The Diocesan Medals of Honour were awarded by Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta on the Solemnity of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on Monday August 8, 2016.
A full list of the recipients is below. For all the images from the evening click here.
To read Bishop Vincent’s homily, click here.
Thank you to all our recipients for the tireless work and dedication you have shown to the Diocese of Parramatta.
Certificate of Recognition
Mrs Meryl Austin
Salvation Army Chaplain
Mrs Austin has been a member of the Pastoral Care Team at Mt Druitt Hospital since 1996. During this time she has most supportive of the Catholic Ministry at the hospital.
Mr Allan Drew
Mr Drew is a well-known figure in the Funeral Industry. His business, Allan Drew Funerals has helped countless families in the Diocese. He is known for being compassionate and putting the needs of grieving families as a top priority.
Mr William Gregory
St Bernadette’s Parish
Lalor Park
Mr Gregory gives his time freely without hesitation and has done so over long period of time. He has organised Housie, counted the money from the envelopes on the weekend and has been an active member of the Parish Finance Committee since 2013.
Brian Robson
Anglican Church Chaplain
Mr Robson has been a member of the Pastoral Care Team at Mt Druitt Hospital since 2002. He sets up the televised services on Sundays. He is most supportive of the Catholic Ministry at the hospital.
Diocesan Medal of Honour
Mr Mervyn Atkins
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mr Atkins has been a parishioner for nearly 40 years and has been involved in a number of ministries especially as an Acolyte. He is the leader of the counting roster and helps to prepare the weekly banking on Mondays.
Mr Leo Bahlmann
Our Lady of the Way
Emu Plains
Mr Bahlmann has been a member of the Parish community since it was begun in 1974. During this time he has helped establish the church, hall, school and grounds. He has been Chairman of the Parish Council and the Finance Committee.
Mr John Beale
Maltese Community
Blacktown
Mr Beale has been the carer for Fr Claude Borg from the Missionary Society of St Paul for 25 years. He looks after him from early in the morning until late in the evening.
Mr Barry Bradbery
Holy Family
East Granville
Mr Bradbery has been a member of the parish since 1967. During this time he has been a reader, Minister of the Eucharist, President of the P&F, a member of the Finance Committee, money counter, fundraiser and carer of the altar and gardens.
Mrs Mary Butler
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Greystanes
Mrs Butler is the quiet worker who is always available to help those in need. She has been a Catechist in the public schools for 20 years. She loves God and wishes to bring peace and joy to others.
Mrs Patricia Carr
Good Shepherd
Plumpton
Mrs Carr has worked in Catholic Educaton since 1976. She helped establish Holy Family School at Emerton, was appointed as Principal at St Oliver Plunkett at Harris Park and is now a very caring Principal at Plumpton.
Mrs Margaret Climpson
St Patrick’s
Parramatta
Mrs Climpson has been a member of the parish all her life. She was an SRE teacher for over 40 years, is a special Minister of the Eucharist and a member of the Welcoming Committee.
Mrs Margaret Condon
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mrs Condon participates in Pastoral Care at Nepean Hospital and Governor Phillip Nursing Home. She organises the parish hospitality group and sees that meals are sent where needed. She also sews church garments and altar cloths which she also repairs.
Mr Clarence Cross
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mr Cross was involved in the building of the present church and in the life of the parish in many ways including leading the singing, as a reader, a sponsor for RCIA, an Acolyte, a Minister of the Eucharist and cook for the Men’s Breakfast Group.
Mrs Barbara Cross
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mrs Cross has been a great supporter of the Parish. For over 50 years she has been the co-ordinator for the cleaning of the church. She is also a sponsor for RCIA, helps with the craft group and other social activities.
Mr David Currie
Holy Spirit
St Clair
Mr Currie started as a Welcomer and went on to be a facilitator for Lenten Groups. He is a strong advocate for disability issues. He was instrumental in having ramps included in the remodelling of the parish church and at the Cathedral.
Mrs Margaret Currie
Holy Spirit
St Clair
Mrs Currie is the Chair of the Pastoral Council. She has also been a Catechist for 38 years continuously, is the Sacramental and Children’s Co-ordinator and a facilitator for Lenten Groups. She initiated “Bundles for Love” for premature babies in hospitals.
