Carmel has been ministering to the young people of Coventry for nearly 20 years, welcoming up to 45 young people a week. Beyond the weekly volunteering, she leads young people to Lourdes and World Youth Day. Social Action is also close to her heart: She takes aid young adults to the refugee camp in Calais. She organises trips to the food bank and homeless shelter, and delivers Christmas cards with young people to the elderly and sick in the parish. Carmel is there for her young people. She supported young people through depression, attempted suicide, and criminal behaviour. She has accompanied them to police stations when they make mistakes and she’s at their school play when they have a starring role.
Those who nominated her said, “It would mean the world to Carmel to win this Award! She volunteers so many hours of every day. She sees the face of Christ in every young person and ministers to them accordingly. This award gives us a chance to show her just how deeply she is loved and valued for the tireless work she does. Youth leaders can often be taken for granted, all the conversation with parents, the grumpy teenager, the 'no shows' the cold and dark nights - Carmel is there for all of it. It is wonderful to be able to recognise this ambassador for her parish, this role model of living the Gospel.”
Carmel Keane, Coventry (Archdiocese of Birmingham)