St Mary's hosts the annual Croydon Deanery Schools’ Mass

St Mary’s Catholic High School was delighted to host this year’s annual Croydon Deanery Schools’ Mass. Staff from all the Catholic schools in our deanery were invited to celebrate Mass in our local parish church of St Mary’s, West Croydon, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

We were delighted that so many members of staff were able to attend this special annual celebration which schools take it in turn to host - so it is many years since our school has had the privilege of hosting the event. As the celebration took place during Advent, St Mary’s Church was decorated to perfection in anticipation of the Christmas feast which made the celebration of Mass even more special, especially as a number of Christmas hymns were included.

Canon Gerard Bradley, the Episcopal Vicar for the South West London Area, was the principal celebrant, along with Fr Patrick, our parish priest. Appropriately, the readings of the day (Matthew 11:28-30) were most appropriate for a congregation of teachers and other school staff.

Jesus said to the crowds: "Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light".

Croydon Deanery has one of the most vibrant and diverse range of schools in the Archdiocese of Southwark and Canon Gerard took the opportunity to thank all those who serve in our deanery schools with dedication and care. 

We offer our particular thanks to all those who organised and participated in the celebration of Mass and for preparation of the refreshments. Particular thanks to Fr Patrick and his team for hosting the Mass in the parish church and for the reception. This was another opportunity to further cement the important relationship between our school and our local parish.

St Mary’s Catholic High School was delighted to host this year’s annual Croydon Deanery Schools’ Mass. Staff from all the Catholic schools in our deanery were invited to celebrate Mass in our local parish church of St Mary’s, West Croydon, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

We were delighted that so many members of staff were able to attend this special annual celebration which schools take it in turn to host - so it is many years since our school has had the privilege of hosting the event. As the celebration took place during Advent, St Mary’s Church was decorated to perfection in anticipation of the Christmas feast which made the celebration of Mass even more special, especially as a number of Christmas hymns were included.

Canon Gerard Bradley, the Episcopal Vicar for the South West London Area, was the principal celebrant, along with Fr Patrick, our parish priest. Appropriately, the readings of the day (Matthew 11:28-30) were most appropriate for a congregation of teachers and other school staff.

Jesus said to the crowds: "Come to me, all you who work hard and who carry heavy burdens and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble of heart; and you will find rest. For my yoke is good and my burden is light".

Canon Gerard took the opportunity to thank all those who serve in our deanery schools with dedication and care. Croydon Deanery has one of the most vibrant and diverse range of schools in the Archdiocese of Southwark.

We offer our particular thanks to all those who organised and participated in the celebration of Mass and for preparation of the refreshments. Particular thanks to Fr Patrick and his team for hosting the Mass in the parish church and for the reception. This was another opportunity to further cement the important relationship between our school and our local parish.