Bishop Thomas Matthew Burns of the Diocese of Menevia, Wales presented St David’s medals on the 26th July 2011 at the Catholic Church in Presteigne.

St. David’s medals were presented to four parishioners in recognition of outstanding voluntary service to their parish churches. They are, (pictured left to right) Pat Lyne from Presteigne, Ann Hampshire from Rhayader, Terry Monaghan from Presteigne and, in the forefront, Jean Kilby from Knighton. Holy Mass was celebrated by, Bishop Thomas M Burns and Fr. Robert Copsey (SOLT). It was during the Mass that the medals were presented. This was truly a memorable and joyous occasion.

All four parishioners have given many, many years of committed service to their respective Catholic churches as ministers of Holy Communion, sacristans and readers but they have also been very involved in work with Catholic organisations and within the wider community. This has included attendance at international conferences, writing and publishing a variety of Catholic reading materials, fundraising, membership of Churches together, founding a Newman Circle, catechesis, working with LIFE (the pro-life group), fostering children, supporting the work of Macmillan Nurses, Union of Catholic Mothers, Cruse Bereavement Care, ecumenical activities, Women’s institute and a great deal more. It would need a full page in this newspaper to record them all such has been the extent of their voluntary service.

All of the recipients of the St David’s Medal have their parish’s interest at heart and are an encouragement and inspiration to us all both within the Catholic Community and the wider communities where each of them live.