By Miriam Cunliffe

At Saint Ambrose Catholic Church,  Kidderminster, on Saturday 7 December, a much valued member of the parish, Christine Vass, received the Diocesan Ubi Caritas award. Presented to her by the Principal Celebrant Bishop David Evans. 

Christine has contributed so much to the life of the parish and we at Kidderminster are so proud of her.

She has had various roles in the community, such as being one of the founders of playgroup, a foundation governor at Saint Ambrose Catholic Primary school, as well as PTA chair for both the primary school and Hagley Catholic High School. She is also a member of the church folk group and choir, as well as being an Eucharistic Minister. Fitting in between all of this Christine also does the rota for church cleaning and readers and provides administrative help when needed for the parish.

It was a special Saturday as it was also the Solemnity of Saint Ambrose, the church and school's patron. A number of children from the school were also confirmed at the Mass. 

Chris said: "I was honoured to be presented with the Ubi Caritas award. I am very fortunate to be a member of such a vibrant parish and to have had so many opportunities to serve the parish over the past 50 years."

The Ubi Caritas award is granted by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley, as a symbol of the gratitude of the clergy and people of the Archdiocese of Birmingham. 

“Ubi caritas et amor Deus ibi est” means where there is love and kindness, God is there. 

Photographs courtesy of Maria Woziwoda: Chris Vass with her award in front of a statue of Saint Ambrose, and with Bishop David Evans.