Helen Deines Receives James E. Flynn Peacemaking Award

It was a crisp winter evening that brought family, friends, followers, admirers, and guests together to honor Dr. Helen Deines, recipient of the 2010 James E. Flynn Peacemaking Award. The event, catered by Selena’s Restaurant, was held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 against the backdrop of a beautifully decorated, white table cloth experience in Epiphany’s Community Center.

Each year since 1992 the Award has been bestowed upon a current or former parishioner who “on a local, national, or international basis, has responded to the call of the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching to make a significant contribution in the area of social justice. The recipient has made the world a better place to live, and in doing so, has enriched the Community of Epiphany.”

Sister Larraine Lauter, Social Responsibility Minister, welcomed the assemblage, and Father Jeff Nicolas, Pastor for the Community of Epiphany, sanctified the occasion, with a special blessing for Kate Deines, Helen’s daughter, recovering from a life-threatening illness.

Program moderator, Brayton Bowen commented, “Helen Deines is an exceptional individual – an academician; a social justice advocate; an activist; and a shape-shifter.” He quipped, “Some might regard her as ‘feminine divine,’ but I see her more as a shape-shifter, a magician with special gifts. She is a protectress of civil rights for gay and lesbian persons; a voice for the marginalized; a defender of personal freedoms; Roman Catholic from her Vatican II toes to the core of her generous heart; a truth-teller – even when it’s uncomfortable for the naked emperors in our midst; a loving mother; a caring spouse; and our good friend.”

“No telling where you’ll find Helen,” Bowen continued. “Even Google can’t keep up with her – you may see her on prime-time TV railing against the predatory practices of a corporate Humana, or in Frankfort going belly to belly with some politician, or working peacefully with African-American leaders to further some laudable goal or endeavor.” At one point, the guests broke out in hearty laughter, when he remarked, “In a word, Helen Deines is Sarah Palin’s worst nightmare, when it comes to community organizers and social activists – and Sister Sarah thought Obama was a change agent! Indeed, like President Obama, Helen Deines is a person not to be underestimated.”

Social Responsibility Steering Committee member, Mike McLaughlin, went on to describe some of the areas in which Helen Deines has made her mark:

• Healthcare Reform
• HIV/AIDS Education and Fairness Advocacy
• Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination
• Poverty and Homelessness

(See complete text of Mike’s remarks here.)

Concluding his tribute, McLaughlin offered this poetic close:

“Your strength has sustained us
Your courage has moved us
Your humor has cheered us
Your wisdom has inspired us
And your love has meant everything to us
   (Author Unknown)
Helen, you are an inspiration to all of us. Please don’t ever quit smiling, and may God continue to bless you in your continuing work. You have truly promoted peace and justice!”