Wincanton school children gather for special church service

Paul JonesJune 8, 20260 Comment0

WINCANTON school children gathered alongside parents, parishioners and others for a special church service.

Pupils from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School joined a special Crowning of Mary service, which included processing from the school green to Lansdowne Place.

There, they sang hymns including Come and Join the Circle, with neighbours invited to join in from their front gardens.

The procession then returned to school, where pupils gathered by the statue of Mary in Mary’s Garden to sing again.

Proceedings concluded around the school pond, where each child placed a flower in tribute, before two members of the Chaplaincy team placed a crown on the statue of Mary.

Throughout the service, each child carried a flower, with more flowers brought in that morning used to decorate vases placed around the pond and other gathering areas.

“Some parishioners attended the full service and remained afterwards for tea and cake, alongside parents who were also invited to take part,” a school spokesperson said.

“The annual service is one of many ways the school, part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, brings together pupils, families and parishioners throughout the year.

“Children are encouraged to play an active role in school and community life, with opportunities to lead worship, support charitable causes and contribute to the strong sense of community that is central to the school’s ethos.”

Danuta Girton and Sheila Loftus, headteachers at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Primary School, added: “The Crowning of Mary is always a very special occasion in our school calendar. It is a lovely opportunity for the children to come together in prayer and song and celebrate alongside parents, parishioners and members of our local community.

“We are particularly proud of the way our pupils take an active role in the service and help to make it such a meaningful event for everyone involved.”

Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, said: “It is wonderful to see children, families and parishioners coming together for such a special occasion. The Crowning of Mary is an important Catholic tradition and a lovely example of the strong connections between the school, parish and wider community.”