Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, has farewelled a stalwart of the parish office, Angela Barlow, after 18 years of “looking forward to work”.
Angela has served as the parish’s secretary since 2007, offering a friendly smile, a helping hand and a friend in prayer to parishioners.
Her role began when the then-parish priest Fr Emmanual Gatt asked her to consider working for the parish. Being a secretary already, Angela would frequently visit the church on her lunchbreak.
“My husband said that the job ‘would suit me well’, and I was very happy to be given the opportunity of working for the Church,” Angela said.
Working in parish “brings joy”
Over her time in the parish, Angela recalled enjoying the interactions with parishioners on a daily basis.
“Serving the parish through the office has been a happy situation for me. I always looked forward to work,” she said.
“I’m an extrovert, so having people around brings joy to my soul.
“There was shared fun and responsibility with fellow workers and volunteers. Each person is dedicated and happy to be at the parish.”
Angela Barlow (right) with Parish Priest Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv and parish support team members Catherine Bareham (left) and Angela Rosero. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Supported by the Franciscan community, who are caretakers of the parish, Angela explained that they offered something “extra” to her work and faith life.
“When I often walked into the church during the day and saw someone praying alone, I realised I could pray for their intentions without their knowledge, right there and then.
“I also realised I could do the same for the whole community.
“Each time we were able to provide a priest for someone on their deathbed, I was truly happy.
“Being the connection to that Sacrament of the Sick and Dying at such a special time in someone’s life, is a blessing.
“God is so close, always listening out for a word from each of us. He intentionally stoops down to accept our prayers. It’s such a beautiful fact that makes my faith soar.”
Angela went “far and beyond”: Parish Priest
Reflecting on his time working with Angela over almost three years, Parish Priest Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv described her as “exceptional”.
“She always went far and beyond what would have been required – endearing herself to many parishioners by her care and concern for all who came to the parish office,” he said.
Angela Barlow (second left, in green) with fellow parishioners ahead of dressing the altar during the reopening of the church and rededication of the altar at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“The role of the parish secretary is essential to all parishes as they are the frontline people in the parish.
“I wish her all the best and thank her for her many years of exceptional and dedicated service in our parish and her continued involvement in so many ways.”
Future endeavours
Moving into this next phase of life, Angela is looking forward to babysitting her grandchildren, sewing lots and travelling around Australia when time permits.
She has also committed to serve the parish in a volunteer capacity by taking care of the piety stall.
“I would like very much to offer support wherever possible,” she said.
“I plan to join our Wednesday knitting group, which I started 17 years ago. We knit squares for blankets created for the poor, and anyone interested in joining us for a chat and a cuppa is welcome.
“Each parishioner or visitor to our parish is a gift, even if we do not realise that immediately.
“Each person who comes to the parish gives something without realising it – whether its joy, support, love, sadness, worry, anger or hurt – they give us the opportunity to pray for them.
“Everyone in our lives is a gift, really.”
Recognising Angela’s dedication to Kellyville Parish aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Mission. Read more about the Pastoral Plan.
