St John’s Catholic Specialist School recently presented Reverend Father David Murray with a beautiful stole to thank him for his more than 40 years’ service as Chaplain at the school.
The school, in Boston Spa, offers places to children who are hearing impaired, on the autistic spectrum or have complex sensory or communication challenges. Following four decades of dedicated service to St John’s, Fr David has moved to Aylesford Priory in Kent to rejoin the Carmelite order as their priest.
Headteacher at St John’s, Kevin Harrington, said: “Fr David has been a guiding presence at St John’s for generations of pupils, staff, and families and his quiet dedication has left a lasting impact on our school’s spiritual life.
“We are incredibly grateful for the many years he has journeyed with us in service and faith, and we will miss him dearly. As a school community, it was an honour to present him with a unique stole which has our logo and the Carmelite logo embroidered on each side. We wish Fr David all the very best as he moves to his next role.”
Fr Sean Molloy (the school’s local parish priest from St Edward’s in Clifford) will conduct masses at the school while the role of school Chaplain will be undertaken by Deacon Dominic Williams.
Speaking of the stole presented to him by St John’s, Fr David said: “There are very few things in my life that have taken my breath away but the beautiful stole presented to me by St John’s Catholic Specialist School was one of them. I have worn it every for Mass. I absolutely love it! The community here at Aylesford also think it is very beautiful and I agree with them. I will treasure it. St John’s will always have a part of my heart that no one else will.”