Challenge Coins

Have you ever received a special honor? Perhaps an award, or ribbon, or plaque for a job well done? Or even just a thank you note or comment that someone noticed your efforts. There is a sense of pride in being recognized and affirmed for our work. Most of us don’t do it for the award, but the award acknowledges that all our hard work was meaningful in some way.

One special kind of award is a challenge coin. A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. These coins are a physical symbol of appreciation and recognition of a job well done. Traditionally, these coins were used by branches of the military to honor exemplary service, but they are now being used in schools and universities, sports and academic teams, businesses, and other organizations to promote friendship, strengthen team bonds, and recognize success.

Receiving a challenge coin is a great honor, as it signifies that the recipient has played a special role, making a significant impact on their community.

St. Barnabas has been gifted with challenge coins by a group of parishioners. We hope these coins might be a tangible expression that honors our appreciation and gratitude for ways that members have served with dedication and made a difference at St. B. We are keeping an eye out for those going “above and beyond” for St. Barnabas and for those living out the Gospel in their lives, and perhaps just for acts of kindness and love that embody the spirit of St. Barnabas. Coins will be given not as a big ceremony but in quiet recognition of those who demonstrate a courageous faith and dedicated service in our parish and beyond.

Historically, the preferred way to give someone a challenge coin is by secret handshake. A commanding officer or high-ranking official will typically palm the coin and bestow it, either in public or private, upon the recipient. The earliest known account dates back to Ancient Rome, where special coins were given to soldiers as a token of appreciation for valor in battle. Some historians claim that these coins were uniquely marked with their legion’s insignia, prompting many soldiers to keep them as souvenirs.

We hope to share these coins with members and friends of St. Barnabas. Let us know if you think someone deserves to be recognized for their ministry. We are blessed to bless one another.