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72 years of service as a catechist
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| By Sharyn McCowen
4 October, 2009 |
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| CATECHISTS HONOURED: (from left) Margaret Spratt (50 years a catechist), Shirley Hassett (40 years), Maureen Power (72 years) and May Mitchell (50 years) with Robert Haddad, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine director. |
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Maureen Power – with an outstanding 72 years of service – was among 166 people honoured at the annual Catechist Mass on September 27.
The 87-year-old from Marrickville was presented with the Pope John Paul II Award for 50 years as a catechist.
Maureen has worked as a catechist for 72 years, having received her accreditation as a Teresian at the age of 16.
“There was a group called the Teresians run by the Sisters of Charity, because the catechists hadn’t started in those days,” she recalls.
“I feel that the children who go to the government schools, if it wasn’t for the catechists they wouldn’t get the opportunity to learn about this.
The mother of three, grandmother of 10, and great-grandmother of five is a beloved member of the Marrickville community, and the parish’s catechist co-ordinator.
“It has been a wonderful experience for me; I’ve loved it.”
Maureen’s daughter, Kerrie, said it was important to honour her mother for seven decades of catechesis.
“She has never done it for the recognition, if someone does it for so long, they don’t do it for recognition, but it was wonderful for her years of service to the parish be celebrated,” Kerrie said.
“I just think she has such an inspiring story, and her story is a great model for the young people who are just starting out. A lot of them spoke to her at the Mass and talked about her years as a catechist, and that’s why I think her story is so amazing.”
Robert Haddad, director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, said he would be surprised if Maureen’s record was ever equalled.
“I don’t think there is anyone like this anywhere in the world; it’s just an amazing accomplishment.
“If you have worked as a catechist, which I have twice, you know what an immense feat this is.”
Also honoured for half a century of service May Mitchell, Fr Kevin Spillane and Margaret Spratt.
Two women received the Cardinal Gilroy Award for 40 years of catechesis, while 25 people were given the Cardinal Freeman Medal in recognition of 25 years as a catechist.
The Apostolic Blessing for two decades of catechesis was presented to 20 people.
The principals of Bethlehem College, Ashfield; De La Salle College, Cronulla; Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield; and St Charbel’s College, Punchbowl, were present to accept student catechist certificates on behalf of their students who participated in the program.
Also recognised on the day were 16 priests currently serving as catechists, who received the St John Vianney Award.
More than 800 people attended the Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, which was celebrated by Bishop David Cremin, and while some of those present were being recognised for decades of service, 81 people were receiving their accreditation for the first time.
And six people received their Catechist Ministry Certificate, having completed further studies in addition to basic accreditation.
“It was great to see so many people from across Sydney become accredited catechists,” Mr Haddad said.
“Anyone over 16 can qualify, and we are always encouraging people to take on this important role.”
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