BOSCEP Christmas Celebration Brings Schools Together in Joyful Carol Service

On Monday 15th December, pupils and staff from across BOSCEP gathered at Thornleigh Salesian College for the annual BOSCEP Christmas Celebration. The carol service was a joyful and reflective occasion, bringing together primary and secondary schools to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through music, prayer and storytelling.

The service opened with a lively rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas, setting a festive tone. Thornleigh Choir then led the congregation in Christmas Time Is Here, before pupils from St William of York and St Joseph’s Primary led the opening prayers, reflecting on God’s love and the closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope.

A highlight of the celebration was the “Messy Christmas” retelling of the Nativity, delivered by student hosts from Thornleigh Salesian College. With humour, audience participation and plenty of hidden “sweet” surprises, the story reminded everyone that Jesus was born into an imperfect, messy world — one filled with real people, real struggles and real hope. Readings and songs were interwoven throughout, including O Little Town of Bethlehem, Away in a Manger, Calypso Carol and verses of We Three Kings, led by pupils from across the partnership.

The service also included drama from St Joseph’s Secondary and contributions from Ss Osmund & Andrew’s, St Teresa’s, St Ethelbert’s, Ss Peter & Paul’s and St Bernard’s. Thoughtful intercessions invited the community to pray together for hope, peace, joy, justice and faith, with the repeated response Come to us, O Emmanuel uniting voices across the chapel.

Mount St Joseph led a beautiful and prayerful Silent Night, before a closing message, blessing from Fr Saju, and a rousing We Wish You a Merry Christmas sent everyone off in high spirits.

A special moment in the service was the presentation of a fundraising cheque to Dave Bagley from the charity Urban Outreach. The donation, raised by schools across BOSCEP, will support Urban Outreach in its work with people experiencing homelessness and hardship, helping to put faith into action this Christmas and beyond.

The BOSCEP Christmas Celebration was a wonderful example of collaboration, generosity and faith, reminding all present that even in the messiness of life, God’s love shines brightly at Christmas.