More than 60 young people from Church and community schools across the Diocese gathered for this year’s Secondary Schools Pilgrimage to Holy Island, walking across the causeway together on Tuesday, 7 July.
Students and staff from Venerable Bede CE Academy in Sunderland, Ian Ramsey CE Academy in Stockton, St Hild’s CE School in Hartlepool, and, for the first time, Durham Johnston School took part in the annual pilgrimage. Students and staff from St Aidan’s CE Academy and Whitburn Church of England Academy had also hoped to attend, but unfortunately minibus difficulties prevented them from reaching the island. Their presence was greatly missed throughout the day.
The pilgrimage began with a short service opened in prayer by St Aidan’s School Chaplain, Revd Rachel Wilson. With Whitburn unable to join the group, Phoebe Turner, the Diocese’s Young Adult Mission Enabler, shared a reflection on behalf of their school chaplain Nicola Rogers. Using the story of sea glass, Phoebe offered an inspiring message about faith, transformation and discovering our purpose.
With warm but comfortable walking conditions, the young people embraced the challenge of crossing to the island with enthusiasm. Led across the causeway by David Johnson, Head of RE at Venerable Bede CE Academy, the group showed great resilience on the walk and a deep sense of respect during the service at St Mary’s Church.
The annual pilgrimage gives young people from across the Diocese the opportunity to come together in worship, reflection and fellowship, while experiencing the rich Christian heritage of Holy Island.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the school staff who organised and supported the visit, along with the Diocese’s Growing Younger Team and Caroline Weir, RE Adviser for the Joint Education Team (JET), for facilitating and coordinating such a memorable day.
The pilgrimage was a joyful celebration of faith and friendship, bringing young people together in one of the North East’s most significant Christian places of pilgrimage.
Pictured from left to right: Christine Muneza (Children's Mission Enabler), Caroline Weir (JET RE Adviser), Catherine Simpson (Educational Chaplaincy Enabler) and Graham Cleland (Growing Younger Strategic Lead).