Westminster: Jubilee of Hope, Mission Together Mass

Source: Missio

More than 140 pupils and staff from eight Catholic primary schools joined together for a Jubilee of Hope, Mission Together Mass, at St Theodore's Parish, Westminster Diocese.

Celebrated by Bishop Jim Curry, and joined by the priests and deacons of attending parish schools, the Mass was a tangible sign of hope as all present gathered in a spirit of mission and solidarity, with one another and with our global Church family.

In his homily Bishop Curry shared a moving story about his friend, Basil, who travelled to Ethiopia during a terrible time of famine. Bishop Curry explained that, whilst there, Basil learned an important lesson from a young boy. This chance meeting confirmed to Basil the great need we all have for practical help, and for faith and love. These, Bishop Curry reminded us, provide hope, even in times of despair. These too, Bishop Curry stated, are the ways through which Mission Together brings hope to thousands of children living in poverty and conflict around the world.

After the homily, pupils presented Signs of Hope worksheets at the altar. These worksheets - completed prior to Mass - helped each pupil to identify the values and virtues they possessed, and the ways in which they could be employed to bring hope to the world. The worksheets were collected around a display of St Thérèse of Lisieux, patron of mission.

Fr Philip Baptiste - Mission Together Diocesan Director for Westminster - later explained how St Thérèse of Lisieux had been a member of The Holy Childhood (the original name of Mission Together). He explained too how St Thérèse chose to offer great signs of hope through small acts of love, and how this is something all of us can choose to do too.

At the close of Mass each pupil was presented with a mission rosary. The children were then blessed by Bishop Curry before a rousing rendition of Mission Together's Jubilee Calypso and refreshments in the parish hall.

'Thank you for your organisation and welcome at the Mission Together Mass. It was a beautiful Mass. The children all enjoyed it and told everyone about Mission Together and their outing during assembly yesterday. We love your resources so we will definitely share and use them.' Mrs Green, Sacred Heart Headteacher.

We want to say a huge 'Thank you' to all the schools who attended our Mission Together Mass, and to the staff who practised and rehearsed pupils to ensure the scriptures and bidding prayers were delivered confidently. Thank you also to St Theodore' parishioners, Missio Local Secretaries, and Mr Peter Sweeney (Westminster Director of Education), who came along to join us in prayer.

For over 180 years, Missio's children's branch, Mission Together has helped children around the world to grow in love of Christ and love of neighbour. In England and Wales, Mission Together's aim is twofold: to support essential children's projects in places of poverty and turmoil, and to support the mission of Catholic education through the creation of free classroom resources. To view and download these resources please visit: https://MissionTogether.org.uk