Local Minister Praises Parish Administrator for ‘Exemplary’ Community Involvement

Local Minister Praises Parish Administrator for ‘Exemplary’ Community Involvement

By Deron Hamel

When Rev. Jason Postma, the rector of St. James Anglican Church in Paris, Ont., is asked to name an inspirational person he sees making great contributions to the local community, he doesn’t hesitate naming his parish’s administrator, Judy Cardy.

Anything related to the church’s activities or local community events, Judy will enthusiastically immerse herself, not because of her job, but because “she loves and values the community,” he says.

For example, a flagship event at St. James, Paris, is the church’s annual festival which has been held the fourth Saturday of every September since 1975.

“There have been incidents and moments where others would have given up or quit, (but) Judy says, ‘I’m in it for the long haul; this is my family, my people, my community.’ ”

“Judy goes above and beyond to ensure this event runs smoothly,” Jason says.

And it’s not just the work Judy does for the church, Jason adds: her dedication to the community is “exemplary.”

“She’s seen the community at its worst and she’s seen it at its best; she does not let the bad times overshadow the good times,” Jason says.

St. James Anglican Church in Paris, Ont.

“There have been incidents and moments where others would have given up or quit, (but) Judy says, ‘I’m in it for the long haul; this is my family, my people, my community.’ ”

Jason adds that Judy has an “amazing” willingness to help with whatever needs to be done in the community.

“All you need to do is ask and she is ready to do whatever it takes to help the community,” he says.

And the value Judy brings to the community also serves as an inspiration to others, Jason notes.

People involved with St. James Church and throughout the community take notice of her work with projects and events and want to become involved when they see Judy’s enthusiasm, Jason says.

“When Judy is involved, others see and understand that this is a project that is worth doing and needs attention,” Jason says.

Lead photo: Rev. Jason Postma.

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