An award named in honor of Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy, who passed away at the age of 64 in 1997, has been presented annually for the past two decades to the parish that displays the most outstanding stewardship in its community, the Blessed Catholic Trinity Church in Ocala announced in its July 12 weekly bulletin.

The article recalled the selfless work of Murphy, whom it said worked for years in the Archdiocese of Seattle, helping the poor and ministering to parishioners on problems including everything from teen pregnancy to unemployment. He was remembered as a man who wanted the Catholic Church to reflect a multicultural heritage and had a deep concern for parishioners and priests alike.  

Murphy's personal kindness, gracious hospitality and zeal for assisting others understand the spirituality of stewardship were among his remarkable traits, the item said. A book titled "What Do I Own and What Owns Me," written by Dan Conway, called attention to Murphy’s achievements.

Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy | http://btchurch.blessedtrinity.org/

“Archbishop Murphy taught that stewardship invites us to assume a lifestyle of sharing, and in the divine economy, to discover the richness of finding God,” Conway wrote.  

Murphy was constantly in motion, often visiting four parishes a day, and worked with young people to inspire them with life values by showing kindness and giving help to the less fortunate. He learned to speak Spanish so he could celebrate the Eucharist for Hispanics who attended the archdiocese.

Murphy’s message was that stewardship was more than just sharing resources, but a call to people to become more holy, to represent the active spirit of Christ in shaping the lives of others. He was a member of the International Catholic Stewardship Council and attended many of its annual conferences, the bulletin said.

This year’s recipient of the Archbishop Thomas J Murphy Award will be its 20th recipient. The Blessed Catholic Trinity Church received the award in 2006.