Left photo: Betty Gammon receives Communion for the first time from Father Matthew Weber, administrator of St. Bridget Church, Glassboro, on Jan. 24.
Proving that “there are no limitations on growing with the faith,” as Father Matthew Weber, administrator of St. Bridget Church, Glassboro, said, 99-year old Betty Gammon was received into the Catholic Church with baptism, confirmation and Communion on Sunday, Jan. 24, at St. Bridget’s.
Gammon, currently residing at Mater Dei Nursing Home in Elmer, celebrated her special day with friends Pam and David Hampton of Glassboro, and their children Elizabeth and David.
Born in Liverpool, England, Betty Leather and her older brother, John, were raised by an aunt before moving to Pennsylvania. Nineteen years ago the two siblings met Pam and David in Philadelphia’s Juniata Park. By that time, Betty had lost her husband, George Gammon and two sons.
The Hamptons have aided Betty and John over the years. Pam would take Betty to weekly Mass, help her shop for new clothes, drive her to doctor’s appointments, and share meals with Betty at her favorite restaurant, Old Country Buffet in Cherry Hill.
No stranger to longevity himself, Betty’s brother John died in September at the age of 101. Before his death he became a Catholic and received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.
Father Weber, who had just become administrator at St. Bridget, celebrated a memorial service for him at John and Betty’s then-residence, the Post House in Glassboro. A relationship began between Betty and Father Weber, who would visit the Post House during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and check in on Betty when he celebrated Mass each month.
Betty was frequently visited by St. Bridget’s Legion of Mary, and visitors would bring rosaries and scapulars, Pam Hampton recalls, adding that she, Betty, and John would occasionally discuss God and the Catholic Church.
On Jan. 22, Betty told Pam about her intentions to become a Catholic and receive the sacraments of initiation. Two days later, a service was celebrated with Father Weber, Betty, and the Hamptons. Pam was Betty’s sponsor and godmother, and David her godfather.
Betty took Mary as her confirmation name.
In keeping with tradition, the family celebrated at Old Country Buffet.
Although she has trouble seeing and hearing, Pam says, Betty is very talkative, mostly about the Catholic Church, the food at Mater Dei, and the weather.
Since the ceremony, Pam, who worked with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) in Philadelphia, has noticed a change in Betty’s demeanor.
“Her spirits are lifted up,” Pam said. Betty even talks about a new male friend she has met at Mater Dei, who is a resident. “She calls him her ‘boyfriend,’” Pam laughed.
For Father Weber, Betty’s conversion proves that God can work his way into anyone’s heart, providing that they are willing.
“I’m amazed how God and the Holy Spirit work in people’s lives,” he said.“Age doesn’t matter.”
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