Bishop meets students at St John Fisher High School

Students from St John Fisher Catholic High School, Peterborough, share their experiences of a visit they enjoyed from Bishop Peter Collins and Diocesan Schools’ Service Director Dr Andy Stone on March 5. Lay chaplain Rowena Goodfellow reports.

It was a lovely day for the visit, which began with a tour of the school, followed by Mass in our chapel led by Bishop Peter and concelebrated with Fr Karol from St Peter and All Souls. Our Chaplaincy Ambassadors, some of our SJF Champions and the Sixth form Leadership were present and shared their experience of the day.

Claudia in year 12 said: “The Mass was really beautiful which included readings and singing from the choir and from everyone involved’.” Zina in year 8 added: “Everyone was respectful.” Adam in year 10 continued: “The Bishop’s homily was particularly impactful as he spoke of the importance of wholeheartedness.”

The Mass was followed by photographs and an “Ask the Bishop” session. Bishop Peter thoughtfully answered questions about his role, including being God’s servant, faith and reason in unison, the importance of dialogue with people of faith and our daily journey with God walking with us and accompanying us at all stages.

Kimora in year 8 said: “The questions were a great opportunity to find out more about what it is like to be a bishop.” Some of the questions were around Bishop Peter’s role. Ebenzer in year 10 remembers: “He told us his inspiration ‘was not fame but serving God whole heartedly’ he also conveyed a gravitas that I have never seen before.” And Claudia in year 12 continued: “We learnt many things including the process of how Bishop Peter got elected, and how it felt to leave his home country Wales. Overall, it was a great experience, and I was glad to be a part of it.” 

The responsibility of being Bishop was also noted: “It was a pleasure to meet the Bishop and hear about all the work he does within our diocese… it was an honour to share Mass with him and have an interesting discussion, asking him all about his roles and duties as bishop,” said Sean from Year 12. The students recognised the importance of the day, with Jasmin in year 12 saying: “It was refreshing, which is surprising as I was expecting it to be quite daunting, since he plays a very important role for the church. However, he was very down to earth and was happy to answer all of our questions.” And Iris in year 10 said: “I got to know the Bishop more and we felt inspired by his journey.”

Some students were delighted to receive “humorous answers from Bishop Peter” – Nathasha Year 10 –  and Ellie in year 9 said: “It was a ‘delight to be a part of… it was something that will be remembered.”

Our links with our local parish continue to flourish and we are blessed to have such strong pastoral links with our Priest Chaplain Fr Karol. Our grateful thanks to all involved including the readers and Chris year 13 for playing the piano and Mrs Pearson for leading the music. Andre in year 12 said: “I really enjoyed the piano and violin music that was played.”  

Later, Bishop Peter blessed the Fitness Centre, our newest building. Emmanuel in year 7, who was present during the blessing said: “My meeting with the Bishop was both exciting and breathtaking as I had never met the bishop. Although it was thrilling, I was also a bit overwhelmed.”

Tinofara in year 8 summed up her experience of the day: “Meeting the Bishop was an amazing experience and one which I will never forget… it was a very joyful day.”

You can see a full gallery of pictures of the day here: Gallery – St John Fisher Catholic High School (stjohnfisherschool.org.uk)

Pictured top is Bishop Peter Collins with students in the chapel at St John Fisher High School and below after blessing the new fitness centre at the school.

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