On 22 September Sion-Manning Girls' School was privileged and delighted to host the Deanery Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent with nearly 200 guests. Most represented the 7 Diocesan Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools in the 2 Deaneries of North Kensington and Kensington and Chelsea, as well as the Royal Borough's Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education, and some nearby schools in neighbouring Deaneries.
We were particularly pleased to have among local Religious some of the Sisters of Sion, who have had such a long connection with the school. Several of our Deanery Priests concelebrated with the Cardinal, and we were happy to have the choir of St Charles Primary School next door sing for us.
In his homily the Cardinal spoke of the importance of leadership for our Catholic Schools and of a solid grounding in our faith and sound common sense, and of a life of kindness and optimism. Afterwards we gathered in the Cardinal Hume Learning Resources Centre for celebratory refreshments and some lively chat.
It greatly encourages us all to come together at such meaningful events and exchange experiences. We are all very grateful to His Eminence for spending so much time with us when he has so many demands on his time, and leading us in enjoyment of our liturgy and the unity that should mark our work as educators in Catholic Schools.
By Tony O'Halloran
