p01-17_covers 17/12/2021 16:29 Page 8
News diary If you’ve got any news from your parish that you’d like featured e-mail us with the details at: catholicpictorial@rcaol.co.uk
Deacon Michael’s Degree presentation Students at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome celebrated their academic Mass on Sunday 7 November when Michael Harwood a Deacon, from St Peter and St Paul Crosby received his degree certificate
of Bachelor of Theology from Saint Mary’s University, Twickenham. Michael received his certificate from College Rector, Canon Philip Gillespie. He studied for the degree for three years at the Beda College and graduated with
Thank you Bernard Pupils, staff and friends of St Richard’s Catholic Primary School in Skelmersdale welcomed Bernard Sweeney into school last month to present him with an award from the Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies for his outstanding contribution to the work as a governor at St Richard’s over many years. Bernard has served on the governing body since 1988 and continues to do so today. He received the Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies Special Recognition Award for his outstanding service to the work of school governance. Bernard has been linked to the school for decades as his children attended the school and wife, Joyce, was school secretary from 1973 until her retirement in 2001.
8
Catholic Pictorial
first class honours. He says, ‘I had not studied formally for many years so getting back into the routine of lectures, essays and examinations was quite a challenge. I am pleased to report that by the grace of God and with excellent teaching and support I graduated with first class honours. ‘The course covered a range of subjects that fell broadly into the categories of theology and philosophy; neither of which I had studied previously. ‘Two years of philosophy were certainly a challenge for me. Ethics and moral theology were complex yet fascinating subjects. I am interested in history so Church history from the beginning of the Church via the middle ages to the Reformation and up to Vatican II was right up my street. Our in-depth study of scripture really brought the Old and New Testaments to life and gave new perspectives. As you might expect we studied the theology of the sacraments and liturgy which included practical elements such as the rites of Baptism, Marriage, RCIA and funeral rites. ‘An important part of the academic programme is the reflective report and journal based on the experience of a summer placement each year. I was very fortunate to have three long and fruitful placements first at Saint Mary’s and Saint Columba’s, Isle of Man, then at Saint Mary’s Chorley and at Saint Sylvester’s, Liverpool. I am indebted to those parish priests and at St Peter and St Paul, Crosby, the deacons, parish administrators and parishioners for their welcome and support.’ Michael is now studying for the Graduate Diploma in Theology.
