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The Grail came to Sheffield - Grail Society Day and AGM 2012

September 2012
Fr John Deehan enjoying a coffee break with Sheelagh Pickles, Grail Partner
Fr John Deehan enjoying a coffee break with
Sheelagh Pickles, Grail Partner

The Grail Society received a warm Sheffield welcome when it held its Annual Society Day and AGM at St Mary’s Church and Conference Centre on Bramhall Lane, on Saturday 15 September 2012. Bishop John Rawsthorne was unable to attend because of a prior engagement, but called in to say he was delighted the Grail had come to Sheffield, and to wish us well.

Grail Members and guests came from many parts of England, from Leeds to Portsmouth, Liverpool to Birmingham, to hear Fr John Deehan from Westminster speak on 'Verbum Domini', an Apostolic Exhortation of Benedict XVI.

His stimulating talk had everyone discussing over lunch, as well as in the group sessions during the afternoon. The phrase which will always stay with me is that we hear the Word through a 'symphony of voices'. Fr John is no stranger to Sheffield, having frequently visited friends at St Marie's Cathedral, and certainly no stranger to Grail Members, who have often called on his expertise in the past.

Towards the end of the afternoon the official AGM took place and Mary Leavy, one of the Presidential Team, read out some of the activities undertaken by the Grail during the year. Philip Hayllar, the Treasurer, gave out the financial report.

The weather was warm and sunny enough to enable the excellent lunch, provided by the Centre, to be eaten either outside in the grounds, or in the very comfortable conference room.

The Staff from the Conference centre made us very welcome and could not have been more helpful or efficient. It proved the perfect venue for the Grail.

Our thanks go to the Action Group who worked hard to make this occasion the success that it was. Last year we met in Birmingham, the year before in Nottingham, next year? Watch this space! However Sheffield will take some beating.

The provisional date for the Grail Day and AGM for 2013 is Saturday 14 September in Oxford. For more details see website.

Jim Clarke, Grail Partner, exchanging views with Fr John Deehan
Jim Clarke, Grail Partner, exchanging views with Fr John Deehan


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