Area residents receive awards from bishop The Diocese of Trenton honored more than 160 men and women in early July during the presentation of the Diocese's inaugural Nostrum Ecclesiam Tempus awards. Bishop John M. Smith presented the awards in recognition of service to the Lord and the church. The awards were established in honor of the 10th anniversary of the bishop's installation as bishop of Trenton. The award's Latin title means "Our time to be church." The recipients were nominated by pastors or diocesan officials. Local recipients are: William J. Allingham, Holmdel, St. Catharine's Parish; Sister Joan Driesbach, OSF, Lincroft section of Middletown, St. Leo the Great Parish; Elizabeth Ann Emerson, Port Monmouth section of Middletown, St. Catherine's Parish, Middletown; Robert J. Fitzpatrick, Matawan, St. Joseph's Parish, Keyport; Bonnie A. Hughes, Tinton Falls, St. Benedict's Parish, Holmdel; Martin O'Toole, Hazlet, Holy Family Parish, Keyport; Dennis J. and Kathleen M. Poracky, Middletown, St. Mary's Parish; and Vernon J. Ralph, Matawan, St. Clement's Parish. Diocesan nominees were Jacqueline L. Callahan, Middletown, nominated by the Office of Catechesis; MaryLou Merritt, Aberdeen, nominated by the Office of Pastoral Care; Carolyn M. Norbut, Matawan, nominated by the Office of Youth and Young Adults; and Gordon A. and Hilare Reinhold, Matawan, nominated by the Office of Family Life/Respect Life. The awards were presented during solemn evening prayer at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.