05/26/2026
Earlier this month, Fr. Gavin Vaverek, former pastor of St. Mary's, was awarded the St. Joseph the Protector Award at the Child and Youth Protection Catholic Leadership Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
The Saint Joseph the Protector Award honors an individual who has made a notable contribution to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
The St. Joseph the Protector award was awarded to Fr. Gavin for actively supporting abuse survivors and working to prevent abuse through safe environment initiatives within the Diocese of Tyler. Fr. Gavin has served in the diocesan ethics and integrity ministry since 2002.
Fr. Gavin is picture with Deacon Bernie Nojadera, who serves as the Executive Director of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
Congratulations, Fr. Gavin!