On Sunday, June 1, 2025, parishioners, clergy, and community members gathered at St. John XXIII Parish in Perrysburg for a special diocesan celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the presentation of the 2025 Open Arms Awards. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas presided at the Mass and recognized this year’s honorees for their extraordinary witness, perseverance, and service to the Church and wider community.
Since 1999, through the generosity of donors to the Annual Catholic Appeal, the Diocese of Toledo has honored Catholics living with disabilities or advocating for persons with disabilities who exemplify what it means to be the Body of Christ. These awards recognize individuals who go far beyond simply attending Mass—they are deeply engaged in parish life, serve their communities with joy and resilience, and enrich the Church through their unique gifts and witness.
This year’s recipients embody that mission in inspiring ways:
Kylar Reece Gillig (In Memoriam) – All Saints Parish, New Riegel
Kylar, the beloved seven-year-old daughter of Chris and Stacy Gillig, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. Despite the difficulties she faced, Kylar radiated joy and faith, especially within her parish community. After receiving her First Eucharist, she expressed a deep desire to proclaim the Word of God, serving as a lector at Mass with remarkable clarity and reverence. Supported by her close-knit family and the New Riegel community, Kylar’s witness was a testament to her love of Jesus and strength of spirit. She passed away on April 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. The Gillig family accepted the award in her honor, recognizing Kylar’s short but deeply impactful life.
Ellen Garrison Jones – St. Martin de Porres Parish, Toledo
A retired lawyer, former magistrate, and tireless advocate for youth and Black Catholic ministry, Ellen Garrison Jones has long been a leader in both civic and ecclesial life. Following her diagnosis with transverse myelitis, Ellen became fully reliant on a wheelchair and on others for daily care. Yet she has continued to serve her parish and diocese with unwavering dedication. As President of the Altar Rosary Society and coordinator of the Diocesan Black Catholic Mass, Ellen is a model of servant leadership and joyful perseverance. Her work in OCIA ministry and commitment to lifting others up remains an inspiration to all who know her.
Patrick Wilkins – St. Jerome Parish, Walbridge
Diagnosed with autism at age five, Patrick Wilkins has overcome many challenges with quiet determination and grace. A 2023 graduate of Lake High School and a full-time employee at First Solar, Patrick is a gifted performer who was active in every school musical and play throughout high school. He was honored with the Leonard Bernstein Music Award for his creativity and dedication. A faithful parishioner of St. Jerome, Patrick has served as an altar server, participated in youth ministry, and worked on the parish grounds crew. His love of the faith was instrumental in encouraging his fiancée to pursue full communion with the Church. Their upcoming marriage is a joyful testament to Patrick’s witness.
Bishop Thomas offered warm congratulations to the recipients and thanked the community for their presence and support. Thank you to the community of St. John XXIII for hosting this year’s celebration, and to all who continue to support the Church’s efforts to recognize and uplift persons with disabilities and those who walk with them in faith.
Posted June 2, 2025 at 12:52 pm