Trinity Cathedral’s dean’s awards are given to people who have made a significant contribution to the life of the community. The awards started in 1977. Sometimes one person receives an award; sometimes more. The most I have seen for any one year is eight. This year there were four and I was one of them. It means a lot.
The inscription reads:
His commitment to following the path of Jesus is an inspiration to all of us. He is expert at juggling multiple tasks, working tirelessly at all hours, day and night with staff, volunteers, ministry teams, worship leaders, custodians and accountants. He has kept the Deans of the Cathedral out of trouble more times than they want to remember. He has maneuvered with aplomb through knotty legal agreements — and disagreements — related to parking contracts and rental properties. His passion is seeing faith come alive for people in our lay-led Journey with Jesus program for adult baptism, confirmation and reception into the Episcopal Church. He served as our Operations Manager for twelve years before his retirement last year. It is with gratitude that this Dean’s Award goes to: Jerry Paré.
I am often cynical about such things but, for some reason, cherish this. I suspect it is because I have put so much time and energy into the maintenance and building up of Trinity. Whatever the reason, it is nice to be recognized for my efforts.
