Family, friends, catechists and supporters of SPRED gathered in Edinburgh on Thursday (12 November) for the blessing of a memorial bench in honour of the late Terry Boyce.
The bench, installed at the SPRED Centre in George Square, was made possible through donations given in Terry’s memory following his death earlier this year.
Fr Jamie McMorrin, of St Margaret’s Parish in Davidson’s Mains, led the blessing and reflected on Terry’s life and his love of SPRED, where friendship and faith are at the heart of the community.
He spoke of the significance of a bench as a place to rest, spend time together and enjoy the company of friends – something Terry valued greatly. Fr Jamie also blessed the SPRED Centre
The evening was an opportunity to remember Terry and celebrate the friendships and support that are such an important part of SPRED.
Among those attending was Paddy Ferry, a former SPRED helper from St Kentigern’s Parish, Edinburgh, who had supported Terry over many years, including during his time in hospital and residential care.
SPRED (Special Religious Development) supports children and adults with learning disabilities to grow in faith through friendship, prayer and participation in the life of the Church.
To find out more about participating in or supporting SPRED, please contact Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, SPRED Co-ordinator, at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk
