Papal Medal for OLI Parishioner

One of our most well-known parishioners, Pat Parker, has been awarded a Papal Medal for over thirty years of service in our Parish and Diocese.

He's currently our Sacristan and Co-ordinator of the Rota for Eucharistic Ministers and Readers. In 1975 he became a Reader. When Father Kirby became Parish Priest in 1979 he asked Pat to undertake the work of Sacristan and also Parish Master of Ceremonies.

Pat was commissioned as a Special Minister of the Eucharist in 1985. Father Tony Ford asked Pat to continue with these duties when he became Parish Priest in 1989. Pat has continued to undertake these roles since my appointment in September 2000.

He joined the local Knights of St Columba in 1973. Over the years he has held a number of posts including Secretary (which he currently holds), Treasurer and, on two separate occasions, has been elected Grand Knight (Chairman). He became very active in social activities in the 1970s when he ran dances and other events to raise money for the Parish Lenten Project. Pat has also served on our Parish Council and currently on the liturgy, Maintenance and Church Reorganisation Committees.

In 1990, when Pat was coincidentally awarded an MBE for his work in the Civil Service, he was also appointed a Foundation Governor of Richard Challoner School. A year later he was elected Chairman of the Governors, a post he held until he retired in July 2000. During his Chairmanship the school went from strength to strength following its decision to become a Grant Maintained School.

Pat, his family and the parish were deeply shocked by the sudden, untimely death of his wife, Joan on 27th September 2000. In spite of his sad loss, Pat readily acknowledges that it is due to Joan's unstinting help and support in the background in all his activities which has made this award possible today.

Back to top of page