The 2026 Thumb Vicariate Catholic Rural Life (CRL) Dinner was held on Thursday, April 30. It was a great time to celebrate and honor individuals, families, and businesses that help to make rural thumb communities unique and special. Two categories of awards were presented to recipients by Bishop Robert Gruss.
Agricultural Leader Awards are given to recognize outstanding support of both the rural and agricultural community as well as parishes. Recipients of the Agricultural Leader Awards were as follows:
Award winners
John and Karen Goike, dedicated members of Ave Maria Parish, were recognized for their commitment to both their faith community and local agriculture. John, a third-generation farmer and Knights of Columbus officer, tends his greenhouse and farm, bringing produce and flowers to market with the help of supportive neighbors. Karen, a regular Sunday cantor, actively promotes agricultural events and hosts educational activities at their farm, helping strengthen community bonds and rural traditions.
Michael Bushey is a lifelong member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, active on the Finance Council and as an usher. Michael leads his family farm and, with his wife Rochelle, models faith and commitment for the parish community.
Pat and Amy Gruehn - Pat, a lifelong farmer, operates his own farm with his sons and has served on farming boards and as a BATA seed representative. Amy manages the bookkeeping for their farming businesses and Our Lady Consolata Parish, oversees four cemeteries, and handles parish picnic coordination, food pantry records, and special Mass setup. Pat is an usher and serves on the Next Generation Parish and facilities committees. Pat and Amy are go-to volunteers for parish needs.
Don Adamczyk of Adamczyk Electric has provided longstanding leadership and support to Holy Family Parish and the wider community. Serving on both the Administrative Team and Finance Council, Don and his family have contributed significantly to parish life, youth agricultural programs, and events like the Sanilac County Fair through their electrical expertise. Adamczyk Electric, a family-run business rooted in their Catholic faith, consistently supports parish, rural, and farming communities. Their dedication and reliability make them an important asset to Sanilac County.
New Evangelization Award
New Evangelization Awards are given to an individual who has demonstrated a special commitment to evangelizing our Catholic Faith in their parish and/or local community. One recipient of this award was recognized:
Suzanne Guttowsky serves as the Pastoral Associate for Holy Family Parish. As a commissioned Lay Minister, Suzanne was called to this role upon retirement from public education. She works in Adult Formation and many other ministries. Suzanne always strives to meet people where they are and journey with them as they experience the joy of recognizing God’s presence in their lives.