Good Shepherd Mass
Come rain or shine the first indication of what is to follow is the teeming hordes of children congregating with their teachers on the Piazza in front of the Cathedral in a cheerful display of school colours. While some schools bring whole Year Groups the majority bring a handful of children for whom being asked to attend the Mass is a sought after privilege. For most of the children attending, the Mass is their first glimpse of the Cathedral - quite an awesome experience for the smaller children in particular. But, once the organ swells for the first time and the congregation joins in song, the awe is forgotten and the mood of celebration takes over.
The Mass is the culmination of the Lenten fund-raising efforts of schools within the Diocese in support of the Catholic Children’s Society (Westminster) and is a joyful celebration of the achievements of children and young people on behalf of other children and families in need.
This colourful and vibrant occasion brings together in the region of 1,400 children representing an average of fifty schools from across the breadth of the Diocese. In song and drama they come to praise God and to remember others who live in difficult circumstances. Then, at the Offertory they bring forward their Lenten contributions which are used by the Society to help children who have no family, families who have no home and children and families in crisis. As a Society we rely heavily on the contributions of schools to be able to carry out our vital work and the Mass is our way of thanking all the school communities for their support throughout the year.
©
Westminster Cathedral 2002 |
Credits
| Glossary
| Privacy
and Legal
Westminster Cathedral 42 Francis Street, London SW1P 1QW
United Kingdom
Email
us Tel: 020 7798 9055 Fax: 020 7798 9090 Registered
Charity Number 233699
