Reflections on the diaconal ministry of Rev Maureen Cripps
Rev Jacinth Myles - chaplain to the retired deacons and deaconesses
I am thankful for this privilege of sharing with you some reflections about Maureen on behalf of all of her diaconal friends and colleagues, both deaconesses and deacons, and on behalf of some others who received ministry from Maureen during the past 45 years. This year Maureen celebrated the 45th anniversary of becoming a deaconess and the 21st anniversary of being ordained as a deacon. She was, with several others of us here today, one of the first 14 women to be ordained as a deacon in Sydney diocese. Maureen began her training at Deaconess House about 50 years ago. Her ministry responsibilities included 8 years as a deaconess in the parishes of Penrith, Yagoona, Lithgow and Lurnea. Almost 40 years ago she was appointed as the Deaconess in Charge of the parish of Ashford, Delungra and Tingha in the Armidale Diocese. To my knowledge, Maureen was the first and only woman ever to lead a parish in that diocese. She was then on the staff of Deaconess House for 2 years as the Assistant Principal before resuming parish ministry for another 13 years as a deaconess here at Penshurst and at Sadlier, before becoming the Assistant Minister at Sadlier for 2 years. When Maureen was ordained as a deacon, she was appointed by the Archbishop to a position in the diocese which replaced the former position of 'Head Deaconess' and which was the precursor to the position of the 'Archdeacon for Women's Ministry'.
I don't know how many godchildren she had but I think there were quite a lot! She may not have married but she certainly has many "children" who will rise up and call her blessed!
As we all know, Maureen continued her diaconal ministry of serving her Lord faithfully right to the end throughout the severe ordeal of her illness. Her ministry during the past 5 years in Chesalon Homes to staff and others endeared her to many, especially those from other cultures whom she "mothered". She was a great help and support to them the whole time she was there. She used to pray with them and many of the staff could talk easily with her and they enjoyed her company. She always had time for them.
She was filled with godly love that showed through her tremendous faith that enabled her to handle all difficult situations. The occasions when Maureen did not cope with her illness were extremely rare. As Maureen said, “There is no use fighting my condition. I’ve always tried to look on the bright side of life. Right now, I’m looking forward to heaven.” As we know, she really loved Jesus and so much wanted to be with Him. She asked us to pray that the Lord would help her to die well in a way that honoured him. This she has done!
The danger in speaking about Maureen like this at this service is that it sounds as though we are honouring only her. Maureen would not be at all pleased if this is what we are doing. In fact, we are actually honouring our Lord. It is only through his love and grace and Holy Spirit and through her constant prayer and her daily reading of his word right through to almost the end that enabled Maureen to be the person she was. She would want us to acknowledge that.
Let us be encouraged by Maureen's life and ask for the Lord's help to follow the example of her faith in God and her great courage in facing her debilitating illness.
Maureen Cripps – a life of serving God through serving others.
