No sunsets for Pat, only new dreams

Pat Anderson with new secretary, Vickie Moore

Retirement is not a word that comes easily to Pat Anderson.

She tried it a half dozen years ago when she wanted to step down as parish secretary at Sacred Heart, Moruya.

Except the timing didn’t seem right.

Now, she’s giving it another go.

After many years in the job, Pat has handed over the parish secretary’s keys.

The parish held morning tea to farewell Pat and to welcome new secretary Vickie Moore. A cake was cut and cards and flowers lovingly presented.

At 74, it’s a well-deserved retirement.

However, she’s not one to hoist her sail and set off quietly into the sunset.

Instead, Pat has a new dream.

She has volunteer and community involvement in her blood, having been doing it for years down the south coast.

As well as being active in parish communities, she’s been involved with the Uniting Church and Lifeline, among other causes.

Now she wants to set up a teaching resource centre for Catholics at the coast – a place for talks and courses, a place to focus on self-awareness and personal relationships or to seek creative pursuits such as singing and painting.

A place, too, for those searching for acceptance and reconnection with the church.

Like so many stalwarts in parish communities there’s a question as to the deeper meaning behind all this energy and drive.

For Pat, there’s a simple answer.

She readily admits she’s motivated by an awareness of God’s love for her.

“And it’s God’s people I serve,” she says.