Religious Ed Closing Mass, May 27
And a Fond Farewell to Deacon Bill McNamara
Students, parents and teachers gathered to celebrate the closing of another successful year for our parish religious education program — and to bid farewell to Director of Religious Education Deacon Bill McNamara. Bill has been DRE for the past six and a half years and is retiring to Portland, OR to be nearer his grown children. The evening included Mass, awards presented to the children, and special recognition of Deacon Bill by the children. Sue Bloch and the students of her level 1 class sang to Bill. Martha Liubicich’s level 5 class composed an acrostic poem for “Deacon Bill,” using each letter of his name to spell out his achievements in education. Bishop Sanchez sent the students out with God’s blessing to enjoy summer vacation until they return in the fall. He also blessed and thanked Bill for faithfully serving the needs of our families and young people in deepening their understanding of our Roman Catholic faith. May God continue to watch over Bill, his wife Alice and all his loved ones! Photos courtesy Yorke Mizelle
- Deacon Bill was genuinely touched
- Giving readings during Mass
- Noila Johnson, level 6 teacher
- Bishop Sanchez gave encouragement, blessings …
- …and presented student awards
- …with help from Peggy Hogan
- Fr. Antonin, Bill and Bishop Sanchez
- Sue Bloch and the level 1 students
- … sang a special song for Bill
- Martha Liubicich’s level 5 class
- … spelled out Bill’s name in a poem
- Mary Bryant and the confirmation students
- A few words of thanks from Bill