LAKE PLACID — The Rev. John Yonkovig, pastor of St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid, is the recipient of the inaugural Paul J. Reiss Love & Mercy Award presented by Cathy Johnston, president of the Board of Directors of Mercy Care for the Adirondacks, at a Friendraising event held Aug. 4 and hosted by Stefanie Holderied.

“Last February, Mercy Care lost a dear friend and its founding board president, Dr. Paul J. Reiss,” Johnson said. “Dr. Reiss and his wife, Rosemary, were also Mercy Care Friendship Volunteers.”

Reiss is the author of the booklet, “It is about Love and Mercy,” a history of Mercy Care for the Adirondacks established in 2007. The booklet describes the changing place of elders in family, in community, and the resulting need for a new kinship network to help elders age in place more successfully. Reiss served as president of Saint Michael’s College and executive vice president of Fordham University, among other academic positions.

The Paul J. Reiss Love and Mercy Award recognizes those individuals or organizations that act upon an understanding that all community members are neighbors, especially those in most need of love, friendship, and companionship.

The Mercy Care Board established the criteria for the award:

¯ A person who practices love in action, extending mercy to those in need, whenever possible;

¯ A person who facilitates healing, compassion, and joy through mercy and friendship;

¯ A person who builds community where it is scarce;

¯ A person who respects and supports every person’s self-worth, undiminished in value or dignity by age or infirmit;

¯ And a person who practices love in action, a standard that endures over time.

In presenting the award, a crystal replica of Catherine McCauley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Johnston quoted Paul J. Reiss in Love and Mercy: “Let us remember that Mercy is not just feeling love of God and love of neighbor, mercy is love in action. Mercy Care is the loving care given to others in kindness and in a manner that is both compassionate and just.”

Johnson read a note from Diocese of Ogdensburg Bishop Terry R. LaValley, who regretted he had another commitment and could not attend. Bishop LaValley wrote: “I can’t think of an individual more deserving than Fr. John Yonkovig to receive this award. You are aware of his strong support of Mercy Care for the Adirondacks. He is a shepherd who truly cares for the often-forgotten person. His heart beats with the love and compassion of Christ. We are blessed.”

Yonkovig accepted the award with his usual grace, humility and gratitude, officials noted in a recent news release.

“I am honored to accept this award, but there are so many who are far more deserving than I am. Paul Reiss put so much of himself into Mercy Care and has helped so many. The Mercy Care Volunteers are a true inspiration to me,” he said.

Mercy Care for the Adirondacks is located at 185 Old Military Road, Lake Placid. For more information, visit Mercy Care’s web site at http://www.adkmercy.org.