A DUKINFIELD high school has paid tribute to local drivers after its first mass at a nearby chapel went off without incident.
All Saints RC College opted to hold its annual tradition for its new Year Seven group at St Mary’s Chapel – not only was the location different but parents were invited, with more than 60 and grandparents in the congregation.
And headmaster Gus Diamond has thanked road users for their consideration as 190 people – pupils and staff – walked there and back safely on Tuesday, October 11.
He said: “The walk to St Mary’s Chapel isn’t long but there are several roads to cross and we had 183 children plus seven staff members.
“We always walk the safest route but even then, we couldn’t make the journey without bringing some of the roads in Dukinfield to a complete stop.
“We can only do that because the lovely residents of Dukinfield driving in the area at the time, have the patience and sheer courtesy to do so.
“This isn’t the first time we have done the walk with groups of children and every time we always treated to that courtesy by local drivers going about their day.
“It’s a great show of community spirit and having now done the walk a few times, I thought it was long overdue for me to say thank you to all those who stopped, or who have stopped in the past and who allow us to make our journey as safely as possible.
“I’m always taken aback at how lovely and patient the drivers are and more so how supportive – we still live in a lovely little community!”
Once everyone made it there safely, the mass started with an offertory procession of items the pupils choose to represent their joining All Saints.
About 20 pupils read, said the prayers of the faithful or had a role within the mass while the rest of Year Seven were amongst the congregation.
Father Oliver O’Doherty led a homily about living lives like the saints did – acting in service to others, one of the core values of All Saints.
And Mr Diamond added: “We packed out the church – which was lovely to see.”