DIOCESE—Donna Hayes, Ecclesiastical Notary for the Diocese of Rockford’s Tribunal, started work Sept. 15, 1970. 

 

“My plan 50 years ago was to work just one year, but I guess God had other plans for me,” Hayes said. 

 

To celebrate God’s plan and her 50th work anniversary, Hayes was surprised with flowers, a gift and a card shower from folks in the administration center and across the diocese.  

 

As if 50 years in Rockford weren’t enough of a big deal, Hayes also worked three years in the Tribunal for the Archdiocese of Dubuque before getting married and moving to Rockford. 

 

The biggest change during those years Hayes said is moving from typing carbon copies to the computer age. 

 

She said “seeing people being able to return to the Church through the Tribunal process has been my greatest reward all these years. It’s been a privilege to have met and worked with so many wonderful, caring people in the last 50 years.  I’m very grateful.”

 

— Penny Wiegert, editor