Employee of the Year Deacon Patrick Moore and Volunteer of the Year, Dorothy Johnston. Photo: Michelle Tan.
Former director of Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, Deacon Patrick Moore has taken out the Catholic Social Services Employee of the Year Award, while Catholic Outreach Volunteer Dorothy Johnston the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Employee and Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual ceremony to recognise the good works of CSSWA members, employees and volunteers, who witness the four pillars of Catholic Social Teaching in their respective agencies.
The awards were formally presented at a special ceremony, Friday 25 November, at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey and members of the Tranter Family.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe speaks at the Employee and Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony. Photo: Ron Tan.
In announcing the Employee of the Year Award, WA Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office Director, Deacon Greg Lowe, noted that Deacon Patrick led the Stella Maris Seafarer’s Centre from 2007.
During his time at Stella Maris, Deacon Patrick prioritised internet access for seafarers to visually communicate with their loved ones.
This, explained, Deacon Greg, had a profound effect on the well-being of those who sought assistance from the Seafarers Centre.
“The space and place offered onshore have also allowed for a moment of much-needed respite for some of the seafarers and aided the mental health of all onshore visitors,” Deacon Lowe explained.
“Dcn Patrick has ensured that the small premises are welcoming, replete with a billiards table.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, with WACMRO Deacon Greg Lowe, Employee of the Year, Deacon Patrick Moore and his wife Carol, and Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey during a special presentation in October. Photo: Michelle Tan.
“Visitors have always had access to food and clothing and various occasions have been celebrated which created a sense of community among those gathered,” Deacon Greg explained.
Deacon Greg continued by explaining that during the initial phase of the pandemic when no disembarkation from the ships was allowed, Dcn Patrick co-ordinated permission to go on board and provide much-needed food and clothing items for the seafarers.
“Deacon Patrick's longevity of service in a difficult ministry, often with little support available, has been inspiring and is a testament to his perseverance and persistence for the sake of vulnerable others,” Deacon Greg highlighted.
“It has been a gracious act of neighbour love,” he said.
WACMRO Director Deacon Greg Lowe speaks about Employee of the Year, Deacon Patrick Moore from the Seafarers Centre. Photo: Ron Tan.
St Pat’s Community Centre CEO Michael Piu – whose building neighbours the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, seconded Deacon Patrick’s dedication and passion for seafarers.
“I often see him after hours or late in the evening helping seafarers in their free time due to shipping activity,” Mr Piu said.
Catholic Outreach Director, Marietta Russo led the announcement of Volunteer of the Year Award for Dorothy Johnston.
Catholic Outreach Director Marietta Russo speaks about Volunteer of the Year, Dorothy Johnston. Photo: Ron Tan.
An inaugural Rosary Care Coordinator, Ms Johnston has also been a member of the Parish Council, a facilitator in Parish Renewal retreats, and has also co-ordinated two Seasons for Growth at Doubleview Parish.
“In her role as a Rosary Care coordinator, she has encouraged parishioners to become volunteers and brought volunteers together to meet the needs of the parish,” Ms Russo explained.
“As a Rosary Care volunteer, she has provided meals, looked after children, provided transport and visited people.
“If Dorothy couldn’t help herself, she would find someone who could,” she said.
Volunteer of the Year Dorothy Johnston receives her award. Photo: Ron Tan.
Ms Johnston has also assisted in coordinating various events in the parish, including Healing Masses, the Rosarians group for the retired and elderly parishioners, Mother’s Day Mass, and also a Christmas lunch at the end of the year.
“Her latest initiative is the UFO Craft Group (Unfinished Objects) which meets twice a month,” Ms Russo explained.
“They are providing blankets, binnies, and scarves for St Vincent de Paul, Passages, and The Shopfront.
“She has contributed significantly to the ongoing success of this Care Program helping build community and relationships while demonstrating to the world at large Christianity in action, values,” Ms Russo concluded.