ST MARY'S school in Menston welcomed the Bishop of Leeds and ten of his clergy to join the school community in celebrating 50 years of Catholic Education on the Feast of the First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church.

Bishop Marcus Stock celebrated mass for a congregation comprising of 560 students from across Years 8 to 10, current staff, former staff, headteachers from across the Diocese, governors, Diocesan representatives, councillors and friends of the school.

Year 7 students formed a very proud Guard of Honour which lined the processional route from the Chapel to the Sports Hall where Mass was held. Year 7 then participated in the Mass through a live link.

Four lit lanterns were placed in front of the altar to represent Year 7, present staff and students, former staff and students and staff and students who now live in peace with Christ. Mass then began with the blessing of the school’s Presidential Chair.

In the Post Communion Reflection, Gerry Sayers reflected upon her 24 years of service at St. Mary’s and the vision of Mr Dalton, the school’s first Headteacher. She concluded by congratulating the school on attaining an outstanding Ofsted grade.

Headteacher, Darren Beardsley said: "The Mass was a true celebration of what we are about as a school, with Christ at the centre of all that we do. The reverence shown by our students throughout the Mass was impeccable and we were delighted to welcome so many friends of the school.

"It was a real team effort throughout: for example, staff baked 941 cupcakes and decorated them in school colours. These were enjoyed during an extended break by all students, staff and visitors."