unity members from Boorowa, Harden/Murrumburrah, Binalong, Galong and surrounding districts gathered at the Boorowa Ex-Services Club on Wednesday June 16 to farewell Rev’d. Father Greg Beath after his six years as Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s Church in Boorowa. Community members and parishioners spoke of his inspiring commitment as a Priest not only in Boorowa from 2004, but from 2006 in Binalong and Galong and from 2008 in Harden/Murrumburrah as well.
Special guests included Father Greg’s mother Mrs Doreen Beath and his brother Michael and sister-in-law Sandra from Gooloogong, Rev’d. Fathers Patrick Corbett, Leo Coffey and Peter Ryan and Sister Helen Barnes all from St Clement’s Monastery, Galong, Mr Alby Schultz Federal Member for Hume and his daughter-in-law Sue,
and Mrs Wendy Tuckerman, Mayor of Boorowa.
Apologies were received from Rev’d. Father Laurie Bent Supply Priest from Goulbourn, Mrs. Katrina Hodgkinson, State Member for Burrinjuck and Mrs Gloria Schultz as well as from various parishioners and community members.
The gathering was chaired by Mr Dermot McGrath, as he welcomed the special guests and those from Harden/Murrumburrah, Binalong, Galong and the surrounding centres of Rugby, Frogmore and Rye Park.
Rector of St Clement’s Fr Pat Corbett said Grace and all present shared a tasty meal with the capable help of the Friends of St Joseph’s School.
Chair of the St Patrick’s Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs Teena McGrath spoke on behalf of all the parishes and paid tribute to Father’s commitment, compassion and kindness. His involvement in World Youth Day in 2008 and his overwhelming support to all families, especially those who had lost loved-ones will never be forgotten.
The guidance and encouragement Father always gave to children and youth were also highlighted, as well as the repair of the magnificent stained glass windows in St Patrick’s and the renovations and painting in both the church and presbytery.
We live in an ever changing world and Fr Greg has guided us along to embrace change in our church, Mrs McGrath concluded.
She assured Father Greg that he would always be welcomed back in his role as a Supply Priest in the Diocese.
Mr Alby Schultz also spoke of Father’s encouragement of all young people and their families in Christian values and Mrs Wendy Tuckerman paid tribute to Father’s community involvement, especially during Woolfest and in other projects.
Earlier in the day, at a school assembly, Mr Peter Hughes, Principal of St Joseph’s Primary School had paid tribute to Father’s work with the children and made a presentation.
Mrs Trina McGrath, Principal of Trinity School of Harden/Murrumburrah also spoke of Father’s encouragement to all children in their Faith Journey and Sacramental Life and made a presentation on behalf of the staff and students.
Miss Margaret Cusack, President of the Catholic Women’s League thanked Father for his wonderful hospitality and support to the group, Mrs Joy Cavenagh of the Rye Park Uniting Church Community paid tribute to Father’s commitment to Ecumenism in the district and Mrs. Margaret Berry spoke on behalf of the catechists in past years and thanked Father for all his support.
In a moving reply, Father Greg spoke of his six years here and the challenges he faced.
He highlighted three areas of commitment – his ministry to the sick, suffering, frail, aged, lonely and grieving members in the community, his encouragement of children in their faith and sacramental journey and the support of their families and the preservation and enhancement of our churches and presbyteries. His sudden and serious illness last December as he neared the end of his six years here helped him come to the decision to resign and take on lighter duties. The stroke, dislocated shoulder and the discovery of the hole in his heart have all taken their toll, but with intense physiotherapy and rest over the past months, Father has renewed his determination to continue to serve in the Arch-Diocese of Canberra/Goulburn and he will be based at Garran in the ACT as a supply priest.
As a final tribute, Teena, assisted by Mrs Dianne Moorby of Harden/Murrumburrah and Mr. John Blair of Binalong presented Fr. Greg with a gold watch and a hand-crafted box by Kevin Seccombe of Glenara Gallery, containing the generous donations of all.
In the Spirit of World Youth Day and of the hospitality the districts are renowned for, old friendships were renewed and there was the opportunity to greet Fr Greg again, as well as his family and former parish helpers Han and Pauline de Grave, who now reside at Moruya and returned for the farewell.
In the capable hands of Fr Laurie Bent saying Masses over the weekends and Deacon Patrick Whale conducting communion services during the week, as well as Parish Helper Mrs Joy Jaensch continuing in her role, the whole community is embracing change and journeys on with strong memories of Fr Greg’s inspiration and example to all.
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