St. Mary's parish community is well-privileged because one of their parishioners, Julie Papworth, received a papal Blessing.
Julie has been a dedicated organist and choir leader at St. Mary's Parish for nearly 50 years. She has not only been their sole organist but has been a member of various choirs over that time.
But this has not been her only contribution to the Parish. She has been a teacher at the school and continues to train the children for many events throughout the year, including School Liturgies, the Annual Eisteddfod, and the Annual Combined Churches Christmas Choir. In addition, every year, they visit Crossley House to entertain the residents at Christmas.
Julie is also a Committee Member for the Combined Churches Committee, and one of her many duties for them has been organising Christmas Hampers for many families throughout the district. She also helps organise the World Day of Prayer in March every year.
For many years she has been a tireless worker for St. Vincent De Paul, organising the Drop off Depot that we had up until a few years ago. Even now, along with
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other members, she arranges assistance for needy people.
And let us not forget the Annual garage sales that Julie and her family run yearly to raise money for a Kindergarten in Nepal, which they have sponsored for a long time. They raised $1000.00 on Election Day as recently as last weekend.
While doing all this, Julie and her husband John managed to raise five beautiful children, Stephen, Katie, Michael, Susie and Jo.
In recognition of all her works, Julie was honoured with a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis, given to her by Bishop Greg Bennet on Sunday, the 4th of December, 2023. The parish community gathered and celebrated the day with a family BBQ, making it a festive occasion.
