Friday, 28 May 2010

On Saturday 1st May, on the Memoria of St Joseph the Worker, Mr David Rushton, the recently retired Deputy Director of Education, was presented with a Bene Merenti award for his sMass was concelebrated at his parish church of St. Joseph the Worker in Accrington, on their patron saint's day, by Canon Anthony McBride the Episcopal Vicar for Formation and the parish priest Father Martin Saunders. 

Mr. Martin Lochery, Director of Education, spoke about David Rushton's work for Catholic education, particularly in relation to his leadership of the Diocesan Office for Education. David was then presented with his papal award by Canon McBride on behalf of the Bishop, the Right Reverend Terence Brain, who was today in Walsingham leading the annual diocesan pilgrimage.

St Joseph the Worker is the patron saint of workers and the Mass was a celebration for all workers. There was commendation for another parishioner's extensive work with the Polish community. A presentation was made to Mrs Bernadette Drodzy by Mr. Tony Murray, Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the former Catholic Welfare Societies.

Mr Kevin Flanagan, Director of St Antony's Centre for Church and Industry, also gave an address* about the world of work and its contribution to our Catholic vision for the world.

The celebrations were rounded off with a light buffet prepared by the parishoners in the parish hall.