Mr Vince Boynton
St Finbar’s
Glenbrook
Mr Dobson is the Chair of the Parish Council, has been a member of St Vincent de Paul for over 60 years and has been President at a parish and state level. He is a liturgical and Eucharistic Minister as well as a Scripture teacher.
Mrs Maureen Duffy
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Greystanes
Mrs Duffy has given herself to the Ministry of the Baptismal Team. She has been a sponsor for RCIA. She is an avid gardener around the presbytery and arranges the flowers beautifully in the Church each week.
Mr Reginald Farrell
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mr Farrell came to the parish at the age of 16. This is when he took on the role of Sacristan, a role he has been committed to 7 days a week for 71 years. He assisted with funerals and made sure that the supplies for the church were always available.
Mr John Gately
Padre Pio
Glenmore Park
Mr Gately has been an instigator in the establishment of his parish. Before the church was built he organised Mass in different school spaces. He was the inaugural Parish Council Chairperson, instigated the Men’s Group, co-ordinates working bees and is part of the Baptism Team.
Mr Daniel Hale
Holy Trinity
Granville
Mr Hale is very involved in the music ministry in his parish for 37 years. He selects the hymns each week and prepares the Powerpoint for the church. He has formed a choir and assists at Masses for special occasions.
He is also active within the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Mrs Harriett Hyde
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Greystanes
Mrs Hyde has shown great dedication in the parish through various ministries including Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, being an Adult Server. She shared her nursing and grieving experience in the early stages of the Bereavement Group and continues with that involvement today.
Mrs Julie Irvine
Our Lady of the Way
Emu Plains
Mrs Irvine is a very committed woman and has been involved in many ministries for more than 30 years. These include as a Scripture teacher and as a Minister of the Eucharist where she also organises the rosters. She is also a member of the Sacramental Team and the Parish Council where she is the fundraising co-ordinator.
Mrs Christine Jenneke
St Bernadette’s
Castle Hill
Mrs Jenneke is the SRE co-ordinator for one of the largest groups in the Diocese. As well, she is relieving in the role as the Sacramental co-ordinator. She also runs and organises the Piety Stall, takes Communion to the sick and is a Minister of the Eucharist.
Mrs Alison Johnson
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mrs Johnson is a keen participant in both school and parish events. She is always available to help those in need. She is an active member of the Altar Society.
Mr Ian Jordan
St Monica’s
Richmond
Mr Jordan has a long-standing relationship with the Diocese of Parramatta and Catholic Education with previous positions as Principal, area administrator and Partnership Development Officer. He was also the World Youth Day Project Co-ordinator for 2013 and is helping the co-ordinator for 2016.
Aunty Janice Kennedy
Aboriginal Catholic Services.
As co-ordinator and founder of Aboriginal Catholic Services at Emerton, Aunty Janice has followed the principles honesty, reliability and commitment. She visits Aboriginal prisoners and encourages them to respect their culture through art.
Mr Laszlo Kocsis
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mr Kocsis has been a member of the parish for over 5o years. He was the Chairman of the Finance Committee and oversaw the building of the church, schools and many other projects. He has also been the Parish Auditor.
Mr Bernie Le Breton
Our Lady of the Way
Emu Plains
Mr Le Breton was a founding member of the Emu Plains Parish Planning Committee. He was the main co-ordinator of the Nepean District Police Community Housie which ran for nearly 30 years and raised much needed funds for the parish and two new parishes in the area.
Mrs Mili Lee
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Parramatta
Mrs Lee is the Administrative Assistant at the Cathedral. She is involved in the Music Ministry in the choir and as a Cantor, is a Reader and an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. She initiated and organises the Annual Spring Fair as well as the Diocesan Spirituality Nights for Women. She also supports schools and churches in Fiji.
Mr Alphons Lette
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mr Lette has been the singing and leading the choir for over 35 years. He serves as an Acolyte and has done so for over 20 years. He is on the counting team. He and his family always offer their services on Parish social nights with song and music.
