The Annual Schools Mass was held on Wednesday 17 June at St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth.
It provided an opportunity for the Diocesan community of schools from all corners of the Diocese – and also, through live streaming, our schools in the Channel Islands – to gather with Bishop Philip in a packed cathedral to give thanks for God’s grace on our schools and ask His blessing on those in need.
As we are celebrating a Holy Year, a focus during this year’s Mass was ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, which St John’s Cathedral Primary School reflected on during a dance to introduce the Mass. As St Mary’s School, Ascot, led the congregation in singing the opening hymn, schools processed forward with their pledges to ensure a lasting legacy of the Holy Year.
Following the uplifting Mass, the celebrations continued across the road in Victoria Park with picnics and, in the heat of a very hot day, a very welcome ice lolly from Bishop Philip.
Recent Posts
The AFCM UK Awakening Team is leading a Lenten Renewal Conference at St John the Evangelist Cathedral in Portsmouth on 27-28 March 2026 and everyone is welcome to come along. [...]
Bishop Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth, will speak on this month's topic: Can Catholic teaching change? Come and join the discussion (6.30pm to 7.30pm) at the Cathedral Hall, Discovery Centre, [...]
Fr Gaston Forbah Afah, Parish Priest for English Martyrs, Reading, and Episcopal Vicar For Evangelisation, has put together some resources to inspire and support people through Lent. Lent Retreat with [...]
This Lent, as we deepen and enliven our faith, we can reflect on Jesus’ call to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and pray that we can give more help to families facing hunger today due to floods and droughts.
