Trust Beginning of the Year Mass

Each September, our Trust gathers at the beautiful and histroic Aylesford Priory to celebrate our Beginning of the Year Mass—a joyful and uplifting occasion that brings together pupils, staff, clergy, and leaders from across our family of Catholic schools.

In recent years, we have been blessed to have Mass celebrated by The Most Reverend Doctor John Wilson, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark; Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop for the Kent Area of the Archdiocese of Southwark; and Canon Victor Darlington, Episcopal Vicar for the South-East Area of the Archdiocese of Southwark.

Our Masses often include particularly special moments such as the Rite of Acceptance for RCIA candidates, the commissioning of new Headteachers, and a welcome for new pupils joining our schools (please see the gallery below).

Pupils and colleagues from across the Trust take part by reading, singing, and leading prayers. Music is also beautifully provided by choirs and musicians from our schools.

We are deeply grateful to Aylesford Priory for their generous hospitality, to Archbishop John, Bishop Paul, Canon Victor, and all the clergy for their spiritual leadership, and to everyone who contributes to making this annual celebration such a meaningful and memorable event. We cannot wait for this year's Mass, which will be held on Friday 26th September!