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The Diocesan Education Mass is the occasion in the year when we come together for a Celebration of our educational endeavour and commitment.

This year Canon Seamus Cunningham presided at the Mass, which took place in the Chapel at Ushaw College on 26th June. The particular focus of the Mass was to give thanks for the work of people who have made a specific contribution or who have achieved educational milestones of some kind during the previous twelve months.

Key figures in education in the diocese joined with other guests including representatives from ecumenical and civic bodies to share in this special celebration of educational endeavour and commitment.

Celebrating the Mass with Canon Cunningham were Fr Philip Gillespie (Vice-president of Ushaw), Fr Andrew Downie, (Diocesan Director of Vocations ), Mgr Ged Lavender, Fr Adrian Dixon (Liturgical Commission) and Rev Deacon Peter Lavery( Diocesan Coordinator for Marriage and Family Life).

In his homily Canon Cunningham reminded the gathering that we each live out our vocation in different ways as we journey through life.

"God is constantly calling us" he said. "We are each called to evangelise, to bring Christ to the people we meet." The Canon added that to do this we must ourselves be evangelised, and have a deep relationship with Christ.

"Reflect on the Word of God", he continued, "and let that Word touch you in the depths of your being and transform you - then you are no longer speaking from your head alone, but from your heart." To do this we need stillness and silence: "Stillness is the waiting room of the divine - from there we go out to touch lives."

 

During the mass special prayers were said for specific groups of people, mentioning them by by name.

Firstly all those involved in parish education were prayed for:"May their faith and their knowledge proclaim the Good News and bring the Kingdom of God nearer to us."

In relation to schools, all those retiring were prayed for by name, and also all those taking up positions as headteachers and chaplains:"May their wisdom and vision be empowered by your spirit, and filled with confidence and hope."

All those who have this year completed the CCRS, first stage of the DCRS, or Diploma in Pastoral Theology were named and prayed for:"May their labours bring a rich harvest."

The response given by Canon Cunningham to each of these prayers was the scriptural prayer:

"I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love you bear towards all God's people. I never cease to give thanks for you when I mention you in my prayers. I pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to grow in you to God's glory and promise."

Marking in a special way their contribution and commitment to Catholic education, at the end of Mass Canon Cunningham presented retiring headteachers with a Papal Blessing.

The diocesan music group and director Philip Robinson led the inspiring and uplifting music for the mass, and the awesome and magnificent surroundings of the historic Ushaw chapel, all contributed to a really wonderful evening.