Trust Beginning of the Year Mass 2022

On Wednesday 28 September 2022, the Trust held its Beginning of the Year Mass at the beautiful Aylesford Priory.

Attended by over 1,500 pupils and staff from 27 Catholic schools from across Kent, it was a truly special occasion.

We were extremely fortunate to have The Most Reverend John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, celebrate Mass for us, with Bishop Paul Hendricks, Episcopal Vicar for Kent, and Father David Gibbons, Dean of Tunbridge Wells concelebrating.

Pupils and colleagues from across our family of Catholic schools also took part by reading, singing, leading prayers, and providing all of the wonderful music.

The event finished with the creation of a special collaborative work of art - representatives from all 27 schools met on the steps of the Shrine with specially decorated canvases that spelt out the words 'KENT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS' PARTNERSHIP', we were even lucky enough to have Archbishop John take part (pictured below)!

Mass was followed by a giant picnic on the Priory's lawn for all; it was a fabulous day, and there was an incredible atmosphere of celebration.

Our grateful thanks to the Priory for their generous hospitality, to everyone who supported and contributed to a wonderful day, and to The Most Reverend John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of Southwark, and to all the clergy, for leading us today and all days; for their guidance and for their prayers.