BUTLER, N.J. — St. Anthony Church here took time during its busy St. Francis Week commemoration to honor the work of three volunteers.
Thomas Hartle, OFM, was pleased to give the Francis Medal to Ann Taggert and John and Linda Carney.
John and Linda Carney: Long-time Volunteers
Never ones to bring attention to themselves, these two have worked quietly and tirelessly on behalf of the parish, according to Tom.
“For many years, they were very involved in our parish school, serving as home school president and working on ways to raise funds to support the efforts of the school.” Currently active in the parish’s shelter program that hosts homeless guests, they extend dignity, respect and hope. Both have served faithfully as Eucharistic ministers for many years, and Linda has helped get the parish nursing program off the ground.
Ann Taggart: A Reliable Person
Tom lauded Taggert, a daily communicant, for her work as a Eucharistic minister at Mass and to the homebound, as a lector, and as a person truly devoted to the cause of the poor and marginalized. “She is a deeply conscious and committed advocate for the less fortunate,” he said. She is also a member of the Parish Advisory Council and is active in the Columbiettes. “A person who can always be relied upon.”
The Francis Medal was established by the Province in 1998 to “recognize and express its deep appreciation to women and men who have advanced the values and ideals of St. Francis and/or who have generously assisted the friars in living and proclaiming the Gospel after the example of St. Francis of Assisi.”