Vincentians Recognised

Three long serving and beloved Vincentians of the Seatoun & Miramar Conference in Wellington were honoured at a Festival Mass in December 2018.   John Woods, Brian Ward, and Jack Dobbs have given many years and untiring effort to a great many people in need in the Eastern Suburbs of Wellington.  John and Brian have been Vincentians since the early 1970s, and Jack since around 1980. 

John Woods, a past Conference President, continues as an active member visiting elder clients every week around the region especially in retirement homes, participating in all appeals, and attends every Conference meeting.  Jack Dobbs too has not lost his Vincentian calling, and has continued as an associate member since retiring from active service a handful of years ago.  He visits a few long-standing clients, delivers Communion to the sick, and is a Eucharistic Minister.  Brian Ward retired six years ago after spells as Conference President, Secretary and Treasurer, played an influential role in the continuity and success of the Conference, and continued as an associate member.

Tribute was paid by Brendan Quirk, the current Conference President, before a framed recognition certificate signed by the National President Marlena Hoeft-Marwick and a brass cross engraved with symbols of the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy, both blessed by Father Dennis Nacorda, were presented by the Area President John Kennedy-Good.  As Brian was unable to attend the Festival Mass the presentation was made to him at his retirement home.