Focal Point 2:ENN reviews the Murphy Years

Fr. Michael Murphy joined CNC as chaplain in September 1994, after three years as a university student, studying Law at Leicester. He continued his studies at CNC, where he studied GCSE French in his forst year. Although by his own admission, he was not a regular attender of lessons, he still achieved an 'A' grade when the results came through in August 1995.

In his first year, Mike revitalised the college chaplaincy, with a series of new initiatives. Monday lunchtimes were set aside for opening the chaplaincy room for free tea and coffee; he also introduced the famous "Michael's whereabouts" boards detailing his activities for the week. His hospitality also extended to St. Augustine's, where students were invited for Friday evening 'Pasta and Prayer'.

After Mike had established himself in the job, he moved onto other, more ambitious projects. He organised a series of talks at lunchtimes, with guest speakers including members of the college, local clergy and Leeds West MP (now the governments Energy minister) John Battle. The series got off to a shaky start, however, when the first talk, entitled "Prayer is like sex...but is sex like prayer" had it's posters banned. A more cryptic version, which read, "The title that dare not speak its name, the one they tried to ban...coming to a chaplaincy near you", had to be used. Mike was also responsible for organising several series of talks during Lent and Advent - these were open to the public, and widely regarded as highly successful.

Aside from presiding at the weekly CNC Mass, Mike also lead the Lent and Advent Vigils, and presided at the Leavers' Mass four times. He was a regular supporter of other college events, including the Leavers' Do, and college sports events. He won the ENN cheerleader award for his efforts at CNC's national cup victory in West Brom in 1997. He also went on the college trip to Rome in February 1996 and regularly attended the end-of-term all-day pub visit.

Through his work at CNC and in the parish, Mike revitalised the historic link between the college and St. Augustine's. The long history of Catholic education at Lark Hill began when St. Augustine's bought the land in the mid 19th century. Mike also filled a difficult role during the 1997 Limelights affair, when the college theatre group sparked a national row over a play which portrayed Jesus as a woman. The then chaplain was quoted in The Daily Mail over the incident.

As one member of staff once put it, Mike was "a breath of fresh air" to the college. His hard work, enthusiasm and generous nature will long be remembered by everyone at CNC. Let's hope he continues to use these qualities in his work as a Parish Priest.