St Joseph’s School in Northam has celebrated its final whole school Mass for 2016 by welcoming one of its teachers into the Catholic Church.
St Joseph’s Year 7-9 Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, Rebecca Doughty, was received into the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion on Friday, 11 November.
Celebrated by Northam Parish Priest, Father George James, and concelebrated by Assistant Priest, Fr Simeon San, the Mass was held in Thanksgiving for the 2016 School Year and was attended by more than 650 staff and students.
In his homily, Fr James spoke about the huge step being taken by Mrs Doughty, an English and drama teacher as well as the mother of two children.
“This special occasion was a great witness to the whole community on what it means to accept Christ in your life,” he said.
Mrs Doughty has been a staff member at St Joseph’s School for three years, after spending the majority of her professional career as a counsellor and author.
She has been on a significant faith journey throughout her life, which culminated in her completing the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults over the course of 2016.
For Mrs Doughty, it was a combination of staff retreat experiences, the Catholic Education Western Australia Accreditation professional development, the witness of her fellow staff, and in particular, the conviction of Year 9 student Shari Dimasi that led her to accept the faith.
Shari would regularly share her faith and her questions with Mrs Doughty, which prompted the teacher to reflect on her own journey.
In a moving gesture, Shari was involved in the recent liturgy and placed the white garment over Mrs Doughty during her baptism.
“It was a privilege to celebrate these sacraments with such a wonderful warm community,” Mrs Doughty said following the Mass.
“I was grateful for the presence of my friends and family and all of St Joseph’s School students because this is such a special day in my life.”
St Joseph’s Principal, Carmen Cox, said they were was blessed that Mrs Doughty chose to share such an important day with the school community.
Religious Education Co-ordinator, Ryan Shelton, added that his colleague’s story displayed how Catholic schools are on the frontline of the evangelistic mission of the Church.
“Rebecca is proof the Church is alive and well. She exhibits the qualities of one of our school patrons, Saint Emilie de Vialar,” he said.
“Rebecca’s love of learning and people is evident like St Emilie’s in everything she does.”
For more information about St Joseph’s School in Northam, visit www.sjsnortham.wa.edu.au.