Congratulations to John Lawrence McCulloch, Anne Marie Mitchell and John Watson who each received the Archdiocesan medal from Archbishop Cushley on Thursday.
The medal recognises their outstanding service and dedication over many years at St John the Baptist Parish in Fauldhouse, West Lothian.
The trio were nominated by Fr William McQuillan who highlights their good work over many years, below.
John Lawrence McCulloch
"Lawrence was born here in 1933 has been a faithful and dedicated member of the parish his entire life.
"A much respected member of the community in Fauldhouse, with a career in finance, he dedicated his talents to the financial aspects of the parish, and indeed other parishes in the Archdiocese.
"Until recently he has administered the accounts of St John the Baptist for many parish priests over the years until he retired last year. He is still an active member of the finance committee.
"Over the years he has been a leader in fundraising activities, and obtained grants from trusts to finance parish initiatives, especially the new parish hall.
"Until recently he was also a member of the Parish Council helping arrange social functions for the parish and local community.
"A faithful gentleman, he attends daily Mass with his devoted wife, and the awarding of the medal is a great recognition of his life of service."
Anne Marie Mitchell
"Since her arrival in Fauldhouse in 1971, there is virtually no ministry or parish activity Anne Marie has not been involved in.
"Her dedication to supporting the liturgical, pastoral and social life of the parish is recognised by all.
"Presently she is one of the parish sacristans and expert flower arranger; she organises the rotas for readers and communion ministers, and is a communion minster herself.
"Her career was as a teacher in St Mary's Primary in Polbeth and she has led youth groups and youth choirs, been involved in RCIA and has organised parish pilgrimages nationally and internationally.
"She is known to many in the Archdiocese for her work at the baths in Lourdes, where she works faithfully for several weeks every year. She is a very worthy recipient of this award."
John Watson
"John has given lifelong service to the parish, especially through his incredible skill and experience as a carpenter and a craftsman.
His workmanship is visible in every part of the church and sacristy spanning back decades.
"Working with others when Canon McKeon was parish priest, he carried out major renovations to the church ceiling, and over the years has continued to enhance the beauty of the church.
"He has constructed a beautiful setting for the Christmas crib and a striking cross set outside the church during Lent and Easter; he recently redeveloped the church stall and contributed to the new crucifix above the altar.
John, a man of deep faith and prayer, combines his great skill and attention to detail with a spiritual beauty and insight to all he does, and recognition by the Archdiocese is very much deserved."
The Archdiocesan Medal for Outstanding Service to the Church was established in 1975 by Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh. Over those 43 years, only 100 or so medals have been awarded for “outstanding voluntary service” to the Church at a local level.
try and see if there’s anything we can do to encourage more parents to return to Mass."
