Archdiocese of Los Angeles Honored Marge Graf
Marge Graf received the Evangelii Gaudium Award during the recent St. John's Seminary Gala in Los Angeles.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Awards
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles presented its Evangelii Gaudium Award to general counsel Marge Graf at the St. John's Seminary Gala. The event brought together more than 800 guests at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Why it matters
The annual gala serves as a fundraising effort to support men in religious formation at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. Honoring key figures like Graf highlights the institutional dedication required to sustain the archdiocese's educational mission.
Marge Graf has served as the general counsel for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles since 2003. The gala drew more than 800 attendees to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
The players
Marge Graf
She serves as the general counsel for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and has held this position since 2003.
Heather Banis
She is the individual who officially presented the Evangelii Gaudium Award to Marge Graf at the gala.
St. John's Seminary
Located in Camarillo, this institution provides formation for men entering the priesthood and benefits from the annual gala proceeds.
The details
Heather Banis presented the award to Graf during the outdoor dinner held in the cathedral plaza. The event also recognized four additional distinguished alumni, including Bishop Albert Bahhuth, Msgr. Frank Hicks, Father Vaughn Winters, and Father Steve Sallot.
Timeline
Marge Graf began her tenure as general counsel for the archdiocese in 2003.
The St. John's Seminary Gala took place on September 19, 2026.
Roadmap
The gala supports the operational budget of St. John's Seminary, which serves as a core institution for regional religious education. This event follows the established pattern of the archdiocese using high-profile gatherings to sustain the long-term financial requirements of its seminaries.
Residents and parishioners in Los Angeles may observe increased activity at major archdiocesan sites during significant fundraising events. The gala underscores the ongoing community support required to maintain local religious educational institutions.
The takeaway
Recognizing long-term staff helps reinforce the administrative stability of large regional religious organizations. Consistent fundraising support ensures that institutions like the seminary can continue their mission of training new clergy.
Further reading
For more information on local honors and recognitions, visit the Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Angelus News.
