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 soon. 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.
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.
St. Matthew the Apostle Parish
Blessed Sacrament
S. Brendan the Navigator
St. Peter Church
St. John Neumann
Our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
St. Matthew Parish
St. Pius X
St. Dominic
St. Matthew
St. Michael
Blessed Sacrament
St. Anthony
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
2026 CATHOLIC MAN OF THE YEAR - NOMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
The Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club (CMLC) is accepting nominations for the Columbus Diocese 2026 Catholic Man of the Year. The winner will receive the award at Columbus St. Patrick Church, 280 N. Grant Avenue, on Friday, March 6, 2026 during the award luncheon which immediately follows the 11:45 a.m. Mass.
About the Award
This 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.” The recipient of the award will share his personal testimony during the award ceremony which is then shared throughout the diocese through the Catholic Times and St. Gabriel Catholic Radio.
Selection Process
The process for selecting Catholic Man of the Year is challenging, because while each nominee is worthy, the Committee can only select one from those nominated. The Selection Committee consists of two men from these groups: Catholic Men's Luncheon Club, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Men's Ministry, Young Catholic Professionals, the Serra Clubs and a diocesan priest. After careful consideration of all nominations, the Committee makes a recommendation to the Bishop. Last year’s honoree was Christopher Grieb from Newark Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Nomination Form - Due by January 15, 2026.
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Please nominate men in the diocese whom you believe would serve as an inspiration and would strengthen all Catholic men to continue living their vocation of holiness. Use the nomination form found at https://www.catholicmensministry.com/man-of-the-year Please note: Posthumous nominations will not be accepted. Prior-year nominees may be submitted.
Requested Nominee Information
Include the following information in the Nomination Form from the website.
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List and describe specific qualities of the nominee, specifying spirituality and the ways he exemplifies Christ in his home, parish, and the community. Make your remarks as descriptive as possible; using a maximum of 500 words, (it is more important what you write than how much you write).
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A brief biographical sketch of the nominee.
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A list of the nominee’s group involvements, including parish activities, family life and community service.
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You may attach up to three written witness testimonials (letters or remarks) from others who know the nominee and can testify to his qualifications, attesting to the nominee’s love of God and of others, as shown through his service, including examples of how the nominee lives the Catholic faith. One testimonial must be from the nominee’s pastor.
The Luncheon
All nominees are invited to the award ceremony and luncheon as guests of the Catholic Men’s Luncheon Club.
Questions
Direct further questions regarding the nomination or selection process should be directed to Tim Merkle at (614) 329-0125 or tim@HTMerkleLaw.com