Mrs Eva Lusch
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mrs Lusch is involved in many activities. She looks after Our Lady’s Grotto every week. She belongs to the Banner Group which produces banners related to the Liturgical seasons. She also drives others, who would not be able to attend, to Lenten and Advent programs and prayer meetings.
Mrs Rita McCreadie
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mrs McCreadie has been a member of the parish for over 50 years. She has been a senior server and a Minister of the Eucharist for over 20 years. She is the co-ordinator of parish “Care Group”, a group that cares and helps the elderly. She has being doing for over 15 years.
Mrs Barbara McGrillen
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mrs Mc Grillen has been a member of the parish since 1975. During that time she has been a catechist, assisted with the Sacramental Program and been on the church cleaning team. She has been a reader and commentator for 40+ years and has now taken on the role of leading communion services when a priest is unavailable.
Mr Richard McGuiness
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mr McGuiness had 51 years of experience in Catholic Education before his retirement. He has been a teacher and then a Principal at Doonside and Marayong as well as a consultant, Chair on the Primary Principals’ Association and a member of the Diocesan Finance Board.
Mrs Moya McGuiness
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mrs McGuiness has dedicated 48 years to Catholic Education both as a teacher and then Principal at Windsor, Kingswood and Mt Druitt. She looked after the physical as well as the educational of the students in care. She implemented a whole school approach to the teaching of English as a Second Language.
Mrs Lorraine McHugh
St Andrew the Apostle
Marayong
Mrs McHugh has been a member of the parish for over 30 years. During this time she has been involved in the Music Ministry, an area she led for the past 20 years. She has developed a real liturgical ministry among the musicians and in turn to wider community. She is also on the Parish Pastoral Council.
Sister Judy McLeod
St Bernadette’s
Castle Hill
For the past 11 years Sr Judy has been the Pastoral Associate where she has supervised up to ten groups including the RCIA program which has helped up to 700 people. She has been an invaluable support to the priests, parish teams and parishioners alike. She is always on hand to welcome people to Mass and ensure that all is ready.
Mrs Marie Maher
Our Lady of Lourdes
Baulkham Hills
Mrs Maher has been in the parish over 50 years during which time she has been involved in the Liturgy Committee, an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a member of the Parish Council, a leader for RCIA and a lector. She has worked on the rosters for many of these areas.
Mrs Patricia Matchett
ST Thomas Aquinas
Springwood
Mrs Matchett has been in the parish for over 40 years. She is a trained nurse and has applied these skills to assist sick and elderly parishioners in her “Care and Share” role by providing advice, comfort and transport to doctors. She is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.
Mr Kevin Mills
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Mr Mills has been a Principal in the Diocese for over 22 years in 6 schools. He has been a dedicated educator since 1980. He has built great learning communities that focus not only on the school but also on the wider community. He was appointed to the Diocesan School Council in 2016.
Mr John Mizzi
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Greystanes
Mr Mizzi has been an Acolyte for over 30 years and a Sacristan for over 15 years. He special gift is candle making. He collects all the old candles and melts them down to make new ones for special liturgical seasons and the altar.
Mr Bernard Norris
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mr Norris was an Acolyte for over 30 years. He was one of the first Acolytes in the parish. He was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist both on Sundays and weekdays. He visited the hospitals and the housebound.
Mrs Mary Norris
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mrs Norris was a lector and an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist both on Sundays and weekdays. She visited the hospitals – Norwest and the Hills Rehab Centre and the housebound.
Mr Peter O’Leary
St Patrick’s
Parramatta
Mr O’Leary has been an Acolyte and reader for over 20 years. He was the Chairman of the Parish Finance Committee from 1997 to 2004 and was reappointed again in 2014. He worked hard to help find the finances to rebuild the Cathedral after the fire which destroyed it.
Mr Michael Patterson
Our Lady of the Way
Emu Plains
Mr Patterson was a founding member of the parish and a great fundraiser. He was a senior Acolyte for over 30 years. He was heavily involved with the committees that saw the establishment of the parish school and the high school- McCarthy Catholic College where he was President of the P&F for many years.
