Jim's devotion to his parish is recognised with Papal medal

A LIFETIME of devotion and commitment to his parish and community saw local man Jim Carthy awarded the Benemerenti Medal recently.

Jim from Crossneen was presented with the medal by Bishop Denis Nulty at a Saturday evening Mass in St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen recently, which was also attended by Fr John Dunphy, PP, Graiguecullen/Killeshin, members of the parish team, Jim's family and his many friends in the local community.

The Benemerenti Medal is awarded by the Pope to clergy and laity for their service to the Catholic Church and 89-year-old Jim has certainly earned the honour, given his huge voluntary efforts over the years.

While living in Headington, Oxford, Jim was very involved in his parish there, including driving the priests around to visit the sick, which he did for up to eight years.

In 1978, he returned to Ireland and has been involved in parish life ever since. 

John volunteers with the Meals on Wheels service in St Fiacc’s House, delivering meals two days a week – a rewarding task he’s undertaken for 20 years.

He also supports St Fiacc’s House by selling tickets for its annual draw every Christmas and is always ready to help when needed.

Jim also volunteers with the Meals on Wheels service in St Catherine’s Community Services Centre and has delivered meals five days a week for 23 years.

Jim is a Minister of the Word at St Clare’s Church in Graiguecullen and reads at both the parish’s daily and weekend Masses.

Jim lost his beloved wife Ruth in July 2021. He has three children – David, Patrick and Marie – and is also a much-loved grandfather and great-grandfather.

Many of Jim’s family attended the Mass and were so proud to see him presented with the Benemerenti Medal.