Father Cullaton Award
The Father Cullaton Award is presented by Knights of Columbus council
10091 to the graduating grade 8 student who has best exemplified a
Catholic lifestyle. The selection for the recipient is made by the staff of St.
Thomas Separate School, Waterdown with approval from the Pastor and the
Knights of Columbus.
The award is named after Rev. Vernon H. Cullaton, from whom the St. Thomas
council of the Knights also takes its name. Fr. Cullaton has been an
inspiration to all he has served. He devoted much of his life to educating
children and adults alike thoughout his career as a Roman Catholic Priest.
From the time he was ordained on June 9th, 1946 to his retirement in June
1995, he devoted his life to the development of Catholism in the students he
taught and the parishoners he had in the Churches he served.
After ordination, Fr. Cullaton recieved his Degree and teaching certificate
from University of Toronto. Then he began his teaching career at Cathedral
Boy's High School in Hamilton. For the next nineteen years he taught at
Cathedral and was at the same time an assistant at St. Anne’s, Sacred Heart
and St. Mary's. While at Cathedral, he rose to become Vice Principal and
then Principal, positions he held for five years each.
Leaving Cathedral, Fr. Cullaton was appointed as Pastor to various
Churches. He served at Holy Family, Hanover for one year. The next nine
years he spent working in his home parish of St. Patrick’s (Galt), the parish he
attended until entering the Holy Priesthood. Before coming to St. Thomas in
Waterdown, he went to Sacred Heart parish in Mildmany. There he spent five
years in the service of God.
At St. Thomas, fifteen years were spent leading the parishoners and students
in their growth as a Parish Faith Community.
Father Cullaton led by example. His gentleness and mild manner were backed
by strong convictions. His principals were never swayed. He followed the
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and taught others to follow in his
ways.
It is the hope of the Knights of Columbus Council 10091 that the Father
Cullaton Award will give encouragement to the one who receives it to
follow in the ways of the person to whom it is devoted.