Jubilee Mass Celebrates the Ministry of Deacons
February 27, 2025
GLOW Youth Event: A Day of Faith and Fellowship
February 28, 2025
The Feast of St Stephen was made even more special at St Mary’s Church, Ipswich, as the parish came together to celebrate the dedication and ministry of its altar servers and extraordinary ministers.
Having recently commissioned a new group of readers and Eucharistic ministers, the parish continued its recognition of ministry by officially enrolling its altar servers into the Guild of St Stephen. Nine young servers, having faithfully completed their probationary period, were awarded the bronze medal – a symbol of their commitment to this vital liturgical role.
The celebrations continued as Fr Jude presented silver medals to two longstanding altar servers, Susan and Benjamin, who have each devoted a decade of service to the parish. Susan, who has recently embarked on her studies in Occupational Health, and Benjamin, who has begun training as a paramedic, were both recognised for their unwavering dedication and example of faith in action.
St Mary’s is blessed with 27 regular altar servers, and the vast majority, 25 of them, have been trained by a single dedicated individual: Bryan Talbot. His quiet, steadfast service to the parish has been truly extraordinary. Not only has he trained and guided generations of servers, but he has also tirelessly prepared the altar, assisted at special services, and ensured the smooth running of liturgies – often the first to arrive and the last to leave.
In a moment of heartfelt appreciation, Fr Jude had the honour of presenting Bryan with the gold medal in recognition of his 50 years of service as an altar server. His deep commitment to nurturing young people in faith is exemplified in Susan, his own granddaughter, and in the dedication of all the servers who have flourished under his guidance.
For Bryan, this moment of recognition was just the beginning of a truly special year, as 2025 marks his personal Jubilee. Alongside this milestone in ministry, he and his wife will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in September – a testament to a lifetime of faith and dedication.
In his closing words, Fr Jude expressed profound gratitude to the congregation, saying:
“Thank you for lending us your children, your parents, and your grandparent!”
This joyous occasion at St Mary’s was a fitting tribute to the spirit of service and community that continues to thrive within the parish.
