Westminster: hundreds of children gather for Good Shepherd Masses
'Jesus, Light of the World' was the theme of this year's Good Shepherd Masses held at Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday 22 May. Archbishop Vincent Nichols was the chief celebrant at both Masses. Children and young adults participated by reading, exhuberant singing and serving on the altar.
Pupils from more than 60 schools took part in the services marking the culmination of the Catholic Children Society (Westminster) Lenten appeal. The Good Shepherd Mass is the Society's annual 'Thank You' to staff, pupils and parents who have supported their Lenten fundraising campaign.
The Mass marks the end of the 'Let Your Light Shine' appeal, which raised awareness and money for families and children in the Diocese of Westminster experiencing financial hardship, mental and physical health impediments and other problems impacting on the stability of the family.
Every child who attended the Mass received a bookmark with a prayer specially written for the occasion, by Sister Mary of St Joseph and the Nuns of the Carmelite Monastery.
Source: Archbishop's House