Archbishop Eamon Martin was the lead celebrant at a beautiful Advent Mass in Newry Cathedral Wednesday 13 December, and was joined by Primary 6 children from eight local primary schools who are actively involved in the Schools’ Singing Programme. The participating schools – St Clare’s Abbey, St Colman’s Saval, St Joseph’s Bessbrook, St Joseph’s Convent, St Malachy’s Camlough, St Malachy’s Carnagat, St Patrick’s the Meadow and St Ronan’s – filled the cathedral with the joyous melodies of Advent carols having meticulously learned and rehearsed parts of the Mass composed by Colm Murphy.

During the Mass, Archbishop Martin urged the children, staff and normal Mass goers present to prepare for the coming of our Lord by being helpful and thanking God for all the riches that he has bestowed upon them. He also quoted from the last hymn of the Mass by urging the children to make straight the pathways to the Lord. The children gave a rousing rendition of this piece by Micheal Downes at the end of the Mass and received thunderous applause for their efforts.

The Advent Mass in the beautiful St. Patrick and St Colman’s Cathedral, Newry, represented the culmination of ten weeks dedicated singing instruction with the children and echoed Archbishop Martin’s unwavering support for this initiative and indeed for the growth of liturgical music across the Diocese of Dromore. Archbishop Martin’s involvement is unsurprising given his own love of liturgical music and his episcopal motto, ‘Cantate Domino Canticum Novum’ (Sing a new song to the Lord).

This love for liturgical music was showcased during the Mass when he demonstrated his own capacity for solo singing in Still, Still, Still and through the gentle encouragement of all the children involved. There can be no doubt that the children present were inspired to continue their involvement and it is hoped that some will aspire to become confident independent singers themselves.

The Schools’ Singing Programme in the Diocese of Dromore, which is led by Orla Nugent and Sara-Jane Kelly, has been a resounding success. Their visits to P6 classes have enriched students with both sacred and secular songs, nurturing attentive and sensitive singers. This unique programme integrates Religious Education and Music Education, reinforcing school teachings and fostering deeper understanding in both curricular areas.

The profound benefits of singing, including its positive impact on self-esteem, have been evident among the participants. Gráinne Doran, Vice-Principal of St Malachy’s PS in Camlough, remarked, ‘Every Wednesday morning was a joyful occasion as the children fully engaged in the lively music sessions provided by Orla and Sara-Jane. It has been wonderful to witness the positive effect on their well-being; not only did their musical talent flourish but so too did their self-belief and confidence. I firmly believe that the children’s participation in the Schools Singing Programme benefited their social and emotional development.’

Looking ahead, the singing tutors eagerly anticipate commencing ten weeks of singing instruction with P5 students following the Christmas break.