ROCKFORD—Catechist Bernadette Spurr was welcomed to the Diocesan Administration Center here on Oct. 10 by John Jelinek and Cindy Vincent of the Education Office for a presentation by Bishop David Malloy of a certificate honoring Spurr’s 50 years of service as a catechist at St. Mary and St. Michael parishes in Galena. 

 

Spurr noted her joy of teaching the faith to students and how many of them continue to remember her from when she taught them the Catholic faith even if several decades have passed since they were in her classes. Currently she assists Deacon Jay Achino as he heads up the religious education program in Galena; he says, she is “my right and left hand.” Teaching the faith “has been my life since 1972,” Spurr said, “I certainly didn’t expect this.” 

 

Bishop Malloy called her service an offering. “It’s not everyone who gets that far down the road,” he said. “We wanted something to record the moment here. … a reminder and a recognition of 50 years, and an opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for all the spiritual work this has been … We really appreciate it.”