Over recent months , the Jubilee Anchor has journeyed through our Trust schools — a powerful symbol of hope, faith and unity during this special Jubilee Year. Its visit has offered every school in our Trust the chance to pause, reflect, and pray together, connecting us more deeply to the wider Diocese and to one another.

Each school welcomed the Anchor in its own way: with liturgies, displays, prayer services and moments of quiet contemplation. Pupils and staff alike took time to explore the anchor’s meaning — rooted in the Christian tradition as a sign of stability, faith and the promise that God is always with us, especially in times of challenge. Many schools used the visit to deepen their engagement with the Jubilee Year theme and to explore how we can be “Anchors of Hope” for others in our communities.

Last week, the Anchor completed its Trust-wide journey with a special visit to St Teresa’s in Irlam. The school community gathered in prayer and celebration, giving thanks for the opportunity to host the Anchor and to be connected in faith with every other STOC school who had welcomed it before them.

The Jubilee Anchor’s time in our Trust has reminded us that signs of faith can bring people together, spark conversation and inspire hope. It has been a privilege for all of our schools to play a part in this diocesan journey, one that has strengthened our sense of community and our mission to Make Christ Known.

Moments like these show the richness of our Catholic life: rooted in tradition, lived in the present, and always pointing toward hope.