The new Church of St Henry Morse opened in 2012, and the couple continued to offer support to the parish. When Fr Alex Anaman arrived in the parish from St John’s Cathedral, Norwich, they helped to settle him into his flat. They also ensured he was equipped for the British winter, having come from Ghana.
During the time of Covid-19, when there were strict restrictions to be adhered to in order to attend church, Maureen and Maurice were part of a small team who worked hard alongside Fr Alex to keep the church open.
For many years, the couple have served on the parish finance committee as Chair and Gift Aid Officer. They also took on a diverse range of tasks, including acting as parish representatives at deanery meetings, contributing to building maintenance and project management, alongside more routine roles such as church cleaning and stock ordering. The Grand Christmas Raffle raised hundreds of pounds for parish funds each year.
Apart from their significant contribution to the parish, they will both be missed as sociable and warm members of the community. They participated in the majority of parish activities, both social and liturgical. They were welcoming to new parishioners and put their faith into action as members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Within the sacramental life of the Church, they both served as Eucharistic Ministers and readers. Maureen also worked for many years as a catechist, preparing many young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
After the morning Mass on 26 April, Fr Alex presented the couple with a framed certificate. This was followed by a reception in the community room with further presentations, cards and gifts. The event was attended by a large number of parishioners, all keen to offer their thanks and best wishes to a couple who had contributed so much to the life of the parish.
