The 2011 Ennis People of the Year Awards took place on March 16th.  The Annual Awards acknowledge and celebrate the voluntary contribution made by people in the parish.

Sr. De Montfort was among the recipients.  She was honoured for her lifetime of service, care and love to the parish community.

De Montfort  spent most of her teaching life  in Holy Family School and was Principal of the Junior School for 7 years, 1973 – 1980.  While in the school she developed an outreach to the families of her students forging  links with several generations.

On her retirement in 2002, she took on a new role as Parish Sister.  This really was a continuation of what she has done all her life.  However, she was now in a position to devote more time to visiting  families, chatting, making  connections, being there with them at times of sickness and death as well as celebrating  the joyful occasions.  She initiated newly appointed Priests  by accompanying them in their getting to know  people and places within the parish.  She also visited the housebound with Holy Communion on First Fridays.

Distance didn’t matter when de Montfort  wanted to visit prisons.    She realised how important it was to families to keep in touch with their loved one and to share in their pain.

While she is supposed to be taking life easier she can’t resist giving a helping hand. She continues to be Spiritual Director to Holy Family Junior School and Gaelscoil Mhichíl, giving special attention to the classes who are preparing for the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.

We congratulate  Sr. De Montfort and wish her good health into the future.

South Central Province