A “ZIP code of hope,” a free monthly meal and a livestream Mass being shared by a local television affiliate.

For these efforts, three parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are being honored with Pillars of Stewardship Awards (nicknamed the “Stewies”) as they seek to promote prayer, participation and generosity — even in the midst of a global pandemic.

“The ‘Stewies’ Awards honor and recognize parish communities for outstanding work in executing the central mission of our Church,” Archbishop Bernard Hebda told those participating in a “virtual coffee” Nov. 14 to watch the second annual awards. “A Church which Jesus gave us to ‘go and make disciples, spreading the love of Jesus to all the people.’”

Sponsored by the Office of Stewardship and Development, officials said the awards offer an opportunity to recognize and promote best practices, communicate the fact that stewardship is a way of life and thank those who put in the work.

Parish ministries can be nominated or nominate themselves for a Stewardship Award. Stewardship Committee members judge the awards. Suggestions for next year’s awards will be accepted through Aug. 31 at archspm.org/stewies.

2020 ‘STEWIES’ WINNERS

Prayer: St. John the Baptist, Savage

Parishioners created a “ZIP code of hope” to help meet the spiritual needs of the community in the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Prayer groups visit care facilities and people in their driveways to pray with them, while maintaining social distancing. The vision has been to reach beyond the church walls to those who need spiritual support and companionship in these trying times. Residents at care facilities often go to their balconies to join the group in prayer.

Participation: All Saints, Lakeville

All Saints sponsors “Dinner on the Hill,” a free monthly meal for parishioners and the broader community that pre-pandemic drew about 75 people, including those building up parish life, seeking companionship or in financial straits. When the pandemic hit, the parish partnered with Knights of Columbus Council 8367 to transform the ministry to curbside pickup and a new delivery service to senior apartment complexes. The partnership now serves more than 450 meals every second Thursday of the month, with nearly 100 of those delivered to seniors. More than half of the people receiving curbside meals are not parishioners, indicating an important community need is being met. In addition to working at the event, parishioners financially support the expansion.

Generosity: Our Lady of Grace, Edina

When COVID-19 hit in March, Our Lady of Grace closed its doors to regular Mass and a parishioner, Ben Franske, who also is a video production consultant and producer, volunteered to help livestream weekly Masses. The production quality caught the attention of a local TV affiliate, which contacted the parish and arranged to broadcast the Mass. Today, the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass is broadcast each Sunday at noon on Fox 9 Plus. Based on market demand, a formal agreement with the station has secured the noon hour for one year.