The Solemnity of St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, saw the latest Middlesbrough Schools Singing Programme Mass. The Singing Programme is now in twelve schools in the diocese, in three of our four deaneries, and reaches almost 1,500 children every week.

Over 300 children came from Marske, Middlesbrough and York to sing Mass for St Joseph. The children had learnt the music in their regular weekly Singing Programme Sessions, and sang the Mass Ordinary, the Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation, as well as four hymns and a communion anthem. Every school attending had a special part to play, whether that was leading some of the singing, or providing readers or intercessors, or taking up the offertory gifts. Some of the children were members of the Cathedral Junior Choir, and they robed and sat together.

The Principal Celebrant was Bishop Terry, who was joined by the Vicar General, Monsignor Robinson, and the Cathedral Dean, Canon Farrer, along with Assistant Diocesan MC, Father Steve Leightell. Brother Paul Murray, who was attending with the children from St Wilfrid’s School, York, was our altar server.

Diocesan Director of Music, Steven Maxson, said “It is always wonderful to hear the Cathedral filled with the sound of children’s voices, and to hear more than 300 of them confidently leading our singing at Mass was something which will stay in the memory of those attending for a long time.”

In his homily, Bishop Terry commented positively upon the singing of the children, talking of the “wall of sound” which he could hear as soon as the entrance procession left the sacristy.

In this Jubilee Year, the final hymn was the official hymn of the Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope”, reminding all present that their trip to the Cathedral was itself a pilgrimage in this Holy Year.