Secondary Schools Mass
Over 400 students representing all the secondary schools and colleges
in the Clifton Diocese met on Thursday 21 April to celebrate the
Eucharist in Clifton Cathedral.
Primary schools in the Diocese have been celebrating together for a number of years, but this event was the first time secondary schools had met and the timing could not have been more appropriate. Not only was it the feast of St Anslem, but it also provided an opportunity to pray together for our new Pope.
The main purpose of gathering together was to remind ourselves that though our schools are separated by distance we are united in our beliefs and mission, part of the church, called by name to build God’s Kingdom. At the beginning of the mass representatives of all the schools carried in procession symbols of their school and laid them on the sanctuary as a sign of our desire to place our schools in the presence of God. The procession was led by students from St Rose’s Special School, Stroud.
The Department for Schools and Colleges is very grateful to all the schools who took time out, at a very busy period in the school year, not only to come to the Cathedral but also to prepare in advance. We are also grateful to the cathedral staff for all the help and cooperation they provided. We are especially grateful to Bishop Declan for leading the celebration. All the students appreciated the opportunity to meet their Bishop and listen to his views. Many other priests who support the schools on a regular basis were also able to be present at the ceremony and knowing the increasing demands on their time the department is very grateful for their continuing support. We look forward to next year with anticipation.
Ann Fowler
Primary schools in the Diocese have been celebrating together for a number of years, but this event was the first time secondary schools had met and the timing could not have been more appropriate. Not only was it the feast of St Anslem, but it also provided an opportunity to pray together for our new Pope.
The main purpose of gathering together was to remind ourselves that though our schools are separated by distance we are united in our beliefs and mission, part of the church, called by name to build God’s Kingdom. At the beginning of the mass representatives of all the schools carried in procession symbols of their school and laid them on the sanctuary as a sign of our desire to place our schools in the presence of God. The procession was led by students from St Rose’s Special School, Stroud.
The Department for Schools and Colleges is very grateful to all the schools who took time out, at a very busy period in the school year, not only to come to the Cathedral but also to prepare in advance. We are also grateful to the cathedral staff for all the help and cooperation they provided. We are especially grateful to Bishop Declan for leading the celebration. All the students appreciated the opportunity to meet their Bishop and listen to his views. Many other priests who support the schools on a regular basis were also able to be present at the ceremony and knowing the increasing demands on their time the department is very grateful for their continuing support. We look forward to next year with anticipation.
Ann Fowler
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