Holy Trinity School and Church hold joint anniversary celebrations
The Holy Trinity Academy celebrated the 50th anniversary of its opening this weekend along with the 40th birthday of its church.
Large numbers of people attended the three-day event as the school and church held their landmark birthdays as pupils and staff also honoured the sick and housebound.
A full programme of events were lined up from July 5-7 with the first day concentrating on the school. Starting with mass at 2pm, followed by a family picnic for all, the day was finished off with a reception for present and past staff and governors.
Robert Beall, chairman of the school governors, highlighted the close relationship between the school and church calling it "unique".
"We are a parish family, where the youngest and the oldest members, and everyone in between, are equally welcome, important and part of parish life from Baptism and the sacramental journey which continues through school, church and beyond. In many cases it is a continuous journey which is a part of your normal family life.
"Many of you will have attended Holy Trinity School, now your children are pupils here, and maybe even your grandchildren," he added.
The birthday gathering attracted pupil and staff reunions as children got involved in sports and treasure hunts around the school and church grounds. There were also displays of memorabilia, giving people a snapshot of the rich and varied half-century history of the school and church.
Julia Summers, head teacher of the school, said the popular event was an opportunity to celebrate Catholic education over the last 50 years and bring people together.
She said: "We had a weekend of celebrations with children making birthday cards and banners, special lunches made by the kitchen staff and mass in the church. It was an uplifting event with excellent service that brought everybody together. When we had the picnic on the field it was lovely to see so many previous and current families enjoying themselves.
"On one evening, we opened the school up to visitors and families so they could see past and current photographs of the school to show how far it has come in its development. And on Sunday, Bishop Patrick led a procession from the school, through the grounds and into the church where he then held mass. It was a lovely, lovely weekend."
And thanking the organising committee for their hard work, Fr Michael O'Donoghue added the special occasion did not forget the sick and housebound who were recognised on Saturday.
"Our celebration for the sick on Saturday was a real joy. Afternoon tea was taken in the school after the church service and older members of the parish were delighted to be given a guided tour of the school. Friday, Saturday and Sunday was a feast for soul and body."
Bishop Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham brought the Holy Trinity weekend celebrations to a close with a mass of thanksgiving on Sunday stating that he was "giving thanks to God" that 50 years ago it was decided to build a new school, followed by a new church ten years later.
For more details on the event, please email: Robertbeall@holytrinity.notts.sch.uk, or Father Michael O’Donoghue: secretary@holytrinitynewark.org.uk