Mrs Carmel Patterson
Our Lady of the Way
Emu Plains
Mrs Patterson was also a founding member of the parish. She helped with fundraising over many years. She was a member of the Altar Society. She became a Catechist and then the Catechist Co-ordinator. She helped to prepare many children to receive the Sacraments.
Mr Eddie Paunga
Holy Family
Mt Druitt
Mr Paunga has been in the parish for over 25 years. He is the choir leader and music
co-ordinator. This involves not only the Tongan groups but also the Samoan, Philipino, youth choir and the parish choir. He has helped the youth ministry to flourish both at a parish and diocesan level.
Mr Arthur Pillay
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mr Pillay was an Acolyte for 10 years and then joined the choir where he plays the saxophone. He was also a lector and on the money counting team. He was a catechist for 15 years. At the school fetes, he organised and ran an international food stall.
Mr Gerard Pinto
Holy Trinity
Granville
Mr Pinto has been actively involved in care for the homeless and St Vincent de Paul. He has assisted many homeless men make the transition to independent living. He reads regularly at Mass, is on the counting team and helps with the maintenance of the church. He is also on the Finance Committee.
Mrs Doris Portelli
Holy Trinity
Granville
Mrs Portelli has been in the parish for 52 years. Her service began with the Altar Society where she has made sure that the vessels and cloths are all clean. She has made beautiful altar frontals. She is on the counting team and helps at the St Vincent de Paul shop and with home visits. She cared for Fr Campion in his declining years.
Mr Spiro Portelli
Holy Trinity
Granville
Mr Portelli’s service to the parish is broad and varied. He was a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society. He still visits sick and elderly parishioners regularly. He cares for the church and grounds which he helps to maintain. He is the Chief Warden and ensures that the church is opened and closed when needed.
Mr John Quattromani
Mary Immaculate
Quakers’ Hill- Schofields
Mr Quattromani assists the parish by doing the works as a Sacristan, by being a Special Eucharistic Minister, by completing emergency maintenance on the Church and by opening and closing the church when needed. He also spearheaded the construction of a grotto in honour of Mary.
Mr Allan Reynolds
Mary Immaculate
Quakers’ Hill- Schofields
Mr Reynolds has been the co-ordinator of the RCIA program for 15 years. He was very involved in the Mass Centre at Schofields and again when the new church opened. He was the Chairman of the Parish Council and still is a reader, involved in the music ministry and adult education programs.
Mrs Jan Reynolds
Mary Immaculate
Quakers’ Hill- Schofields
Mrs Reynolds has been presenting the RCIA program for 15 years. She was also assisted with pastoral care visits to families in the area. She was very involved in the Mass Centre at Schofields. She was a member of the Liturgy Group and still is a reader, involved in the music ministry and adult education programs.
Mrs Margaret Richards
St Finbar’s
Glenbrook
Mrs Richards is the co-ordinator
of the Pastoral Care team. She organises rosters for volunteers to prepare meals for those in need, assists with the preparation of funerals and arranges monthly home visits with the Parish Priest. She is the RCIA co-ordinator, and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and is on the cleaning roster.
Mr Anthony Ruzgas
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mr Ruzgas is very involved in the St Vincent de Paul Society. He leads both his parish group as well as being the Nepean Regional President. He spends his time finding temporary accommodation and helping to provide food, goods and vouchers for those in need.
He is an Acolyte and helps as a Sacristan when needed.
Mrs Mary Sacco
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Greystanes
Mrs Sacco has been in the Hospitality Ministry for 20 years. She is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and an Adult Altar Server. As well, she is in charge of the washing and ironing of the purifiers, altar cloths and towels and the setting up of the altar for special occasions.
Mrs Epsy Sarno
Holy Spirit
St Clair
Mrs Spano was a founding member of the parish. She is a reader, a Minister of the Eucharist, a Welcomer and a member of the Filipino Catholic Association. She started and still runs the Flower Ministry which has grown to have 20 volunteers who always make sure there are fresh flowers.
Mrs Kathleen Sayer
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mrs Sayer is a member of the Pastoral Council, an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a lector and member of the Seniors Group. She is President of the Catholic Women’s League in the parish and the Diocese. She works on the Piety Stall and has been a sponsor for the RCIA Program.
