Mary Ann Thompson, secretary and bookkeeper at St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church and School in Zelienople, displays the framed blessing from Pope Benedict XVI she received in honor of her 40 years of service to the parish. Thompson was honored with a luncheon at the Log Cabin Inn in Lancaster Township.

ZELIENOPLE — A surprise luncheon to celebrate Mary Ann Thompson's 40 years of service as bookkeeper and secretary for St. Gregory Roman Catholic Church and School included kudos from the highest earthly authority.

Fellow employees and two priests presented Thompson, of Lancaster Township, with a large, framed blessing from Pope Benedict XVI.

"Apostolic Blessings to Mary Ann Thompson on the occasion of her 40 years of service to St. Gregory Parish," read the document, which also included a large photograph of the pontiff.

Thompson, who began her bookkeeping duties at the church during the Lyndon Johnson administration, dabbed her nose as she absorbed the enormity of the gift.

"It's wonderful," she said. "I never imagined. It'll be hung in the living room."

The 14-person group welcoming Thompson at the surprise party included the Rev. Robert Miller, current pastor at St. Gregory. Miller coordinated the event, which included missing his usual Tuesday sojourn to his camp in Tionesta. Skipping the ritual was not lost on Thompson, who marveled at "Father Bob's" presence.

"After all you've done for the parish, it's the least we can do," Miller said.

Miller said Thompson made his job easier when he came to St. Gregory five years ago, as she knew virtually every church family and seemingly everyone in the Zelienople community.

"She's wonderful," said Miller. "She does a great job."

Also attending the luncheon was the Rev. Charles Bergman, who served as head pastor at St. Gregory for 29 years before celebrating his last Mass in 2003. Bergman said Thompson was employed as a bookkeeper for St. Gregory Catholic School for the first few years of his tenure.

"She asked to do the books for the church," said Bergman. "She was the best hire I ever made."

St. Gregory organist Ralph Camus also had kudos for Thompson.

"She is a great representative in appearance and demeanor for the parish," said Camus. "And she takes care of the priests pretty good, too."

Thompson, who has no plans to retire, recalls doing the books with a pencil and using a manual typewriter in her early days at St. Gregory. She has kept up with technological changes over the years, learning to use computer programs and electronic office equipment as necessary.

Asked to identify the best part of her job, Thompson immediately named her co-workers. She was overwhelmed at the celebration on Tuesday.

"I love my work," said Thompson. "God knew what he was doing when he put me here 40 years ago."