Over the past few weeks, we have been preparing for the launch of our new Fresh Expression of Church: Choir Church. This is an national initiative that works with schools to encourage children to foster a love of singing choral music, and invites them to join an after-school club to prepare them to sing the choral parts of a mass. A professional musician spends a full day in school teaching each class, and introducing them to the themes of the book Pilgrim's Progress, which is the overarching theme for this year's Choir Church. At the end of the year, they will be given the opportunity to join with other schools across our diocese in a celebration at Blackburn Cathedral.

This week, 27 people gathered in the school hall to join together in worship, giving thanks to God for the gift of music, and enjoying hearing the children sing. It was a wonderful occasion, and a privilege to be able to worship with the youngsters as they begin their journey with Choir Church. Our hope is that this will go from strength to strength and become a regular part of our parish's worshipping life. Do come along to our next Choir Church Mass at St Mary Magdalen's School which will be on Tuesday 7 March, beginning at 3.30 pm.