Our Lenten Liturgy, with local primary schools

This year's Lenten Liturgy was made even more special by the attendance of pupils from St Mary’s Catholic Junior School and St James the Great RC Primary School, who both contributed beautifully with hymns and readings, focusing on Jesus fasting and praying in the desert, through to the Resurrection.

It was fitting that the liturgy was held in our local parish church of St Mary's Catholic Church (Our Lady of Reparation). Thank you to Fr. Patrick, our Parish Priest, who allowed us to use his church and facilities, and for giving a blessing to all present at the end of the service.

Special thanks is due to all those who contributed to the liturgy, including the readers from all three schools as well as the Year 11 musicians: Luis and Marianna for the entrance music; and Belen for her solo performance of ‘Hills & Valleys’. St James the Great RC Primary School’s choir sang ‘Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?’ and a stunning acapella rendition of ‘Mary's Song’.

It was wonderful that three Catholic schools from the Croydon Deanery were able to come together to worship together at this important time in the Church’s liturgical year, and that it should be hosted in our local parish church. We look forward to arranging many more collaborative events in the years ahead.