Celebrating the Jubilee Year of St Francis of Assisi in the Diocese of Lancaster

All 20 schools in the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust (BEBCMAT), from across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, came together for a special Mass at English Martyrs Church, Hardhorn, Poulton, to celebrate the Jubilee Year and the legacy of St Francis of Assisi.

Each of the schools, which are in the Diocese of Lancaster, played a part in the celebration, with pupils welcoming those attending, proclaiming the readings and bringing forward the gifts during the Offertory procession. Three schools also provided altar servers, ably led by Jasper from St Mary’s. Fr Peter Sharrock celebrated the Mass for the Care of Creation, with Canon Chris Loughran and Fr Stephen Pearson concelebrating.

The Mass focused on care for creation and marked 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi. Schools were invited to share examples of how their communities care for creation through Branch 1, Creation and Covenant, of the new Religious Education curriculum, and through enrichment activities inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.

Helen O’Neill, CEO of BEBCMAT, said: “It was a very precious gift to see all our schools celebrating together at Mass and the wonderful representations shared of how each school is ‘caring for creation’ in their community. Each school took away an acorn and gift bag with items to remind them of the Jubilee Year.

“My sincere gratitude goes to everyone who attended, to Ruth for leading the music and to the clergy who celebrated the Mass, led by Fr Peter. It was lovely to see the Trust central team, governors, directors and parishioners present alongside the pupils and leaders of all our schools, and to hear the amazing singing and see our pupils so reverent in prayer.”

Find out more about Catholic education in the Diocese of Lancaster