Joan Pearsall
Bulletin stuffer, Lector, Schola Cantorum
Parishioner since 1982

Retired copy editor

Saint Mary Cathedral
Volunteer of the Year 2006-2007

This year’s Volunteer of the Year has been called “The Soul of Kindness,” always gracious to everyone around her. She cares about others. Whenever there is something to be celebrated, she is among the first to congratulate, and when difficulties arise, she can be counted on for a kind word or any other assistance she might render.

As a lector, she is a favorite among the congregation, especially the Schola Cantorum – another ministry of which she is a part -- for the genuineness of spirit she brings to the readings.

This year’s Volunteer of the Year loves what she does and it shows in every task she performs. She treats everyone with kindness and grace and lives her life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ in terms of fairness and justice for all she encounters. She provides a model few can hope to aspire to on their best days, but she shows it can be done.

The Saint Mary Cathedral Director of Music Dr. Jeffrey Jones Ragona says, “We certainly wouldn’t have as much fun without her. She has lots of energy, a great sense of humor and has taught us a great deal about civility and kindness.”

Her fellow ministry members in the Schola Cantorum say she is an inspiration in her faithfulness to the Schola, especially considering the stairs they go up and down. As a lector, this can also mean several trips up and down those stairs in a single Mass, and she is in her 80s.

Saint Mary Cathedral is very fortunate to have this volunteer, who has donated her time and talent over the years as a Bulletin stuffer, lector and Schola Cantorum member.

The Saint Mary Cathedral Volunteer of the Year for 2006 – 2007 is Joan Pearsall.