On Tuesday, 11th November, pupils who serve as members of the Cadet Forces, the Scout Association, and other volunteer groups gathered to mark our annual Act of Remembrance. Fr Damian Cassidy OCarm. generously joined us from the parish of St John Vianney to celebrate Holy Mass with and for our school community.
Corporals Connor Hannon (Army Cadets) and Kenzie Parker (Air Cadets) spent the week drilling the servicemen, and their preparation was clear as they marched with dignity into the Main Hall before Mass began. Connor laid a wreath at the Altar in memory of fallen former pupils and staff.
Their entrance was followed by our musicians and choir, who led the Year 8 congregation in a moving performance of Abide with Me. The theme of the Mass was ‘Peace’, and Fr Damian spoke with great passion about how remembrance should be a thing of the 'present', and that we should attempt to love those around us as a starting point for achieving peace.
After Mass, the school paused for ‘The Exhortation’ and a solemn two-minute silence. Our servicemen then marched proudly from the Hall to hold a private ceremony in the Chapel, bringing this year’s Act of Remembrance to a thoughtful and dignified close.
