“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

That scripture in Matthew chapter 25 comes to mind when speaking with Liz Doyle about her extraordinary decades of service to the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. 

She has been a steady and trusted presence in the Chancery for 33 years but says now is the time to retire. 

Liz has been the Executive Assistant to four bishops: Leo Clarke, Michael Malone, William Wright and now Michael Kennedy. 

She has gotten to know them better than most but would not be drawn on which was her favourite to work with. 

“They're all my favourites! They really are because they were just so different,” she says.

Leo Clarke was the first bishop Liz worked with. 

“I was only here for two years before he retired, but I did spend some time with him in his retirement,” she says. 

“With Bishop Michael (Malone), because he was here 16 years, I felt: ‘Yeah, I really am a secretary to the bishop’ because I could sort of get my teeth into it, and he had a lot of trust in me,” she says. 

“Bishop Bill was totally different, and I really loved working with him.  

“I was with him when he died, and that was very precious to me. I’ll never forget that,” Liz says. 

Bishop Michael Kennedy had already been a bishop before moving to the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. 

“So that was different because he knew what to do, knew how he wanted to be.

“Whereas the two before that, they came in having been parish priests. So I was able to teach, mould, and get them to do things the way I like them to be done!” she says.  

Liz says she could never have imagined the journey she was starting more than three decades ago.   

“I thought I would probably be here for a long time. I hoped I would be, but I just wasn’t too sure.  

“And I’m just so glad that I have been here for that time,” she says. 

“I loved working for the Church, for the bishop, everybody with whom I came in contact.  

“I think just knowing and hoping that I was contributing in some way to bringing forth the kingdom, which is what Jesus asks us to do.  

“I felt at home and it just felt right,” Liz says. 

Bishop Michael Kennedy says Liz has served the Church with humility, professionalism and an unwavering commitment. 

“Liz has played an integral role in the life of our Diocese, contributing to countless initiatives, parish life and ministry, pastoral planning, synodal processes and community engagement,” Bishop Michael says.

“She has carried out her work with grace and dedication, even as our Diocese and the wider Church have navigated many significant challenges.” 

Liz says, despite working in the Diocese through some of its toughest times, her faith has remained steady. 

“There have been times when I’ve thought: ‘Oh gosh, why am I here?’ With the sexual abuse crisis with the clergy, that was pretty tough.  

“And then having to go to court for the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry, that was quite an anxious time,” she said. 

“However, it’s one of those rare occasions in someone’s life where you get to really tell the truth – there was just something about that,” she says.  

Liz says it made her question a few things, but it never made her question her faith.

“My faith has not changed at all. The Church is you and me; it's not just the clergy.” 

Liz has worked full-time for more than 50 years and is the last person in her group of friends to retire.  

“Stuff happens and you think: ‘Wow, life’s too short. Do I really need to be here?’  

“And to be honest, I’m certainly not as on the ball and as sharp as I was 10 years ago,” she says.  

“It hurts a bit to say that but that’s the truth. At the same time, I’m very excited.” 

When asked what she hopes her legacy will be, her answer is understated.  

“I can walk away from here with people thinking she did a great job, she was loyal, she was liked, and she was trustworthy.” 

She does acknowledge that the Diocese is losing decades of experience and an extraordinary amount of knowledge.

“What's in my head you can't put down on paper, but I have said I'd be available for consultation,” Liz jokes.

When she reflects on her years of service, there is a quiet sense of gratitude. 

“It’s been an absolute privilege,” she says. 

“I guess it’s changed me working for the Church and particularly for a bishop. I’ve learned a lot about the Church, and it’s probably really helped me in my faith journey. 

“I’ll probably be hearing in my sleep: ‘Oh, Liz?’ coming from the other office. ‘Yes, Bishop?’” 

Liz, as you step away after years of service, the Diocese honours you and your dedication.

Well done, good and faithful servant.