The Shrewsbury class of 2008 celebrated their graduation with a special Mass presided over by Bishop Brian on Saturday, 20 September 2008. Over 80 people, including 5 priests and a deacon, were present to witness the handing over of Masters Degrees and Certificates in Pastoral Studies and Religious Education at a beautiful occasion at St Mary’s Church in Hooton.

The liturgy included the giving of towels to the graduates as a symbol of service and discipleship, and the blessing of water from all corners of the diocese and from the American graduation ceremony held earlier this year in New Orleans. Four years of study, reflection, group discussions, essays and dissertations, culminated in our Mass of thanks for each others’ friendship and for the sharing of our respective journeys of faith. The day concluded with drinks, buffet and speeches, joy and not a little sadness, and the realisation that we were each moving on to the next chapter.

The occasion also marked the handing over of the reign of Diocesan Liaison for the Loyola Extension Program from Dinah Davis to Cecelia Allan. Dinah has served in this capacity for 8 years and Tom Ryan, Director of the Programme in Loyola University New Orleans, who was present to help celebrate the UK graduation, made a special presentation to Dinah for her sterling years of service. Another Extension group has just begun its journey. If you are interested in discovering more about this course of distance learning which is sponsored by the diocese, contact Cecilia Allan, Limex Liaison, 0161 439 3573 email: ceciliaallan@aol.com

The graduates of 2008 were: Fran Butler MPS; Cath Cainen CPS; Anita Callaghan MPS; David Harries MPS; Nick Kern MPS; Margaret Lillis MPS; Joan Sharples CRE; Gerard Turnbull CPS.