Parishioners honoured with Bene Merenti medals in Castlemagner

Two parishioners who Canon Toby Bluitt described as ‘shining beacons of what it means to be dedicated and committed in giving of oneself to the Lord and his work’ were conferred with Bene Merenti Medals during the Saturday evening Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Castlemagner.

Sheila Healy and Andy Bourke were honoured for their longstanding service to the Parish and were presented with the Papal Medals by Bishop William Crean who said both Sheila and Andy have made an immense contribution to the local community in their different roles as members of groups and committees over many years.

“On this feast of Pentecost as we celebrate the spirit, St. Paul explains that there are all kinds of services to be done and there are a variety of gifts given to different people in different ways. Each exercises those gifts according to the talents given to them” Bishop Crean said.

“Tonight, we acknowledge, give thanks for and celebrate the gifts from Andy and Sheila and their service to this community. It might even be a little bit embarrassing for them because in their eyes it was the fulfilment of a personal desire rooted in faith to nurture the life of this Parish community, so we thank them for their wonderful generosity of spirit” the Bishop continued.

Fr. Toby Bluitt, paying tribute to Sheila Healy said “Sheila’s dedication to the life of Castlemagner Parish has spanned many years and her commitment has been broad in its scope. It is said that a good Sacristan is the cornerstone of every Parish and she has been a trustworthy and dependable cornerstone in Castlemagner for the past 28 years.

Over this time, she showed total commitment to her task, being the person to open and close the Church every day and being present for all daily and weekend liturgies. Sheila can be depended on to attend all significant parish events; Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals, she is present for Communion and Confirmation ceremonies, every Priest who has worked in this Parish owes a debt of gratitude to Sheila” Fr. Toby said.

In addition, he noted that Sheila is involved with the Alter Society, she sings in the Parish Choir, is an active member of the Legion of Mary and organises the annual Novena to the Venerable Edel Quinn.

Paying tribute to Andy Bourke, Fr. Toby noted that Andy has been a long serving and dedicated member of the Parish.

“In an age which seems to value specialism, Andy has shown himself to be the ultimate ‘multi tasker’, he has brought a range of organisational skills to enhance the efficient running of the Parish” Fr. Toby said, going on to describe Andy as a discreet and respected member of the Parish Finance Committee and the Pastoral Council, as well as being responsible for drawing up the rotas for various ministries in the Parish such as the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the Lectors.

“Andy is also personally involved as a member of the team of Eucharistic Ministers who dedicate themselves to bringing Holy Communion to housebound members of the community each Sunday morning” Fr. Toby explained.

Andy is also committed to organisng the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and has also found the time to write a well received Book on St. Mary’s Church.

“In more recent years, Andy found special focus in caring for Fr. Tom Foley, a Priest from the Diocese of Portsmouth, UK, who came to live in Castlemagner following his retirement, Andy cared for Fr. Tom until his passing, he is a true servant of the Church in every way” Fr. Toby said.

“It’s not everyone who gets a Medal from Pope Francis, you have to deserve it; you Andy and Sheila both deserve your Medals and we congratulate you on your achievement, as the Lord might say; ‘well done, good and faithful servants’ Fr. Toby added.