Pupils from 14 schools attend Mission Together Mass

Young missionaries with Fr Philip Baptiste and Archbishop Richard Moth. © Westminster Diocese

Over 180 pupils and staff from 14 Catholic primary schools joined together for the annual Mission Together Mass, at St Theodore's Parish, Hampton on Thames, Westminster Diocese.

Presided over by Archbishop Richard Moth, and concelebrated by Fr Philip Baptiste, Mission Together's Diocesan Director in Westminster, the Mass united schools from the dioceses of Westminster, Southwark, and Arundel and Brighton.

Building the Kingdom little by little

Held close to the feast of St Thérèse of Lisieux, patron of mission, this young saint's witness was remembered throughout the celebration. In his homily, Archbishop Richard explained how, from a young age, St Thérèse grew in wisdom and faith in Christ. Through her writings and her simple 'Little Way,' she shows us how to share God's love through small acts of kindness. Archbishop Richard encouraged everyone to do the same, for through these little ways we build God's kingdom together.

A passion for mission

Archbishop Richard also explained how Thérèse had a passion for mission, and prayed throughout her life for missionaries who courageously leave their homes and families to take the love and message of Christ to places of poverty and conflict around the world. Later Fr Philip expanded on this, explaining how as a young girl Thérèse had been a member of the Holy Childhood Society - known to us in England and Wales as the charity Mission Together.

Many schools gathered have supported Mission Together for a long time, including St Paul's Primary, Thames Ditton, who were presented at the close of Mass with Mission Together's mascot, Missio Mouse, as a thank you for their support and a reminder that small acts of love help to share God's love and make a big difference.

All together for Mission

Beautiful music performed by the staff and pupils of St Richard Reynolds School made the service extra special, As did the readings delivered by pupils from St James', Twickenham, and the prayers of intercession led by St Elizabeth's, Richmond. Pupils from St Richard Reynolds also performed a wonderful Gospel drama to help unpack the message of the day's gospel - 'Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'

The joining together of schools from across three diocese illustrated the message of solidarity and mission that is so important to the work of Mission Together. This unity was remarked upon by Deputy Head, Katie McAuley: "What was really special about today was having three dioceses come together. It's not something that pupils have experienced before, and it was really lovely for them to feel part of a bigger connected network."

This was echoed by Carlise Jones, Chaplain at St Paul's, Sunbury, who told us: "It was a really precious Mass today and really lovely to see the Archbishop and all the children coming together in such a special way. St Therese is a very special saint for all our schools."

About Mission Together

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: www.MissionTogether.org.uk