The Annual Schools Mass was held on Wednesday 17 June at St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth.
It provided an opportunity for the Diocesan community of schools from all corners of the Diocese – and also, through live streaming, our schools in the Channel Islands – to gather with Bishop Philip in a packed cathedral to give thanks for God’s grace on our schools and ask His blessing on those in need.
As we are celebrating a Holy Year, a focus during this year’s Mass was ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, which St John’s Cathedral Primary School reflected on during a dance to introduce the Mass. As St Mary’s School, Ascot, led the congregation in singing the opening hymn, schools processed forward with their pledges to ensure a lasting legacy of the Holy Year.
Following the uplifting Mass, the celebrations continued across the road in Victoria Park with picnics and, in the heat of a very hot day, a very welcome ice lolly from Bishop Philip.
Recent Posts
In last year’s Annual Report, we featured news of the creation of a Refugee Sanctuary Hub at St Peter’s Church, Winchester. The Hub was born out of parishioner response to [...]
Walking outdoors has proven long-term improvements for emotional and mental health, as well as bringing about a reduced risk of depression and higher levels of happiness and self-esteem. Coinciding with [...]
Across the Philippine archipelago, a tradition known as Flores de Mayo, a daily offering of flowers to Mary is observed throughout the month of May. Typically, the celebration culminates with [...]
Last year Pope Francis announced Friday that the Catholic Church will celebrate its first World Day of Children in May 2024. Speaking in his Angelus address on Dec. 8 to [...]
