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Bishop Richard celebrated the annual Mass of Thanksgiving for staff from our Catholic schools who are retiring or stepping down after faithful service in a variety of roles. Those gathered in Arundel Cathedral represented over 600 years of service to the educational endeavour in our diocese. Bishop Richard awarded the certificates and diocesan Education Service medals and after Mass, hosted a reception in the Cathedral Centre.

Speaking during the celebration, Julie Oldroyd, Director of Education said, “This dedication to our Catholic schools bears testimony to our mission in education as a work of love, requiring a radical commitment and service.” Bishop Richard offered his thanks to all gathered and to those unable to join the celebration today, for holding Christ at the centre of our schools.

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“The Church needs men and women who are intent on teaching by word and example – intent on helping to permeate the whole educational milieu with the spirit of Christ. This is a great vocation, and the Lord himself will reward all who serve in it as educators, in the cause of the word of God.”  Pope St John Paul II