Students and staff from St Hild College left Mirfield in Holy Week to spend their annual Easter School at St Chad’s College Durham. As always it proved a great week, with the staff at St Chad’s looking after us very well and Durham Cathedral and its surroundings proving an inspiring place to worship and study for the week. The theme of the Easter School was the Third Mark of Mission, to respond to human need with loving service. Rev Chris Howson, Ann Morisy from London and Casey Strine from Sheffield were our main speakers and were challenging and informative. Students visited a range of projects providing hospitality and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
There is extensive work going on across County Durham and seeing some of it gave students insight into what is possible at parish level. There were also Bible study sessions and prayers groups. Philip CR was our chaplain for the week and was greatly appreciated. From Maundy Thursday through to Easter morning we joined the Cathedral community for the services of the Triduum, a powerful and moving experience of liturgy for many. Assembling in the cloisters in the dark on Easter morning and witnessing the kindling of the Easter fire followed by the lighting of the Paschal Candle in the cathedral is a moment none of us will forget. It was also a joy to be present for Dorothea Bertschmann’s confirmation by the Bishop of Durham. Christ is risen – he is risen indeed.
Revd Dr Stephen Spencer, Vice Principal
