PRIMARY pupils and parishioners were invited to ‘come to the manger’ to help students welcome in the advent of Christmas.
Parents, carers, friends and family, staff, students and members of the local community were all invited to mark the beginning of the festive season as St John’s School and Sixth Form College, A Catholic Academy, Bishop Auckland, hosted its annual advent service.
Pupils from St Chad’s, St Charles, St Cuthbert’s and St Wilfrid’s Primary Schools, alongside members of the St Joseph’s Church Choir, joined the St John’s School Choir and orchestra for an evening of music, reflection and scripture readings.
School chaplain Emma Ramsey, said: “Our advent service not only marks the beginning of the festive season it also allows people to re-focus and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
“It is a wonderful occasion to invite pupils from our local catholic primary schools and members of the community, young and old, to join with us to celebrate around our empty manger and light a candle for the arrival of the infant Jesus.”
Primary pupils performed a host of Christmas carols including an animated rendition of ‘Sheep Sheep’ conducted by St John’s School and Sixth Form College, A Catholic Academy head of music Kim Wearmouth.
“We have been working in four of our feeder primary schools to rehearse for our advent service for a number of weeks,” said Mrs Wearmouth.
“They have performed wonderfully well and it’s lovely to have them all here together tonight alongside our own school musicians and choir.”
Guests were also treated to refreshments and a seasonal mince pie while they viewed a pop up art gallery of work from students from key stages 3 and 4.
Headteacher Lisa Byron added: “It has been a wonderful service which has captured the true meaning of Christmas. I would like to thank the choirs, readers and musicians, who have shared their talents with us this evening, as well as all of the staff who have worked extremely hard to produce and support this amazing event.”