Year 11 Celebration Mass - May 2023

On Friday 5th May, Year 11 had their Celebration Mass. It began with a procession where students shared what they have been blessed with over the last 5 years, such as friendships, care and guidance from staff and extra-curricular experiences. Students from all forms took part, some reading and others bringing forth images of grapes on which they had written what they are grateful for. The grapes were pegged to vines which dressed the cross, linking to our Gospel “I am the vine, you are the branches”.

Our first hymn was ‘O Happy Day’, led by the choir and followed by the readings which included Jeremiah “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”, Psalm 117 “His love for us is strong”, Romans 12 “Love one another warmly” and our Gospel. Each sharing a message to Year 11 about how special they are, how loved they are and how important they are.

After communion, the choir sang ‘The Blessing’, a special song to me, as I played it to my children whilst they were still in my womb, it was chosen for the mass as it is the same prayer I have for Year 11; for their life in this world to be a happy one. Mother Teresa’s poem ‘Do it anyway’ was also part of the communion reflection, powerfully delivered and resonating with the students “If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway”, a message to Year 11 for their future selves and a way to continue being the exceptional people they are.

Our final hymn was ‘This is Amazing Grace’; “This is amazing grace, this is unfailing love”, a reminder to Year 11 of how loved they are by God as they enter their exam season and next steps and that they can rely on him in times of need.

Thank you once again to Father Srinu for a beautiful and engaging Mass. Thanks for Mrs O’Driscoll, Mr Vince and the choir. Miss Farrell for her inspiration and organising and rehearsing the readers. Thanks to Mr Wood and Mr Basharat for all the tech support and making a great video. Thank you to the parents who joined us for Mass, it was really special to have you there. A big thank you to all the Year 11 team for being a brilliant team of inspirational and caring staff who have led our year group amazingly.

Our celebration came to an end with a speech from me, reminiscing over some of our times together, wishing Year 11 all the best for the future and advising them to be the best person they can be, whatever they do. The students were then shown a video montage of some really happy memories, including their Year 7 photos. There were laughs and tears but a clear feeling of being a team, a wonderful Year group…the class of 2023!

It has been an honour to be your Head of Year, good luck and God bless you all Year 11.

Mrs McCabe
Head of Year 11