‍

The entire community of Notre Dame School, Cobham, Surrey, gathered last week to celebrate the Feast Day of St Jeanne de Lestonnac. Mass was celebrated by Fr Stephen and the musicians and choirs led the worship beautifully, with pupils, staff, parents and invited guests joining the Sisters of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady. A barbeque was held in glorious sunshine on the lawn afterwards.

The feast of St Jeanne de Lestonnac, the foundress of the Company of Mary Our Lady, is celebrated each year on 15 May. As the school's Year 11 and Year 13 students will by that time have begun their study leave and public examinations, it was decided to bring forward the feast day celebrations and celebrate today, while all of the students are still in school.

Fr Stephen Kimani SPS celebrated Mass in the Sports Hall for all of the pupils and students, from Reception to Year 13. For the celebration of Mass, the school was joined by Sr Anne, Sr Faith, Sr Maria and Sr Patricia of the Sisters of the Order of the Company of Mary Our Lady, as well as, Julie Oldroyd, diocesan Director of Education, and the General Secretary of the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference.

The music at Mass was led by the combined teachers and choirs of the Prep School and Senior School, with the staff choir and the Senior Caccini Ensemble. In addition to music, many pupils and students undertook different ministries within the Mass: welcoming, reading, altar serving, ushering and taking part in the offertory procession. The Mass was an uplifting and joyful occasion, giving thanks for the blessings God gave to St Jeanne, and for her charism which lives on in all the community does at Notre Dame today.

After Mass the pupils, students and staff enjoyed a wonderful BBQ outside on the field, in the sunshine, courtesy of Mandy and her catering team. It was a very special experience, seeing the youngest Prep School pupils and the oldest Senior School students, and all those in between, enjoying the BBQ and enjoying the company of one another in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.

‍

Source: Notre Dame School