We will remember them...

"When you go home

tell them of us and say,

for your tomorrow

we gave our today."

The Kohima Epitaph

On Friday 10^th November those pupils who serve as members of Cadet Forces, the Scout Association and other volunteer groups gathered to celebrate our annual Act of Remembrance. Fr Tony Cornforth kindly joined us from his parish in Newton Aycliffe to celebrate Holy Mass for and with us. 

Sergeants Connor O'Malley (Air) and Alex Hetherington (Army) drilled the servicemen throughout the week and they looked majestic as they marched into the Main Hall before Mass began. Their entrance was followed by our musicians and choir leading the congregation of Year 8 in a moving rendition of Abide with Me. The theme of the Mass was 'Peace' and Fr Tony spoke passionately about the need for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. When Mass had concluded, we paused to listen to 'The Exhortation' and held a two-minute silence as the Last Post was played. Our servicemen then proudly marched out of the Hall to hold a private ceremony in the Chapel.

Our guest of honour was Sergeant Bollado, who after over 20 years of service in the RAF, is due to retire from active service in December. Sergeant Bollado laid a wreath at the Altar to commemorate those former pupils of St Cuthbert's who died to preserve our freedom in World Wars I and II.

Sergeant Bollado was kind enough to stay behind after Mass and meet pupils from Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 who are interested in a career in the Armed Forces.

At 11am the school fell silent for two minutes as teacher led their classes in silence and a short liturgy. 

Ever-living God 

We remember those whom you have gathered from the storm of war 

into the peace of your presence; 

May that same peace calm our fears, 

bring justice to all peoples 

and establish harmony among the nations. 

Amen