Congratulations to Margaret Thompson, parishioner at St Joseph’s Church, Penketh, who was presented with the Benemerenti medal for her work in the Church.

She received the medal and a commemorative frame by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon during the centenary Mass at St Joseph’s in September.

Margaret has been involved with the parish community for over 50 years in a variety of roles.

Throughout her illustrious career in the Church, she has been a teacher at St Joseph’s School, Headmistress at St Vincent’s School, Church organist, Liturgy group leader, CAFOD Leader, founder of Baptism preparation teams, Eucharist Minister preparation team, trainee of altar servers for 20 years plus, a member of the Church cleaning team and a Trustee at St Joseph’s Welfare Centre.

She continued to serve the Church, even during times of ill health and problems with her sight.

She was invited onto the altar by Fr Raymond Anyanwu, CssP, who had just been inducted as the new parish priest for St Joseph’s.

Afterwards, she said a few words, during which she paid tribute to former parish priest Monsignor John Butchard, who served as parish priest at St Joseph’s until 2000, when he would move on to Holy Rosary, Aintree.

She said: “He really helped me, as I had just retired from working in schools at the time.”

Margaret also added that she had not received many medals in her time; the last time was in a ballroom dancing competition when she was 18!

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