Director of the Office of Life and Faith, John Donnelly, welcomed the congregation, saying that we were gathered to ask a blessing on the year’s work and to acknowledge milestones achieved by individual catechists.
Bishop Bill presided, saying how appropriate it was that this acknowledgement take place within a celebration of eucharist: “the great thanksgiving prayer of the Church”.
Following the gospel of the healing of a deaf man, he reminded the congregation that, “At some stage in life, dear friends, God has opened your ears to the good news …. this gift is being brought to our little ones by you, and you’ve seen them get it, one way or another!
“Tonight’s theme is goodness – God’s goodness to us and the goodness of the people who have stepped forward …. The source of goodness is not us – we speak the word that comes from the source of goodness.”
The hymn after communion was composed by Basil Morrow and sung by Basil and Annette Morrow.
We proclaim the Word,
We give witness to children.
Share with them our faith and love.
In praise of God.
The following catechists were recognised for their generous service:
5 years
|
Lynette Huckstadt |
Maitland |
|
Gail Williams |
Rutherford |
|
Therese Harris |
Rutherford |
|
Katy Wilks |
Maitland |
|
Marian Campbell |
Maitland |
|
Ailis Macpherson |
East Maitland |
|
Angela Caroll |
Denman |
|
Anne Marie Peebles |
Merriwa |
|
Alexis Antonia |
Nelson Bay |
|
Kristy-Anne Wakeford |
Raymond Terrace |
|
Doreen Hatton |
Kurri Kurri |
|
Natalie Eades |
Kurri Kurri |
10 years
|
Margaret Smith |
East Maitland |
|
Margo Nancarrow |
Rutherford |
|
Janet Mackenzie-Smith |
Myall Coast |
|
Desie Erhart |
Raymond Terrace |
|
Vicki Faith |
Sugarloaf |
|
Jennie Nolan |
Sugarloaf |
15 years
|
Judy Crittenden |
Maitland |
|
Trish Low |
Blackbutt North |
|
Lidy Waanders |
Raymond Terrace |
|
Beverly Knight |
Myall Coast |
|
Ariadhne Labour |
Myall Coast |
20 years
|
Trish Bowe |
East Maitland |
25 years
|
Ann Hogan |
Morpeth |
|
Bev Johns |
Cessnock |
|
Anne Marie Arkell |
East Maitland |
|
Naomi Smith |
Blackbutt North |
|
Catherine Parsons |
Kurri Kurri |
30 Years
|
Zofia Slupik |
Lochinvar |
|
Neil McGoldrick |
Blackbutt North |
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