Emma Dodsworth

Lynette holds the cross she was given when she began her role for the Diocese and which she has passed on to her successor, Teresa Edwards.

Close to 100 of Lynette Roberts-King’s family members, friends and work colleagues gathered in Palmerston North on May 10, 2019, to farewell her as manager of the Diocese’s Catholic Education Office. Celebrations included Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit followed by lunch and shared stories about Lynette’s 18 years of service to the Diocese.

Joining Lynette were her husband Shane as well as her father Morris and her sister Jenni, Bishops Charles Drennan, Peter Cullinane and Owen Dolan, many current and former work colleagues, several school principals and DRSs, and everyone from the Diocesan office.

Tony Murphy, Diocesan Centre Manager, highlighted Lynette’s outstanding contributions to Catholic Education, including working with principals, DRSs, Boards of Trustees, teachers new to Catholic schools, the Ministry of Education, and the NZ Catholic Education Office.

‘Lynette leaves Catholic Education in this community in a much better place than when she started,’ Tony said.

Lynette said she was deeply humbled by the presence of so many. ‘It has been a unique privilege working for Catholic Education in this diocese and I have been truly blessed to work alongside and for some remarkable people.

Lynette Roberts-King (c) with Bishop Peter Cullinane (l) and Shane Roberts-King.

‘Working in Catholic Education we are able to touch not just the minds but the hearts and spirits of those we teach and work with. For us that is a great responsibility and privilege. Our diocese is blessed to have the leaders and teachers that we do, for they give so much of themselves as they walk with their communities in their journey of faith and formation towards becoming the people God calls them to be. My job has simply been to try to support, guide and enable those doing the work in our communities to carry out their mission of providing an authentically Catholic education. Our schools are a taonga that must be protected and nurtured. Thank you all for your support, challenge, humour, affirmation, trust and your accompaniment over the years. May Christ continue to guide you all in your ministries.’

Tony Murphy also welcomed Teresa Edwards, former principal of St James Primary School, Palmerston North, as the new manager of the Catholic Education Office for the Diocese. He said the office was in good hands and the diocese was looking forward to the future with confidence.

‘Today, while we close the chapter on Lynette’s outstanding contribution, we will carry on with all the work that is vital if our Catholic schools are to remain a vibrant part of our communities.’

Click here to see more photos of Lyn’s farewell.

Published in WelCom July 2019