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2010 Touchstone Award
Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti
 The President of the NFPC, Father Richard Vega and the Board of Directors announce Reverend Monsignor Stephen J. Rossetti will receive the 2010 Touchstone Award.
Monsignor Rossetti is currently Clinical Associate Professor of pastoral studies at the Catholic University of America. From 1993 to 2009 he was on the staff of St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, Maryland, first as executive vice president before being appointed president and chief executive officer in 1996. He held that post until he stepped down in October 2009.
During his tenure at St. Luke Monsignor Rossetti led the Institute in significantly expanding its services for both men and women This includes expanding the focus of the men's residential program to treat a wide range of psychological and spiritual difficulties. In addition, a highly effective treatment program for women religious, the Talitha-Life Program, was established. He also focused the Institute's efforts on promoting the psycho-spiritual wellness of thousands of priests and religious internationally through its newsletters, workshops and consultation services.
Monsignor Rossetti was an expert adviser to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Sexual Abuse that drafted the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. He also participated in the April 2003 Vatican Symposium on child abuse sponsored by the Pontifical Academy for Life.
He is the author of numerous books and articles on priesthood and priestly spirituality. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse in 1984. Prior to his ordination he graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973 and served as served six years as an Air Force intelligence officer.
The Touchstone Award is presented to the priest who, in the view of the Board of Directors and president of the National Federation of Priest's Councils, is one whose service in the Gospel of Jesus Christ exemplifies the purpose and goals of the Federation.
In particular, his leadership enhances the ministry of others and his words and deeds support the life and ministry of priests; thus he is, as it were, a touchstone for genuine, quality priesthood.
2010 Mandatum Award
Knights of Columbus
 Father Richard Vega, NFPC President and the Board of Directors have chosen the Knights of Columbus to receive the Federation's 2010 Mandatum Award. The Knights of Columbus founded in 1882 in the basement of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, CT by the venerable Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest, has since its founding worked hard to encourage young men and women to consider God's call to service in the priesthood and religious life. In keeping with the organization's long-standing precept, "In solidarity with our priests," the Knights have actively participated in the Pope Benedict XVI's declaration of the Year for Priests by offering Holy Cards featuring a prayer for priests and an icon of Christ the High Priest created by Marek Czarnecki especially dedicated to the Year for Priests. In addition, through its website and councils the Knights of Columbus offer action steps and support materials for dioceses and individuals to show support for priests during the Year for Priests which ends in June. Recently Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson announced that all First Degree ceremonials until June 30 will be conducted in "honor of our beloved priests." Most Rev. William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, Conn. is the Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Javier S. Martinez, Knights of Columbus Supreme Director from the State of Texas, will accept the Mandatum Award.
"The award is presented annually to an individual or organization whose service in the Gospel of Jesus Christ exemplifies the purpose and goals of the Federation. In particular, the leadership of this individual or organization enhances the ministry of presbyteral councils and seeks to expound on the issues and concerns of priests and contributes to the work and champions NFPC's mission and goals in the public square."
The Mandatum Award was established in 2008 by the Board of Directors and National Federation of Priests' Councils president, Rev. Richard Vega to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of NFPC The symbol of the award is an icon with the image of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples with the inscription; "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do". (John 13: 15).
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