Mass marks 50 Momentous Years of Catholic High School

More than 1,000 pupils, staff, alumni and city leaders gathered at Chester Cathedral for a special Mass to mark the 50th Anniversary of The Catholic High School, Chester.

Led by Father Paul, of St Werburgh’s Roman Catholic Church, the Mass was a celebration of the last half a century of the school, which was created as a result of the merging of St Bede’s and The Ursuline Convent in 1973.

More than 700 staff and pupils from the Handbridge-based, Ofsted Good-rated school walked to the city centre landmark ready for Mass at 11am on Friday, June 9. They were joined by Year 6 students who will starting their high school chapter in September.

They were joined at Chester Cathedral by former pupils, who have been joined together during the past year as part of the schools new Alumni Facebook Group, which has more than 1,200 members.

Former head Christine McCann also attended the Mass, along with several dignitaries including visiting Deacon Owen Gresty, himself a former pupil from the school, who aided Father Paul in delivering the service. 

Headteacher Cathy McKeagney opened the event and spoke of her pride at being a part of the school during such a special year.

“Wow, what a day! We are so so proud of our students for their exemplary behaviour and their respect for the event,” said Mrs McKeagney who joined the school in 2019. “And a huge thank you to Father Paul, all the wonderful staff, parents and governors for making everything run so smoothly. It really will go down in the history books as a very, very special occasion indeed.”

As part of the Mass, Musical Director Kevin Trout curated a performance by the Year 7 Choir, hymns featuring the school band and solo performances from Phoebe Cheffings, who gave an outstanding recital of hymns such as ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’.

During the Mass Offering, students presented gifts such as the first prospectus of the school, a cherished historical Bible and a tapestry handmade by Mrs Porter from the Textiles Department.

Readings were given by former staff and current members and pupils and a special hymn was sung by the newly formed Catholic High School Staff Choir too.

“It’s been a year of wonderful celebrations - including the formation of our Alumni Facebook Group and the launch of the Alumni Podcast,” said Mrs McKeagney. "The Mass was such a special and important part of our celebrations which cement us as part of the Christian community has shaped our education, learning and guided our pupils for the past 50 years. Here is to the next 50!”

For more information about the Catholic High School, go to: 

www.christofidelis.org.uk

Pictured - The newly formed Staff Choir performed at the Mass.