More than 300 young people from across Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT) came together in December for an evening of festive celebration.

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The ‘Joy to the World’ Christmas carol service, held at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, brought together all nine HFCMAT schools for an evening of joyful song and prayer, and showcased the talents of both primary pupils and secondary students.

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Throughout the service, the 1,000 attendees, comprising families, staff and parish communities, were treated to renditions of traditional Christmas carols including ‘We Three Kings’ and ‘Gaudete’, as well as modern Christmas songs such as Lauren Dingle’s ‘Noel’.

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The congregation also came together to sing ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘While Shepherds Watched’, and the uplifting ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’. The service finished with all 300 HFCMAT pupils involved taking to the stage to perform a rousing rendition of ‘Joy To The World’.

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Year 13 student at St John Plessington Catholic College, Harriet Wootten, said: “The carol service was such a wonderful opportunity to perform in the Metropolitan Cathedral. As one of the oldest students, it was especially lovely to perform alongside some of the younger children in the Trust.”

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The service also included scripture readings by headteachers of all HFCMAT schools, providing the congregation with moments of reflection to honour the birth of Jesus Christ.

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HFCMAT’s director of music, Laurie Smith, said: “Our carol service is always a highlight of the year. To see our children, staff and families come together in one sacred space to celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth is truly moving. It reminds us of what Christmas is really about; love, light, and the importance of community.”

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CEO of HFCMAT, Andy Moor, added: “Tuesday night’s ‘Joy to the World’ carol service perfectly reflected the strength and unity of our Trust family. I would like to thank all our pupils and staff for putting on a fantastic evening that celebrated the spirit of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Their hard work, creativity and talent shone through, making it a memorable and uplifting service for everyone who attended.”