On Friday, 10th October, schools from across the Diocese of Northampton gathered at St Mary’s Church, Dunstable for the annual Diocesan Schools Mass, a joyful and prayerful celebration that brought together pupils, staff, and clergy from across the diocese.
The liturgy was enriched by the beautiful music led by the Thomas Becket School choir, whose blend of traditional hymns and uplifting contemporary worship set a spirit-filled tone for the celebration.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Giacomo Gelardi, Fr Amalraj Lawrence, and Fr Biju Chittuparamban, parish priest of St Mary’s, with Deacon Jim Hannigan assisting.
During his homily, Canon Michael Harrison engaged the congregation with a few light-hearted “letters to God” written by children, before turning to the theme of the day, ‘hope’.
“Today is all about hope,” Canon Michael shared. “What am I hoping for? There is a difference between what we need and what we want — and God knows the difference. We should never stop asking God.”
A highlight of the Mass was the commissioning of school mission teams, who received a special blessing to continue their work of faith and service in their communities. Each of the 41 schools represented processed with a ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ flag, symbolising their unity and participation in the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The atmosphere throughout the celebration was one of joy, reverence, and community, with one attendee describing it as “emotional.”
As the diocesan family looks ahead to the Year, this Mass served as a powerful reminder of the hope that anchors our faith and the shared mission that unites our schools.
