Jean Bernard (1994)

When the staff of the Catechetical Office met last Monday, one minute’s silence was observed for the passing of Jean Bernard, a “master catechist” who returned to her heavenly “Daddy” on February 28, 2011.

Jean toiled in the field of catechetics for many years and as staff came and left, she remained a faithful, active staff member of the Catechetical Office up to October 2010, when she became seriously ill. Jean was a one-of-a-kind person who was able to relate to young and old with the same fervour and vigour for life as she would to any of her close friends.

Whatever duties Jean undertook in her ministry of catechetics she performed with unwavering dedication. Along with the Catechetical Page she assisted with the marking of the Correspondence Course for a while and she pursued it with much enthusiasm, giving lengthy remarks to participants on how to improve.

To have known Jean was to have encountered a joy-filled person, a Jesus person who was able to joke and enjoy a good laugh, a truly Christian woman. The aura of peace that emanated from Jean spoke loudly of one anchored in the faith. Her enthusiasm and passion for the Lord and for “sharing faith” will linger in the hearts of all who have known her.

The Catechetical Ministry mourns the loss of this great figure but we are assured that as Jean gave unstinting service in the Lord’s vineyard that she is in God’s embrace.

Jean, we at the Catechetical Office bid you farewell. Good and faithful, extraordinary servant, may you enjoy eternal happiness in God’s presence.