Congratulations to Karis Doker,
our 2025 Youth of the Year!

Karis has been an integral part of the Life Teen group since the summer of her ninth-grade year. She is preparing to go on her fifth Catholic Heart Work Camp mission trip. She has demonstrated strong leadership skills, inviting new teens to join and guiding them in embracing the servant heart of Christ.

Beyond mission work, Karis has served in the parish nursery and will soon begin serving as a lector. She has also contributed to Life Teen by using her talents to assist with the program’s audiovisual needs. A dedicated athlete, Karis has been a varsity member of both her high school swim and soccer teams all four years, qualifying for the state championship in swimming each year. She was elected captain of her soccer team and has received various academic and athletic honors.

Additionally, she has been an active participant in multiple clubs and leadership roles, including IDEALS, peer leading, and the Lanier Student Leadership Team. Karis plans to attend the University of North Georgia, where she will pursue pre-med. Her commitment to faith, service, and excellence makes her the recipient of the St. Lawrence Youth of the Year honor.

Celebrating our 2024 Woman of the Year: Mrs. Lillie Gibbs

For more than a decade, Lillie has been a pillar of faith, service, and kindness in our St. Lawrence community. Since moving to Lawrenceville in 2009 to be closer to her family, she has embraced our parish with a quiet yet unwavering dedication that inspires all who know her.

Lillie’s presence is one of warmth and formality—she greets everyone with respect, always addressing them properly as “Mrs.” or “Mr.” Beyond her gracious demeanor, she is an active servant of the Church, giving her time generously as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Lector, Greeter, and member of the Welcoming Committee. She is deeply involved with the Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) and Helping Hands, and she plays a vital role in Faith Formation by engaging parents in meaningful discussions while their children attend PSR classes.

Within the Ladies of St. Lawrence, Lillie has been a devoted leader and participant from the very beginning. She has served as Co-President and Secretary, chaired the Lenten Tea, and worked tirelessly at parish events such as the KOC Fish Fry, Night of Reflection, Parish Picnic, Trunk or Treat, and Jar Mix Workshops. If there is a ministry effort underway, Lillie is there—helping, supporting, and leading by example.

What makes Lillie’s dedication even more remarkable is the resilience and strength she has shown through personal hardships and health challenges. No matter what she has faced, she has always returned to serve with a smile, demonstrating a faith that is both steadfast and inspiring. Despite not driving a car, she finds her way to every event, proving that true dedication knows no barriers.

Lillie’s deep love for her family is evident in the time she devotes to her children and grandchildren. But she is also a spiritual mother to our parish, embodying Christ’s love through her selflessness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

Nominated by many who recognize her impact, Lillie is truly deserving of the title "Woman of the Year." Her life is a testament to what it means to be a faithful servant of the Lord, and we are blessed to have her as part of our St. Lawrence family.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Lillie for her incredible contributions on Thursday, March 6 at 7pm in Cogswell Hall.