Geoffrey Sword, a long-time altar server at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Norwich, was honored with a Diocesan Medal for his 30 years of service. Arriving in Norwich in 1980, Geoffrey first began helping by clearing the Sanctuary before transitioning to serving as an altar server. Bishop Peter Collins commended Geoffrey for his dedication and willingness to carry out any role asked of him. In addition to his service in the Sanctuary, Geoffrey is also known for his artistic talent, with some of his sketches of the cathedral displayed in Cathedral House. Following his retirement in 2023, Geoffrey was praised for his commitment to serving the cathedral community, whether in the bookshop, Narthex café, or during Mass.
Geoffrey’s dedication to serving the Cathedral community was recognized by Bishop Peter Collins during a special presentation ceremony. Throughout his time as an altar server, Geoffrey was known for his conscientiousness and willingness to serve whenever he could, including almost every day after retiring. His final Mass on St Stephen’s Day in 2023 marked the end of his 30 years of service, during which he contributed not only as an altar server but also by volunteering in various areas of the cathedral. His artistic talents were also noted, with Bishop Peter praising his sketches of the cathedral that adorned Cathedral House, highlighting Geoffrey’s multifaceted contributions to the community.
During the presentation ceremony, Geoffrey Sword was honored with a Diocesan Medal and certificate by Bishop Peter Collins and Cathedral Dean Fr Alan Hodgson. The Diocesan Medal served as a token of appreciation for Geoffrey’s decades of service and commitment to the Cathedral. Geoffrey’s dedication was evident not only through his years of service as an altar server but also in his willingness to contribute in various capacities within the cathedral community. His artistic talents added to his contributions, with Bishop Peter acknowledging Geoffrey’s sketches as a beautiful addition to the corridors of Cathedral House. The ceremony served as a fitting tribute to Geoffrey’s legacy of service and devotion to the Cathedral community.
Geoffrey Sword’s legacy as a dedicated altar server at St John the Baptist Cathedral was celebrated during a special presentation by Bishop Peter Collins. Over his 30 years of service, Geoffrey’s commitment and willingness to serve were evident in his regular attendance and dedication to carrying out any role asked of him. Beyond his service in the Sanctuary, Geoffrey’s artistic talents and contributions to areas such as the cathedral bookshop and Narthex café were also recognized. The Diocesan Medal and certificate presented to Geoffrey symbolized the community’s gratitude for his years of service and the impact he had made during his time as an altar server.
