Gwen and Wally Mitsui accept the EPIC Ministry award Jan. 5(Courtesy photo)
Retired Deacon Wallace “Wally” Mitsui and his wife Gwen were honored as the recipients of the second EPIC Award at the annual EPIC Ministry Christmas banquet on Jan. 5. The award recognizes persons who have made outstanding contributions to the local church particularly in ministries for young people.
Ever since Deacon Mitsui’s ordination in 1987, the couple have been active in various ministries including the diaconate formation program, the diocesan Synod 2000 core team, sacramental preparation, catechetical and liturgical ministries, and youth and young adult ministries at the parish, vicariate and diocesan levels.
They were also founding members of EPIC Ministry’s board of directors.
Deacon Mitsui, in his appreciation remarks, highlighted the Synod 2000 process as the “turning point” in their lives to commit more intentionally toward the youth and young adults of the diocese and to help them grow in their “their faith, their ministry, and their love of the church.”
“It was a wonderful gift to us working with the youth and young adults,” Gwen said. The “devotion, energy, and creativity” of young people is what impressed and inspired them.
Founded in 2013, EPIC Ministry is a local Catholic nonprofit organization and association of the faithful whose mission is “to empower young adults to follow Christ.”