Bishop blesses pupils at Stortford's St Mary's School

New students at St Mary's Catholic School marked their transition to secondary education with a visit from the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster.

Bishop Paul McAleenan, who has pastoral care of the deaneries of Hertfordshire, conducted a Year 7 mass in the Church of St Joseph and the English Martyrs down the road in Windhill.

In all, more than 320 students, teachers and parents filled the church as the bishop led the service to help dedicate the new school year to God.

Pupil Joe Hesketh said: “The service made me think about making sure I work my best and, with the help of my teachers, reach my full potential.”

Annie Qosja, also in Year 7, said: “It gave me a real taste of what the religious side to St Mary’s is like. It was an exhilarating introduction to my new school which made me think about how lucky we are to have the opportunity to attend mass as it helps us relax our minds and thoughts.”

Moving music and singing were provided by older students Georgina Jackson, Kelsey Crowley, Heidi Sinfield and Phoebe Fiori-Sexton. All year 7 boys and girls were given a commemorative bookmark to mark the occasion.