When Father William Ashley celebrated his 70th birthday with members of St. James Parish, he received a unique gift: a donation of 80 Catholic children’s books.
Thirty-nine families chipped in, raising $1,400 to purchase the books. Parishioner Sue Sawatzky said Father Ashley has a love for books and “seeing children reading, especially spiritual reading, brings him so much joy.”
The books are destined for St. James and St. Ann’s school library.
Each had a label inside indicating they were donated to the school in honour of their much-loved pastor’s 70th birthday.
