Story By: Theresa Harvey

I am excited and sad at the same time as I write this. I am excited to retire and travel with my husband, Greg, and sorry to leave my diocesan family after 22 years. We will also start a new chapter of our lives, becoming first-time grandparents.

I still remember my job interview with Tom Jolley, Fr Brian Sparksman and Noeleen Train. I was applying for the position to be Fr Brian’s part- time secretary. He was Chancellor and Judge for the Tribunal at the time. The Chancellor’s office was in the Marian Centre with the Tribunal and Archives. Gabrielle Saide started part-time in the Archives two weeks before me. The Tribunal was staffed by Noeleen, Fr Peter Schultz and part-time secretary Patti Howard.

After some time, Sr Carmel Pattinson sgs arrived to take on a Pastoral Formation role. She was given an office in the Marian Centre and I was asked to give her some admin support. After Sr Carmel’s departure, Rob McCormack was employed, and in September 2012, Sr Elaine Morzone mfic started job sharing with Rob. Rob retired and Elaine continued in the role. Elaine has since opened Sychar House of Prayer and Spirituality and is a good friend to me. Our dear Rob passed away in February 2019.

In 2007, Anne Borserio took over the day-to-day running of the Tribunal. I added Tribunal secretary to my position description in 2010, making me a full- time employee. Anne retired in March 2016. Anne and her husband John are good friends of ours and they moved back home to Western Australia.

Sadly, Fr Peter Schultz passed away in August 2019, and I became the coordinator/auditor for the Tribunal. I could also call on Fr Michael O’Brien.

I would like to mention Fr Adrian Sharp and the staff at the Regional Tribunal Catholic Province of Queensland. They have been a great help to me over the years. They all show the light and compassion of Jesus to the people who come to us for help, as do the staff in the regional offices, who are often working alone.

I have worked for three Bishops during my time – all completely different men. Bishop Bill Morris was a pastoral man who knew the length and breadth of this huge diocese. Bishop Robert McGuckin was a Canon Lawyer who had a deep knowledge and was a great help to me after Peter Schultz passed away. Bishop Ken Howell is at the beginning of his journey as our Bishop.

To all my colleagues within the diocese, my thanks; we have shared many laughs and tears over the years. Finally, to all our priests and religious sisters and parish secretaries, it has been a pleasure to work with you over the years. God’s blessings on you all and I will miss you all.