What a wonderful time we had at the first Mission Together Mass in Lancaster Diocese! Pupils and staff from local Catholic schools gathered at Sacred Heart Parish, Preston to pray, play and learn about an inspiring Preston-born priest, whose charitable efforts have helped thousands of people around the world for over a century.
Canon Paul Embery VG and Fr Sam Ofia MSP led the liturgy, along with Deacon Chris Barwise. Scripture and prayers were delivered by pupils from Blessed Sacrament Primary, while students from Our Lady’s High School worked hard with Head of Music, Mr Robinson, to provide exceptional music and singing.
A Box of faith and love
At the start of Mass, pupils learned about Fr Thomas Jackson MHM. Fr Thomas was born into poverty in 1846. As a young man, this poverty prevented him pursuing his vocation to the priesthood. Thankfully, a few generous donors stepped forward, enabling Thomas to train to become a Mill Hill Missionary.
Fr Thomas MHM spent many years serving as a missionary in Afghanistan and Borneo, but he never forgot the people who had enabled his vocation to the priesthood. When he returned to England, he created the Red Box, which is still filled with pennies, pounds and prayers by supporters across England and Wales today – not only supporting the training of priests and sisters, but also helping to fund life-giving pastoral projects in places where there is great need, suffering and conflict.
A joyful message
The joy resulting from Fr Thomas’ efforts was echoed in a wonderful Gospel drama performed by Our Lady’s students. Supported by their Chaplain, Ms Lee, the students based their drama on John 15:9-11, emphasising the joy that faith in Christ brings.
This joyful message was expanded upon in Canon Paul’s homily. Canon Paul encouraged pupils to recognise the difference between fleeting happiness brought by things, and the lasting joy brought by Christ. Canon Paul also spoke about the hope offered by Missio and its children’s branch, Mission Together, which both help to share Christ’s love through practical help and pastoral care, in places of poverty and turmoil.
A special ‘thank you’
At the end of Mass, a long service medal and certificate were presented to Mr Paul Thompson, the Red Box volunteer in St Anthony’s Parish, and Chair of Governors at St Anthony’s Primary, for volunteering with Missio and the Mill Hill Missionaries for almost 15 years. Then English Martyrs’ Primary led everyone in a rousing rendition of the Pilgrim’s Calypso – a hymn which was specially written for Mission Together in the Jubilee year.
St Anthony’s Headteacher, Mrs Janes Barnes, who attended the Mass with her pupils, said of the event:
‘How lovely the Mass was this morning. The children and I really enjoyed taking part. The additional activities you provided for the children were a real success and it was great to see them all interacting together. Thank you so much for organising – it was clear to see the effort that went into making it such a success.’
Thank you for coming together for mission!
We want to say a huge ‘Thank you’ to all the schools who attended, and to the staff who practised and rehearsed with pupils to ensure the Mission Together Mass was a great success. Thank you also to Sacred Heart parishioners who came along to join us in prayer, then hosted the schools in the parish hall, putting on a wonderful spread of treats!
About Mission Together
As the children’s branch of Missio – the Pope’s official charity for world mission – the aim of Mission Together is two-fold. We enable and empower young supporters in England and Wales to support Missio’s overseas children’s projects, through fundraising and prayer. We also support the mission of Catholic schools in England and Wales, through provision of free classroom and worship resources.
We also deliver assemblies in schools. For more information please visit MissionTogether.org.uk or email [email protected]