Dr Harry O'Neill, Director of the Diocesan Education Service, writes:

"Jenny Pate is retiring after four years with the Diocesan Education Service as Deputy Director. Previously she had been an RE Adviser with the Diocese of Lancaster. The contribution Jenny has made to the diocese and to the development of the education service over the last four years cannot be underestimated. She is also well known and highly respected in Catholic Education circles nationally and has continued to make much valued input into national issues, particularly with the National Board for Religious Inspectors and Advisers (NBRIA).

"Her key achievements have been in developing and supporting the schools RE advisory service, overseeing the implementation of key changes in the school section 48 inspection process, implementing a development programme for aspiring primary school leaders and making key contributions in the development of adult education and formation and support for parish catechists. In addition she has dealt very effectively with a wide variety of issues with individual schools and local authorities. Her work on the development of updated diocesan sacramental guidelines has been much appreciated by all involved in the very wide consultation process.

"Her wide experience in all aspects of Catholic Education, her deep faith and the thoroughness and tenacity with which she has carried out her work will be missed very much. Jenny has given tremendous support to myself as Director and also to her colleagues in the service.

"Jenny’s contribution at both diocesan and national level will be very difficult to replace and we wish her all the very best in her future retirement."