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Catholic schools from across the diocese gathered at Arundel Cathedral yesterday for our annual Good Shepherd celebration. The theme this Jubilee Year was "Pilgrims of Hope", with readings highlighting the importance of proclaiming "the good news to the poor" - diocesan schools have been fundraising for Missio again this year, and were able to present a representative from Pope's charity for mission with a donation for £6,362 during the service.

CAFOD is inviting schools from across England and Wales to make a Jubilee Year Pledge to "live out Catholic Social Teaching and make a whole school, long-term commitment to building a fairer world", with each school at yesterday's celebration presenting a Jubilee Pledge to Bishop Richard, and Beth Friery and Jenny Finlayson from CAFOD. 

Bishop Richard presented pupils with a Jubilee icon to take back to their schools, with students playing their part by reading, singing, leading reflections and prayers. In a poignant ending to the celebration children from the Sussex Schools Singing Programme sang a final blessing for the staff and pupils of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Brighton, as the school closes this summer, with thanks also offered to Ann Baldwin from the Diocesan Education Service who has always been involved in the organisation of the Good Shepherd celebration and retires this summer after 21 years.

Speaking afterwards Beth from CAFOD said:

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“The schools' Jubilee Pledges were amazingly presented…what creativity! And what commitment to working for the common good of everyone, it really is remarkable and brings such hope in what is an uncertain world at the moment.”