Sister Mary Johnice Rzadkiewicz was honored on February 5th as a Champion of Education at the 2025 Catholic Education Dinner in Buffalo, NY. She received this award for her lifelong dedication to serving others. As the founder and director of The Response to Love Center, she has spent decades providing food, clothing and support to Buffalo’s most vulnerable communities, including refugees and those in need. A former Catholic school educator, she continues to teach by example, inspiring young people to serve through food drives, charitable giving and outreach programs. Inspired by the work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, she encourages children to embrace ministry by helping others, believing that education extends beyond the classroom and into acts of service.
The Catholic Education Dinner celebrated 25 years of supporting Catholic schools in Western New York, emphasizing the impact of scholarships and the commitment to accessible education. The event featured student performances and inspiring testimonies, including a former student who shared how Catholic education changed his life. Alongside Sister Johnice, Thomas R. Beecher Jr., a leader in numerous charitable initiatives and a founding member of the BISON Fund, was also recognized for his dedication to service and community impact.
