During the summer, children from St Paulinus RC School had the privilege of making their First Holy Communion in the new St Paulinus Church on The Avenue in Guisborough. Although the church opened in December, it was only officially consecrated by the Bishop of Middlesbrough, Rt Rev Terence Drainey, on 21st May and this was the first major ceremony since the dedication.

The children with the parish priest, Canon Bayldon, Year 4 teacher, Ms Elizabeth Ruddy, and Mrs Julie Melling, who organised the buffet

A total of 18 Year 4 children went to the Sunday Mass, celebrated by the parish priest, Canon Michael Bayldon. The 260 seater church was full to overflowing with proud parents and relatives of the children, who took full advantage of the new facilities to watch and take part in the Service, followed by a breakfast buffet in the church hall afterwards.

The Headteacher, Mrs Liz Huntley, of St Paulinus School, conveniently next door to the church, said that the school would use the church to take the children to Mass on Fridays and felt that this had been a beautiful celebration for the children.

Brian Gleeson