On Wednesday, 16th October, we proudly hosted the annual Camino Partnership Mass and Chaplaincy Team Training, bringing together several Catholic schools from the Diocese of Clifton. The Camino Partnership, a collaborative network of local Catholic schools, includes St Patrick’s in Corsham, St Paul’s in Yate, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Augustine of Canterbury in Bristol, and St John’s, St Mary’s, and St Gregory’s in Bath, as well as St Benedict’s in Midsomer Norton.
The day’s events commenced with a Mass in the Abbey Church, celebrated on the feast of St Margaret Mary Alacoque. The Mass was a moving celebration of faith and community, with pupils playing an active role by singing, reading, welcoming guests, and serving during the service. The beautiful organ music, performed by Mr. McNamara, was particularly well received by the visiting schools, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.
Following the Mass, pupils gathered for lunch in the theatre before participating in a series of engaging training sessions. St Gregory’s led a workshop focused on creating and using prayer spaces within their school environment, while Downside students facilitated workshops on Lectio Divina and the Rosary. These sessions provided an opportunity for pupils to explore new forms of prayer and reflection, with hands-on guidance from their peers.
The day was both uplifting and empowering for all involved. Pupils left feeling inspired and equipped with fresh ideas and confidence to introduce different forms of prayer back into their own schools, fostering a spirit of faith, leadership, and community across the Camino Partnership.