On Monday 16th June, over 500 primary school children from across the Walsall and Lichfield Deanery took part in a Jubilee Mass at Lichfield Cathedral. St Gabriel’s was represented by our Year Four children.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Timothy Menezes along with priests and deacons from the different parishes from within the Deanery.

To link with the Jubilee theme of pilgrimage, schools arrived at different points around Lichfield and then processed down and gathered at the Cathedral.

Children from the primary schools helped to lead the readings, singing, offertory and altar serving during the Mass, giving them all a wonderful opportunity to work alongside children from other local Catholic primary schools.

During the Mass, Jubilee hymns and music – supported by Joy Boyce and her team – were sung. The hymns celebrated the themes of welcome, hope, love and joy.

The Mass, and indeed the whole experience, was a beautifully prayer, joy and hope-filled occasion for everyone involved. Hearing the Cathedral filled with the sound of all the different schools singing, but then also the moments of prayerful silence was incredible. 

The whole day took lots of careful planning –from school staff and also from a wonderful team of volunteers from across the Deanery – many of whom were able to join with the children on the day.

The children all left the Cathedral inspired to continue their journey through the Jubilee Year as active Pilgrims and signs of hope for the world around us.