Bishop of East Anglia helps Lowestoft school celebrate its 50th anniversary

Some of the St Mary's primary school pupils at the 50th anniversary Mass with Bishop Alan. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)

St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary School in Lowestoft marks its Golden Jubilee in 2017 – and the 50th anniversary was celebrated in style last week.

A special end-of-year Mass with Bishop Alan Hopes was held to mark the 50th anniversary last Wednesday, July 19.

Pupils, teachers and family members joined the Bishop of East Anglia in the special Mass, which was held at the school on Kirkley Cliff Road. The celebratory event included three people who were at the school on the opening day, 50 years ago.

Some of the St Mary�s primary school pupils at the 50th anniversary Mass. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)

Current year six teacher, Bridget Wright, was a seven-year-old pupil back in 1967. Her three children also attended the school before she joined the staff as a part time then full time teacher

Mrs Wright said: 'Once you start here it is not just a job it is more of a lifestyle. It has helped to restore my own faith.'

Wyn McFaull, 92, was the school secretary back in 1967. She said: 'God has always been with this school. A lot of love has gone into it first from the original nuns, the Sisters of St Mary of Namur, and then the parish of Lowestoft.'

Some of the St Mary's primary school pupils at the 50th anniversary Mass with Bishop Alan. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)

Katherine Wilton, 85, helped to raise funds to pay for staff for the new school.

In his homily, Bishop Alan reminded the pupils that when the school was built it had to have strong, sure foundations on which the rest of the buildings took shape, but it did not come alive until it was filled with children and teachers.

The Rt Rev Alan Hopes said: 'Through being a member of your own family, the church and this school help your life to take shape and you to grow into adults. You never know where life will lead but when your life has been built on a sure foundation of Jesus Christ it will be the best you can ever have. May this school last another 50 years and may you continue to grow and grow in the next 50 years into the people God wants you to become.'

A picnic at the St Mary's primary school site to mark the 50th anniversary. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)

Headteacher Alex Savage ended the Mass by saying: 'All the families, pupils and staff who have been to St Mary's over the past 50 years have been blessed by the love, care and inspiration of this very special community. It is now our responsibility to enable our school to continue to flourish into the future.'

A family picnic was held in the grounds of the school and enjoyed by all.

Bishop Alan and some of the St Marys primary school pupils at the 50th anniversary Mass. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)

Some of the St Marys primary school pupils at the 50th anniversary Mass. Pictures: Keith Morris (Image: Archant)