Charity champion Cath’s efforts recognised by the Pope

A charity worker and former teacher from Kilsyth has been recognised by Pope Leo for her dedication to the charity and the Catholic Church.

Cath McGrath became a volunteer for SCIAF 20 years ago, after retiring as a French and German teacher. Her dedication has now earned her the prestigious Benemerenti Medal from the Pope himself.

Cath said:

“I was surprised and delighted to learn that I was to receive the Benemerenti Medal.  When Mark from SCIAF told me I started to cry. I didn’t feel worthy of it as I was doing something I loved.

“I was presented with it by Bishop McGee, who put me at ease straight away, at the SCIAF Christmas concert in St Mungo’s Church in Glasgow.  I was very nervous but managed not to cry in front of everyone!” 

During her 20 years with SCIAF Cath’s work has mainly been in schools, where she put her many years of teaching experience to good use, spreading the word about SCIAF’s work overseas as well as the causes and effects of poverty.

Cath said:

“I’ve volunteered for SCIAF for twenty years after retiring from teaching.  I was in charge of charities in my school and two former head teachers joined SCIAF when they retired and this planted the seed for me.

“I have always enjoyed visiting schools and speaking to the pupils ….so different from my teaching days.  It’s been wonderful learning about all the projects SCIAF is involved in and then imparting this knowledge to the pupils.”

SCIAF’s Mark Booker said:

“Cath is a lovely person with a genuine heart for serving others. Her compassion is clear to see through her actions. Never asking for reward her dedication is fully deserving of this recognition.”

Bishop Brian McGee presented Cath with her medal. He said:

“Nothing is too much for Cath and she is driven by a genuine concern and compassion. Her passion for justice is motivated by her faith and she sees her volunteering as a response to God’s calling to look out for the most vulnerable.

“She is very humble and the thought

of any form of ‘credit’ for what she has done is something she would never ask for. We do, however, feel that the Benemerenti medal is fitting of Cath’s dedication to her exceptional service that impacts the local and global.     

“Cath’s friendship is invaluable to SCIAF and the staff love it when Cath comes into the office. She has an approachable manner, is always encouraging and is a vital part of the schools’ team in particular. She is well-liked and her commitment is inspirational.”

Cath added:

“I have always felt part of the SCIAF family.  Everyone treated me as part of the team.  I’ve always received a warm welcome from all who work with SCIAF.”