Children attend carol service without Larry the Donkey

Two pupils at the service

More than 1,600 children braved the snow and transport disruptions to attend the Catholic Children’s Society's Annual Advent Carol Service at Westminster Cathedral. They were welcomed by Bishop John Arnold, Bishop Alan Hopes and Mgr Phelim Rowland. Alas, the service's biggest star, Larry the Donkey, was unable to make his much anticipated appearance because his handler was snowed under in Kent.

Mgr, Phelim Rowland, new Chairman of the Society who attended the service for the first time, remarked “the service was a delight and it was so encouraging to see schools braving zero temperatures to come and worship at the Cathedral as well as support the Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster). I look forward to meeting Larry next year, God willing and weather permitting!”

The level of support and commitment from Diocesan primary schools was praised by Dr Rosemary Keenan, the Society’s Chief Executive, who commented “without the support of pupils and their teachers we would not be able to help so many children living in financial and emotional poverty here within the Diocese. The Carol Service is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas”.

The Catholic Children's Society (Westminster) was established in 1859 and provides child care services to assist children and families in need, irrespective of race or faith, in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster. With over150 years of experience of working with children and families we recognise that families come in all shapes and sizes and from widely ranging cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, counselling; play therapy, psychotherapeutic and mediation projects.

For more information see: www.cathchild.org.uk