Mrs Mary Sherry
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Mrs Sherry retired in2016 after 35 years of service to the diocese. She worked as a cleaner until she became a printer at the CEO in Blacktown. She then became a clerical assistant in records and then a receptionist for the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta.
Mr Charles Spiteri
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mr Spiteri is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. He visits the housebound and people in hospital. He is also involved with the “Young at Heart” Group which organises activities for the elderly in the parish.
Mrs Josie Spiteri
St Nicholas of Myra
Penrith
Mrs Spiteri worked for many years as a volunteer at Housie when it was running in the parish. She also was active with the “Young at Heart” Group which organised get togethers, morning teas and activities for the elderly in the parish.
Mrs Henrietta Stathopoulos
St Andrew’s College
Marayong
Mrs Stathopoulos is a Drama Teacher at St Andrew’s College. She is a teacher of high compassion, effectiveness, energy and enthusiasm. She has a deep appreciation of the sacred in her work. She is engaged by the diocese to work in the Captivate Program to instruct and mentor students from all Diocesan Schools in Drama.
Mrs Janice Stuart
Holy Spirit
St Clair
Mrs Stuart was the co-ordinator or Playtime Friends, a support group for mothers and young children. She also organises the Children’s Liturgy Group and is the secretary of the Pastoral Council and the St Vincent de Paul Conference. She organises food, vouchers, home visits and helps support the youth in the Winter Sleepout.
Dr John Sullivan
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Dr Sullivan has always been an active member of the parish including being a lector. He always cares about others and expressed this trait as a member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, serving as President for a considerable number of years.
Mrs Anne Sullivan
St Michael’s
Baulkham Hills
Mrs Sullivan has been a catechist for over 40 years and is currently the Co-ordinator. She is also involved with the Sacramental Program, an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, a lector and an active member of the Liturgy Committee. She regularly decorates the altar and sanctuary for special occasions.
Mrs Irene Tracey
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mrs Tracey has been in the parish since 1965. In that time she has been a catechist, on the Children’s Liturgy Team, a member of the Pastoral Council, a Special Minister of the Eucharist and she also assists with Communion Services. She and husband, Bob took on the role as Parish Social Secretary and have organised extended holidays in Australia and NZ.
Mr Adrian Van Doorn
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mr Van Doorn has been a member of the parish for over 40 years. He was one of the first Acolytes to be installed in the diocese. He sponsored the RCIA Program for many years. He manages the hall bookings, works on maintenance problems and looks after OH&S issues in the parish.
Mrs Helen Van Doorn
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mrs Van Doorn has been a member of the parish for over 40 years. She has sponsored the RCIA Program for many years. She has been a catechist for over 15 years as well as being secretary for the parish
co-ordinator. She manages the hall bookings.
Mr Paul Vella
St Anthony of Padua
Toongabbie
Mr Vella has been in the parish for over 40 years. He is an Acolyte and helps with the maintenance of the buildings. His main ministry is a woodworker. He makes items for the school fete. He also makes a variety of small crosses which are distributed on Good Friday, used for the youth group and others for the sick and dying. These are made not just for the parish but also for the diocese.
Mr Harry Williams
Our Lady of Lourdes
Baulkham Hills
Mr Williams has been a parishioner for over 50 years and has been involved in the community even before its creation as a separate parish. His main involvement has been with the St Vincent de Paul Society which he has run and organised all this time. He is always there to help anyone who needs it.
Mrs Monica Zachulski
Our Lady of the Rosary
Kellyville
Mrs Zachulski is one of the foundation people who works tirelessly behind the scenes to provide services that support the mission to the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents. She currently assists the Mission Association and works in the office. She is also a Sacristan.
Diocesan Medal of Honour Posthumous Presentation
Mr Jack Barrett
St Patrick’s
Parramatta
Mr Barrett spent his whole in Parramatta. He assisted the parish in many ways but is mainly remembered as a fundraiser extraordinaire. He helped to raise funds to rebuild the Cathedral, St Vincent de Paul, DWF, overseas missions, the Spring Fair and World Youth Day. He is also remembered as the rose garden carer.
Congratulations and thank you to all our recipients.
