Lord and of the Church is evident through the many ways in which he participates in our parish community.” He listed such activities as Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, hourly coordinator for the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, leader of book studies, and involvement on the Social Concerns Committee. 

CATHOLIC MAN OF THE YEAR PAST RECIPIENTS

Past recipients of the Catholic Man of the Year award are pictured below. Some of their award presentaions may be found on the Speakers & Presentations page.

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