Commissioning Mass for new South Australian State President

A Commissioning Mass for the new State President of the Society in South Australia, Cathy Beaton, was held at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide on 5 August.

Adelaide Archbishop Most Reverend Philip Wilson DD JCL was chief celebrant and was assisted by Rev. Fr Charles Gauci from the Adelaide Cathedral Parish.

The Commissioning Mass was well attended, including by National Deputy President Claire Victory and several other members of the St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia. Cathy’s husband David, her three children, two of her sisters, and extended family members and friends were also in attendance.

Cathy took over the presidency from outgoing State President Brian Spencer, who made a signification contribution to National Council over four years and chaired the National Marketing and Fundraising Committee. Cathy’s work with the St Vincent de Paul Society to date has been focussed mainly in the Riverland area and in 2016 she was elected as Regional President for the Riverland/Yorke region. Cathy has a strong business background and vast professional experience in business development that will see her continue to provide leadership, direction and a shared vision to the Society.

‘I’m looking forward to continuing to improve our business practices and sound governance for the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Australia and importantly to provide ongoing love, support, companionship and practical assistance to the companions we serve in our work,’ Ms Beaton said.